This is a slightly edited repeat post from another Colorado trip -- 4 years ago. It seems perfect for Independence Day and perfect for the SIGNS SIGNS meme, which I have been away from for way too long, and also for SKYWATCH FRIDAY.
PIKES PEAK, UNBUSTED
Katherine Lee Bates, a professor from back east, thought of the words to the poem "America the Beautiful" while she enjoyed the majestic view from the top of Pikes Peak. She had taken a train journey and seen other sights that she put into the poem (later set to music) but said that the words came together while she was there.
The switchback road to the summit of Pikes Peak is owned and kept up by the City of Colorado Springs. It's a toll road. We paid and then a few miles further up, we noticed a booth on the other side with a line of cars. We wondered if the City charged again for coming down. The down booth, it turned out, is a brake check. If you're overheated, a guy tells you to pull over until the brakes cool down. Geoff knows how to drive in the mountains and didn't ride his brakes, so we didn't get busted. We thought going down the switchback curves was less scary than going up.
It's not too hospitable an atmosphere up there above the treeline, so I'm pretty sure people would have paid to get back down if they'd had to! Only 60% of the oxygen available at sea level, plus snow, thunderstorms in the afternoons (possibilities of hail, wind, and lightning any time of the year). The temperature rarely goes above 40. (I think it was a little warmer the day we were there, but it was quite windy.) Here you can see the afternoon black clouds rolling in.
Here are some things we learned about this 14,115 foot mountain.
It isn't a National Park or monument. A small upper portion was designated as a national historic landmark in 1961.
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It was discovered by explorer Zebulon Pike, but he never made it to the summit. Someone named Edwin James was the first to do so (in 1820).
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Gold was discovered in the area in 1858 and "Pike's Peak or Bust" became the slogan of the Colorado gold rush.
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There is an annual car race called "Pikes Peak International Hill Climb". (Only two of the people in our car cared a thing about this race. They sat in the front seat. They were father and son. The other two of us thought that the sharp curves were quite treacherous enough at safe speeds.)
Note: In a comment on the original post, Geoff sent a link to a video of a car taking part in this race. It was scary just to watch.
So beautiful vistas here Sallie. I will put this place on my list. :) Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Prem | July 12, 2013 at 09:23 PM
I'm out of breath looking at your great photos
Posted by: Joe Todd | July 11, 2013 at 05:07 AM
What amazing vistas! I've never been on Pike's Peak.
Thanks for the info!
Posted by: Pat | July 09, 2013 at 04:24 PM
I learned a lot from this post. So interesting that at 14,000+ feet there is only 60% of the oxygen available at sea level. No wonder I got sick the first time I went to Santa Fe, which is only half the altitude.
I kept thinking of phrases from America the Beautiful on our recent road trip, especially when we were in Colorado.
Posted by: Clair Z. | July 08, 2013 at 08:52 PM
Glad it was you up there and not me. I would have to have carried my personal oxygen bottle or passed out . . . Great views though. I love driving mountain roads, always a new view around the corner.
Posted by: Arija | July 07, 2013 at 12:45 AM
Glorious, in every way. Thank you for re-posting; and you should repost every fourth!
Posted by: Penny | July 06, 2013 at 08:58 AM
You open my eyes to some incredibly beautiful sights!
Posted by: SandyCarlson | July 05, 2013 at 07:01 PM
I love seeing photos of my favorite mountain. I've driven up it several times, ridden the cog, and hiked all the way up Barr Trail. Now I want to go to the top again!
Posted by: Al | July 05, 2013 at 04:37 PM
Dearest Sallie,
So sorrry for my belated "Happy Independence day". Ours are Feb,11th and to do with old book and Emperor; not know in detail p;)
Beautiful pictures of Pike's Peak♡♡♡ Never done hicking to the real mountain, must have been really refreshing♬♬♬
Sending you lots of love and hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*
Posted by: orchid Miyako | July 05, 2013 at 04:16 PM
My dad went to the top of Pike's Peak but I haven't been yet. Running out of time...not sure I will be able to visit. Thanks for posting this photograph so now I don't have to imagine what it looks like.
