Pikes Peak Hill Climb - Anyone been?

[wiggi]

Luckily the rescheduling of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb falls on the exact day I'll be in Colorado Springs, so I'm taking this opportunity to go.

Has anyone been? I'm trying to get an idea of how parking is, what to expect, what to bring. I've read the spectators guide so I have some idea whats going on.



I'm hoping to park at Glen Cove and walk a bit and watch around there. I'd love to go to Devils Playground, but I have no idea what happens if theres no parking (I know to go really early) and I'm somewhat concerned with altitude sickness.

So any advice from anyone that's ever even been to Pikes Peak? Thanks!

[California Jay]

Expect to park about ~1km from the start and take a bus to the start line.... for years the pit area has been small. Don't expect to get far up the hill to spectate unless you are at the gates around 4am. Gates open at 8am. The bus up and back from the parking area, near the dam, goes most of the day. You can walk in the woods along the route to a good spot to watch after 9 or 10am I think. They stop travel up the competition route after 9am

There's no re-entry to the hill/tollgate either (no hand stamp).

[wiggi]

Expect to park about ~1km from the start and take a bus to the start line.... for years the pit area has been small. Don't expect to get up the hill to spectate unless you are at the gates around 4am. Gates open at 8am. The bus up and back from the parking area, near the dam, goes most of the day.

There's no re-entry to the hill/tollgate either (no hand stamp).

I plan on leaving my hotel around 3am to go to the gate. Then once up the hill somewhere, I'm sleeping until the race starts.

I just plan on having tons of water and food for when I'm up there, and don't expect to get back down till after 6pm or later

[California Jay]

Edited my original post... but you should be good. Definately take lots of food/water.

[jericks2]

Both of the places you mentioned are good to watch from (devils playground and glen cove)... That's where I was last year and the year before. The gates open at 4am (not 8 as previously mentioned), and the mountain is closed to uphill traffic at 8 am. Everyone lines up along highway 24 in the wee hours of the morning and as soon as the gates open you start working your way up the mountain. As the mountain fills up with people they'll start closing off the road from the top and working down. There are large areas for parking at devils playground, glen cove, and the picnic grounds so as long as the road is open and you're allowed to keep driving you should be able to find a place to park.

I wouldn't recommend devils playground if you're not used to the altitude. It's got an incredible view (and not just of the track) but it's above timberline at 13000 feet and you're very much exposed to the elements. It can be warm and sunny at the start line but snowing at the playground with brutal winds.

Otherwise, as far as what to expect and what to bring. If you're planning on watching from any place other than the start line you should expect to be there for 12 hours or more. You'll need to be in line at the gate by 4-5 am (the higher up the mountain you want to get, the earlier you should plan on being at the gate). Bring layers (light and heavy jackets, etc..), the weather changes incredibly fast and just because its supposed to be warm and sunny in the city of colorado springs doesn't mean it'll be that way on the mountain. I like to bring a radio to listen to the race on. It's helpfull when there is a delay (due to weather, crash, etc) to get all the info. No place to get food up there so bring lots of food and water (and ). Bring something to sit on.

Oh and expect to have fun