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Aug 23, 2018 — Pikes Peak is oddly the only 14er in the area outside of Colorado Springs. There are three main ways to summit: the Barr Trail (20+ hiking miles), driving to the summit via the Pikes Peak Highway, or the route I took described here. It's a little confusing because most resources with information about this trail calls this the "Crags Trail", when really you only follow the Crags Trail for a few minutes before veering off toward Devil's Playground. The Crags Trail doesn't take you to Pikes Peak, so I feel the need to clear that bit up. Fortunately, the junction is well-signed so you can't possibly get lost.
From the Crags Trailhead, head along the Crags Trail for a bit and then follow the Devil's Playground Trail (#664A) up eroded slopes, progressively getting more steep until you reach a saddle and you can see Pikes Peak in the distance. The trail soon crosses the Pikes Peak Highway, and the trail continues on the opposite site, leading to the crowded summit. Unfortunately, almost half the hike parallels the road, but it's still really pretty regardless.
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