Pikes Peak Summit

I woke up at 4:30 am this morning, ate a little breakfast, and started for the head of Barr Trail in Manitou, CO.  I arrived at the parking lot around 5:3oam and, much to my surprise, it was almost full--I got the last spot.  Gotta love Colorado residents' dedication to the outdoors.  I hiked up to treeline pretty quickly.  Once I hit about 11,500' I instantly starting feeling the altitude--I couldn't catch my breath at all.  There was still a few significant snow crossings on the trail.  I made my way across a few but I decided to do some bouldering near the very top to avoid the worst of them.  I got to the summit in 4:30.  I spent about 30 minutes at the top before heading back down.  I hiked own to treeline and was ready to loosen up the legs.  I started running and made the decent in 2:45.

Totals:

Miles- 21.99

Time (including time at the top) - 7:42:08

Elevation Gain: 9,882 ft

The Goal

Start of Treeline

From the Top

Also From the Top