The different angles of Pikes Peak
A mountain that towers 14,115 feet (4302 m) over Colorado Springs, Colorado
This past week, I delivered my artificial intelligence for teachers presentation at a district school. This school is in a bedroom community about 15 minutes outside Colorado Springs. As I was driving back into the city, it was late afternoon, and the light of the setting sun was hitting Pikes Peak just right. There was a little bit of color as the sun streaked across the front of the peak and the foothills. Because it recently snowed, the peak and foothills were white, but the shadows were deep due to the low light. At that moment, I wished I had my camera and telephoto lens because it was a gorgeous sight lasting all five minutes as the sun set behind the Front Range.
Pikes Peak is a mountain known as a “14er,” meaning its height is above 14,000 feet, 14,115 feet (4302 meters) to be exact.
Driving west into Colorado Springs is an incredible experience because Pikes Peak towers over the city. The summit is higher than any point in the United States east of its longitude, so the peak gets larger and larger as you drive west.
I’ve lived here for fifteen years, and I cannot get over how gorgeous the peak is.
Colorado Springs is home to the Air Force Academy, educating cadets for service in the United States Air Force. Every spring, during graduation, the Thunderbirds do an air show for the graduates and their families. As a local, we can attend graduation, or we can watch the show on the north side of town.
Nestled right under Pikes Peak is another tourist location called Garden of the Gods. If you ever visit Colorado Springs, it’s a must see. Besides the red rocks, you get great views of the peak within the park.
If you drive through Garden of the Gods, you can also drive up Rampart Range Road. Along this route, you get a clear, unobstructed view of Pikes Peak.
Along Rampart Range Road, you’ll see burned trees from the Waldo Canyon fire in 2012. Colorado has had some awful wildfires in the last ten years, two major ones locally. Wildfires are terrifying and dangerous, and when the smoke is thick, it’s unbearable. However, it does make for some gorgeous sunsets.
Another beautiful view of Pikes Peak is from the backside, along Highway 24. It’s a different angle that doesn’t tower over you as much, but if you blink too quick, you’ll miss it.
Have any of you visited Pikes Peak? Did you take the train, hike Barr Trail, or drive to the top? My crazy husband has ridden his bike up the peak SIX times!
Cheers.
Keep in mind, the view from the top of Pikes Peak inspired Katharine Lee Bates, to begin the poem that eventually became, "America The Beautiful".
Hi Rachel! Lovely shots and I really liked the B&W one of the fighter jets flying in front of the mountain! What a cool shot! Keep taking shots like that and Ansel Adams may come visit you in your dreams. I have several of his photographs in my house that I use for inspiration. Looking at one right now in my office. It is from the Gallery in Yosemite, so very special, indeed.