In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Pikes Peak Marathon, I’m writing about the Barr Trail. This lung-burning trail travels from a parking lot in Manitou Springs, which is located just west of Colorado Springs, at 6,650 feet. The U.S. Forest Service trail winds up the east face of Pikes Peak in the Pike National Forest and summits at 14,115 feet. This trail is not for the weak hearted with a brutal 7,000 feet of elevation gain that covers 13 long, winding miles. It takes the average Pikes Peak Marathon runner more than seven hours to complete, top to bottom. That being said, this trail is also a Colorado favorite for so many hikers and runners that if you’ve never tried the Barr Trail, I consider it a must-do!
For insurance purposes, I should reiterate that the Barr Trail is a very difficult and physically demanding high altitude climb. There are only a few sections that don’t have a significant uphill grade – so don’t be a fool and try to tackle the Peak without significant preparation. On the bright side of things, there is no danger of falling off the trail.
The trail begins as a smooth dirt walking path. There are a few sharp switchbacks to reach the point where the marathon course meets the trail. You may feel overdressed after your short climb, but don’t discard your clothing because you’ll need it at the top. The upcoming section is referred to as “The W’s” because there are more than a dozen winding, brutal, uphill switchbacks. After finishing “The W’s” you will enjoy a few brief downhill moments before arriving at the Rock Arch. Make sure that you’re staying hydrated. The summertime relative humidity is often below 15% on the trail.
Shortly after the Rock Arch, you will pass the Manitou Incline turn-off, where a sign will read “Cog RR Depot 3.” You have now reached 7,700 feet in elevation. Continue straight and make the climb to No Name Creek. At No Name Creek, you will encounter a sign that reads, “Pikes Peak Summit 9.5, Barr Camp 3.5, Old Freemont Experimental Forest 1/4.” Turn left and begin the long traverse to Barr Camp. This is one section where many folks can actually do some running. You will pass Bob’s Road after one and a half miles, which is at 9,350 feet. Eventually you’ll cross a small footbridge then pass a sign that lets you know that you’re just a half mile to Barr Camp. This can be a very long half mile, but eventually you’ll make it!
Barr Camp sits at 10,200 feet and is approximately half way to the top. You might want to sit on a swing and relax at this point. Remember to keep your pace in check. Getting to Barr Camp may encourage some runners to push themselves. I say you don’t want to waste energy since there’s still half of the way to go! If you want water at Barr Camp, you will need to bring $1 per bottle. There are also bathrooms at Barr Camp.
After Barr Camp, continue the climb up, up and up. You will eventually meet the next trail sign that reads, “Pikes Peak Summit 4.8, Bottomless Pit 2.4.” Turn left before the big rock in front of the sign. From the Bottomless Pit sign to the A Frame, there are 15 long and tedious switchbacks. The A Frame will appear on your left at an elevation of 11,800 feet. Just three more miles to go!
Try to keep moving, whether you run, walk or crawl on all fours. You will reach treeline and then pass an “in memory” plaque. Now you have just two miles to go! At this section, the winds will likely increase, the air will cool and the thin air will get more difficult to breath. This is a good time to throw on a pair of gloves and a jacket. You will reach a sign that lets you know you’re at 13,300 feet with just one mile to go. You can now look up and see the summit. (Although you might not want to because there is still a long way to go!) Keep climbing and you will pass a sign for the Cirque, followed by the sign for the 16 golden stairs. Crawl up the stairs and breath a sigh of relief. Just a few short switchbacks and YOU’VE MADE IT! Don’t celebrate too much because there isn’t much air. Now all you have to do is turn around and run the 13 miles back down.
Photo captions, from the top: A scenic view from the trail; Paul Koch of Colorado Springs finishes in the 2004 Pikes Peak Marathon; A majestic view of Manitou Springs from the early miles of the Barr Trail. Photos by Derek Griffiths.