Like all good mountaintop adventures, this one begins early — very early. The in the dark kind of early. But its reward is the rare chance to watch the beauty of sunrise from the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak. Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain is offering a handful of exclusive Sunrise Opening Events this summer and fall, with dates from July to October.
“This is a spectacular and peaceful way to enjoy the first morning light from the top of America’s Mountain, and a great chance to also check out the Summit Visitor Center,” says Skyler Rorabaugh, manager of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain.
That includes enjoying coffee or hot chocolate and those world-famous doughnuts as the first slivers of sunlight begin to glow on the horizon. You an also stick around to enjoy breakfast in the visitor center. Just plan to start early so you can navigate the 150-some twists and turns of the Pikes Peak Highway and have plenty of time to find your spot to savor that morning glow.
Sunrise on Pikes Peak is a beautiful sight and an inspiring way to start the morning. If you have any regrets about losing some early morning sleep, they’ll evaporate with the lifting clouds as that glowing orange ball breaks above the horizon.
Here Are the 2025 Dates for Sunrise on Pikes Peak:
- July 12: Gates open at 4:30 a.m.
- July 18: Gates open at 4:30 a.m.
- Aug. 1 — Colorado Day / National Mountain Climbing Day: Gates open at 4:30 a.m.
- Sept. 27: Gates open at 5 a.m.
- Oct. 13 — Indigenous Peoples Day: Gates open at 5:30 a.m.
How to Drive the Pikes Peak Highway for Sunrise
There are two ways you can greet the new day from the summit of America’s Mountain: drive yourself or ride on a Pikes Peak Shuttle. The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway is not offering sunrise trains this year.
The Pikes Peak Highway offers a 19-mile scenic route to the top, where visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. And you’ll get to enjoy the twinkling lights of Colorado Springs below as you break above tree line on the drive up.
To drive yourself, you will need a timed entry permit, purchased in advance at Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. Visitors can access the Pikes Peak Highway from 4:30 to 6:30 a.m., and the Summit Visitor Center will be open during the special event. Last entry for sunrise visitors will be 6:30 a.m. on all dates. Admission is $2 per vehicle plus normal rates: $18 per adult, $8 for children ages 6-15 and free for 5 and under. You will not be able to buy sunrise admission tickets at the entrance to the Pikes Peak Highway.
Reservations are needed to ride the Pikes Peak Shuttles as well. Shuttles board at 4:15 a.m. and depart from the parking lot at The North Pole (0.3 miles from the Pikes Peak entrance). Tickets are $35 for adults, $10 for children.
Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain encourages visitors to plan ahead and call 719-385-7325 for current highway conditions. Hours of operation and other information and details can be found at PikesPeakColorado.com.
With such an early start to your day, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy more of America’s Mountain. You can find more ideas in our 47 Ways to Play on Pikes Peak.
