Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Rafting on the Arkansas River near Buena Vista
GARETH MCCORMACK/GETTY IMAGES ©
San Luis Valley & Southeastern Colorado
Pikes Peak gets all the press, and with good reason. After all, it is the most f amous , but
not nearly the tallest, of the 14ers. Some drive to the top, others take the train, but the
13-mile Barr Trail leads from the Cog Railway station through Barr Camp at the halfway
point and finally through the scree fields to the summit. You can make it a very doable
day hike by taking the train halfway up to a spur that leads into Barr Camp, where you can
join the Barr Trail to the summit, then ride the rails back down.
While there is certainly something to be said for taking down a big-name mountain,
backpackers seeking pristine nature, dramatic views and solitude will love the Spanish
Peaks Wilderness. Extinct volcanoes that aren't part of the Continental Divide cordillera
include East Spanish Peak at 12,683ft and West Spanish Peak at 13,625ft. There are trails
