TrekUnity
When
June
Attendance
~15,000 spectators on the mountain
Admission
Ticketed
Setting
Outdoor
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is one of the oldest and most daring motorsport events in America — "The Race to the Clouds" — where cars and motorcycles race one at a time up the paved but perilous 12.4-mile toll road to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak, gaining nearly a mile of elevation through 156 turns with no guardrails.
Held each June, it draws drivers and fans to Colorado Springs for a thrilling, high-altitude spectacle set against some of the Rockies' most dramatic scenery.
Want to go? Turn Pikes Peak International Hill Climb into a trip you plan with your group.
Creates an editable trip seeded with a starter itinerary, hotels & eats.
Event details
Typical dates
Late June (race day a Sunday)
Admission
Ticketed spectator areas on the mountain
Parking
Spectators drive up in the pre-dawn and park at assigned areas; plan for a very early start.
Nearest airport
Colorado Springs (COS) ~30 min; Denver (DEN) ~1.5 hr
Typical weather
Cold, thin air up high — summit can be near freezing with snow even in June; dress in serious layers.
Official website
Location
Colorado Springs, CO
Where to stay
The Broadmoor
Legendary five-star resort at the foot of the mountains.
Cheyenne Mountain Resort
Relaxed resort with mountain views.
Manitou Springs inns
Quirky base near the Peak's foothills.
Where to eat & drink
The Stratton (Manitou)
Popular breakfast near the mountain.
Colorado Springs eateries
Downtown dining after the race.
Summit House (top)
Famous doughnuts at the 14,000-ft summit.
Nearby attractions
Garden of the Gods
Stunning red-rock formations, free to visit.
Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Ride to the summit by rail.
Manitou Springs
Historic spa town at the base.
A sample itinerary
1Arrive + Garden of the Gods
- •Fly into COS
- •Afternoon: Garden of the Gods
- •Dinner in Manitou Springs
2Race day
- •Pre-dawn: drive up to a spectator area
- •Morning: the hill climb
- •Afternoon: recover
3Cog Railway + depart
- •Morning: Pikes Peak Cog Railway
- •Head to COS
Make it yours — an editable trip you can share with your group.
Travel tips
- Head up the mountain before dawn and dress for near-freezing summit cold.
- Add Garden of the Gods — it's free and spectacular.
- Take the Cog Railway if you'd rather ride to the top another day.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Pikes Peak Hill Climb?
Late June each year, with race day on a Sunday, up Pikes Peak near Colorado Springs.
How do you watch it?
Spectators drive up the mountain in the pre-dawn hours to ticketed viewing areas; plan for a very early, very cold morning.
What else is nearby?
Garden of the Gods, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, and historic Manitou Springs.
Going with friends?
TrekUnity keeps the whole group on the same page — vote on plans, split costs, and see who's arriving when.
Start planning freeTrekUnity is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Pikes Peak International Hill Climb or its organizers. Dates, prices, and details are provided for informational purposes and can change — always confirm on the official event website before booking.