Barr Camp Out-and-Back

Dogs Off-leash

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

This is an opportunity to get some good elevation gain into a 13 mile hike. The beginning section sees a lot of traffic from people coming back down from The Manitou Incline. Once you pass the trail connecting the Barr Trail to the top of The Manitou Incline you'll see few people.

TH Parking is $22.40 per day by online reservation only (ParkBarrTrail.com). Overnight guests at Barr Camp can receive $15/day discount (info@barrcamp.com) for details. DO NOT park in a COG railway spot; you'll be towed.

Limited metered parking on Ruxton Rd at $5/hr. Parking enforcement is early and vigorous.

OFF SEASON only: Cog railway Lot - Very close to the trailhead. $10 per day (No overnight parking).
Iron Springs Melodrama - Very close to the trailhead. $5 per day (No overnight parking)

There is free parking and free shuttle near City Hall / Memorial Park - This is located about one mile from the trail-head. Free Shuttle runs through town, up Ruxton Rd to the Cog railroad year round. ( transit.coloradosprings.gov…)

You can buy snacks at Barr Camp. There is also an unfiltered water source there (I have filled up from that source dozens of times with no problems, but drink at your own risk).

The Barr Trail is the main trail to the top of Pikes Peak. This run describes going from the trailhead to Barr Camp, which is about 6.6 miles and 3670 feet above, the trailhead.

From the trailhead, you'll encounter what are known as "the W's", due to the series of switchbacks. The W's last for about 3 miles, average a 13% grade and are largely exposed to the sun. Wear sunblock and bring water!

You'll likely encounter many other people coming down the trail as the very popular Manitou Incline empties onto Barr Trail about 2.5 miles up from the trailhead. Once past the connector trail for The Manitou Incline you'll have a lot of solitude.

At about 3.5 miles, you reach No-Name Creek with connecting trails to the Experimental Forest. The No-Name Creek is good for cooling off and watering down any furry friends you may have brought along. From No-Name Creek to Barr Camp the trail continues its upward trajectory, this time at a less brutal pace, with some glorious gentle downhills to give your thighs a break.

There are several beautiful views of Pikes Peak and Almagre Peak to the south. Above No-Name Creek, the trail runs primarily through a shaded forest. At Barr Camp, there will likely be some people, including the caretakers who man the Camp year round. It is always a good and jovial group.

When rested and watered, it is time to turn around and let gravity work its magic.