Colorado Springs officials have issued a schedule of temporary closures and adjusted operating hours for Pikes Peak and the Manitou Incline as the city prepares for two major mountain events: the Pikes Peak Ascent on September 19 and the Pikes Peak Marathon on September 20.
Manitou Incline Trail Closure for the Ascent
According to the city, the Manitou Incline Trail will be closed to the public until noon on Friday, September 19, to accommodate the Pikes Peak Ascent. The closure allows participants and race officials to set up safety measures and ensure a smooth start for the event.
Summit Access Restrictions on September 19
On the same day, the summit of Pikes Peak will be closed to highway visitors and spectators of the Ascent until 1 p.m. The restriction is being implemented because of weather concerns and safety precautions. The North Slope Recreation Area, however, will remain open beginning at 7:30 a.m., giving hikers and early‑morning visitors limited access before the closure takes effect.
Marathon‑Day Closures
The following day, September 20, the Manitou Incline Trail will be closed for the entire day for the Pikes Peak Marathon. City officials note that the summit of Pikes Peak will not be impacted by the marathon, allowing summit visitors to continue enjoying the view while runners tackle the course.
Revised Operating Hours for September and Beyond
In addition to the event‑specific closures, the city has released new operating hours for the remainder of September. The uphill gate at Pikes Peak will close at 5 p.m., the summit gate at 6 p.m., and the downhill gates at 7 p.m. Starting October 1, a fresh schedule will take effect, though the specific times were not detailed in the release.
Where to Find Updates
Visitors seeking the most current information are encouraged to check the official Pikes Peak website for summit‑gate hours and the City of Colorado Springs website for real‑time updates on the Manitou Incline Trail status. Both sites provide alerts and contact information for any last‑minute changes due to weather or safety considerations.
Community Impact
These temporary closures are part of the city’s effort to balance the popularity of high‑profile athletic events with the safety of residents and tourists who use the trails for recreation. By coordinating with race organizers, Colorado Springs aims to preserve the natural beauty of the area while supporting events that draw visitors and boost the local economy.
For those planning to hike or drive the mountain during the closure period, the city recommends reviewing the updated schedule ahead of time and allowing extra travel time. The closures are expected to be brief and will be lifted once the events conclude and safety checks are completed.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
