Riding A Motorcycle Up Pikes Peak Scenic Byway

2 days ago
3 min read

Riding the Pikes Peak Scenic Byway on a Motorcycle

I went on this ride with a group of about 10 riders on separate bikes. We met up at a gas station in Denver and rode down to Palmer, then cut over to I-25 and then dipped out to Pikes Peak Byway.

The Route

Once in the gateway town, you'll start heading up the byway towards the admission booth where they will check for your Admission Ticket, or Entry and Admission Ticket at Mile-7 out of 19. You'll need this on your phone so I'd suggest saving it.

There was about a 10-minute wait for us to get through this toll-booth. You may not have service here. There is a pull-off on the left right after the toll booth for your group to re-group once going through admission. Once through, you'll drive about 7-miles to a lake with some amenities as well.

Once past this lake area, you head up the winding switchbacks to the summit. The wind is incredibly fast here, and i found myself countering my bike to try to compensate for the offset. Dicey. After the switchbacks and the windy straight you get to the top, and the visitor area where there is motorcycle designated parking spots.

What To Bring

This list is specific to this ride considering you'll be riding up to 14,000 ft, where even if it's 90°F in Colorado Springs, once you get up to the windy peak and past about 10,000ft, it will be cold.

Sunglasses
Helmet
Long Pants
A Warm Jacket
Leathers (if you own them)
Gloves
Rain Gear
Donut Money
Your Phone for Photos
Pre-Downloaded admission tickets

In Colorado, it is the law to be wearing a minimum of eye protection while riding. Sunglasses, goggles, visor of a helmet, you get the idea.

The Top

Summit House and Summit Complex

In 1963, the Summit House was built and provided services to visitors. In 2018, a new project began to replace that facility with a 38,000-square-foot Summit Complex including a mechanical space and the Colorado Springs Utilities communications facility. There are bathrooms and seating as well.

110+ Year Old Donuts at 14,000ft

I didn't know this was a thing but the top has donuts. As of 2020. they re-did the Pikes Peak Summit House and made sure to include a donut machine that Aramark operates which has a 110-year old donut reciepe, specifically needed for making donuts at 14,000ft. So good the smell had people forming a line into the lobby. They make them to order, so it takes a bit but you can choose between sugar coatings.

View from the deck of the Summit Complex at Pikes Peak Scenic Byway

The Cog

From the top you could see the cog going up and down the railway transporting passengers who'd get in line for a donut before their ride back. The parking area for this is also at the Mile-7 admission booth. Tickets are $40 for adults and $12 for children as of May 2026. They have ADA accessible shuttles.

🎟️ Book your Cog Tickets here.

Permits

You will need two types of permits if riding your motorcycle up Pikes Peak between May and September.

Timed Entry Permit (required 5/22 - 9/30)

First, if riding up between 5/22 and 9/30, you need a Timed Entry Permit. While cheap at only $2 each, they maintain a density of only so many vehicles per 30-miutes. This also applies to motorcycles so when planning your ride, make sure you have a permit (and they do sell out). You go online and choose your desired entry time and then screenshot the code and present it when you arrive at the check-in station.