PIKES PEAK HIGHWAY 7-6-09

On Monday, July 6, we decided it was a good, clear day to drive to the top of Pikes Peak.

With an altitude of 14,110 feet, Pikes Peak served as a beacon in the1880s for wagons racing west in search of gold-"Pikes Peak or Bust!" Pikes Peak was named for Zebulon Pike, an early explorer of the Southwest, even though he never made it to the top.

Better heed the fuel warning, there's no gas stations on the mountain! Notice it says "2 hour round trip"? Near the end of July they have the Pikes Peak Auto Race where they make it to the top in 10 minutes!

Our first stop was at Crystal Reservoir. What a stunning view of Pike's Peak in the background.

Here's a view of the Reservoir several miles up the road.

The scenery is breathtaking, so many beautiful pictures around every curve in the road.

As you can see, they aren't big on guardrails in this state. In several places it looked like the road just went off into space.

A view of the road below us and Colorado Springs in the distance.

Yes, there was still snow on the mountain.

This little fellow had it all figured out-just run around in circles on the road until someone stops and throws you something to eat. Then sit in the road and eat it. Don't worry, everyone slowed down and drove around him, after taking his picture, of course!






Here I am standing in front of the monument to Katherine Lee Bates. The surrounding beauty of the summit inspired her to pen the words to America the Beautiful. "Oh, beautiful, for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain,, for purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain......"

The view from the summit is an unparalleled, 360 degree vista of the surrounding countryside,, with views of up to four different states.

Bill, with Colorado Springs in the background. It so high, 14,110 feet, that it's like being in an airplane! And the air, so crisp and clean.

Of course, everyone gets their picture taken in front of the Summit sign. Even the dog went along for the ride.

Another nerve-wracking curve and no guardrails!










This is a view of Ute Pass that goes between Colorado Springs and Woodland Park.

Looking out the back window of the RV-the end of another wonderful day!