Barr Trail #620

Barr Trail is a foot and horse trail. Be sure to get started very early in the morning. The trail is rated more difficult because of its long sustained grade rising to an especially high elevation. Although an average hiker might complete the round trip in about 16 hours, those persons not used to hiking, especially at these altitudes, should not attempt the round trip in one day. Because of the long sustained grade, even a one-way downhill hike from the summit is very tiring to the legs and feet when not conditioned.

An open shelter is located about 9 miles up the trail, just below timberline. Campfires may be built at this site. Barr Camp is another popular overnight camping or lodging spot operated under a special use permit with U.S. Forest Service. A charge is made for use of the facilities.

Difficulty: more difficult

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

620

General Information

Barr Trail, named after its builder, Fred Barr, was constructed from 1914 to 1921. The trail passes through three ecological life zones: montane, spruce-fir and alpine. Wildlife species common to those zones are frequently observed. Pikes Peak has been a landmark since before recorded history. It was named for Zebulon Pike, who described the peak in 1806 while exploring in the area to the south. The first recorded climb to the summit was in 1820 by Dr. Edwin James of the Stephen H. Long Expedition. At present, over 150,000 visitors per year are estimated to climb the peak on the Barr Trail.

Year-round

A fee is required to park at the trailhead.

Drinking water is not readily available. Water from streams should be treated before use.

Motorized vehicles are prohibited. Hiking or riding along the Cog Railroad right-of-way is prohibited.

Getting There

Parking

Parking is available at the trailhead for a fee. However, the Manitou Shuttle's "Route 33 Manitou Incline/Cog" is a free option with Barr Trail as one of the stops.

Directions

The trailhead is off Ruxton Avenue in Manitou Springs, Colorado, above the Pikes Peak Cog Railroad Depot. Some visitors ride to the summit by auto, bus or Cog Railroad and hike down the trail.