JM Illinois
Posted by: JM Illinois | July 05, 2013 at 02:32 PM
We've been up the Peak a couple of times. The drive up is really something else! We rode the cog train once and it was a hoot. Our daughter hiked it, then rode down on the train. All in all it is an experience everyone needs to have at least once in their life!
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
Posted by: Linda | July 05, 2013 at 12:58 PM
Had to forego on a trip to Pike's Peak a few years ago, because we didn't have any sweaters or coats with us (that happens when you by Californian weather when packing!). Seeing your pics, we missed something beautiful! Thank you for sharing this informative post.
Hope you had a happy 4th, Sally!
Posted by: Emille (Jesh StG) | July 05, 2013 at 12:07 PM
an anniversary is on the horizon!
these are stunning views.
Posted by: Lesley | July 05, 2013 at 11:42 AM
I am in awe of the awesome views you captures Sallie- thanks for teaching me something new today!
Posted by: Pam | July 05, 2013 at 08:54 AM
As I'm scared of heights I suppose that this road isn't for me... But what a wonderful view, above !
Posted by: Annie | July 05, 2013 at 07:22 AM
Stunning sequence of shots and very interesting information. I hope you had a happy independence day.
Posted by: Carver | July 05, 2013 at 07:02 AM
Gorgeous views, Sallie! It looks like a place floating in the clouds, truly a place after my heart. Many thanks for taking me there.
Posted by: Arti | July 04, 2013 at 08:16 PM
Oh the memories! Your photos are very similar to the ones we took a few years ago. We didn't drive up, though; we took the train, which was quite a trip. (I don't like heights, although I did OK once we got up there!). Beautiful place. And I hope you have a wonderful 4th celebration!
Posted by: Lowell | July 04, 2013 at 05:07 PM
Nice post, I rode up the railroad a few years ago and their was no air. Couldn't wait for the ride down.
Posted by: Yogi | July 04, 2013 at 01:19 PM
What an awesome post, Sallie! Superb captures and what incredible views!! You've got it all today, that's for certain!! Hope your holiday is going well, have a good weekend, too!
Posted by: sylviakirk | July 04, 2013 at 12:56 PM
Beautiful landscapes. Wish you Happy Independence day.
Posted by: Rajesh | July 04, 2013 at 12:46 PM
Great post, Sallie! Hope you are having a wonderful Fourth!
Posted by: Sally in WA | July 04, 2013 at 11:19 AM
What majestic views!
Posted by: Lady Fi | July 04, 2013 at 07:07 AM
Beautiful mountain scenery, Sallie! Happy 4th of July!
Posted by: Eileen | July 04, 2013 at 05:18 AM
incredible vistas - even on low oxygen levels!
Posted by: TexWisGirl | July 04, 2013 at 03:49 AM
What spectacular mountain views! Love those low hanging clouds adding some mystery to the beauty! A great place to feel inspired!
Posted by: Gemma Wiseman | July 04, 2013 at 02:03 AM
Fantastic photos and views of a stunning landscape!Great shots!
Posted by: Steffi | July 03, 2013 at 11:23 PM
Lovely idea, lovely photos, lovely pictorial. Thank you. Happy 4th of July.
Posted by: NN | July 03, 2013 at 10:18 PM
Wow, beautiful indeed!
Posted by: Karen, Pixel Posts | July 03, 2013 at 08:05 PM
I was surprised to learn that this isn't a national park - it is a name that is etched in our brains and seems like it would be.
Posted by: VioletSky | July 03, 2013 at 04:01 PM
so perfect for the 4th~! America is indeed beautiful.
Posted by: Photo Cache | July 03, 2013 at 03:58 PM
Wow, such incredible scenery!!! Great photos and a lovely post. Happy 4th July!
Denise
An English Girl Rambles
Posted by: Denise | July 03, 2013 at 03:39 PM
Terrific scenery.
Posted by: Jim | July 03, 2013 at 03:04 PM
spectacular tribute to my favorite patriotic song!
Posted by: Nonnie | July 03, 2013 at 02:49 PM