13 Mile Trail, One Way 6800-14100 Elevation

Tourists can drive the road or ride the train to the top of Pikes Peak, but real explorers can hike up Barr Trail. This exhausting grind starts in Manitou Springs and climbs 7000 feet in 12 miles, crossing through dark forest, thin scrub trees and then the rocky landscape above tree line, reaching the top of the peak right in front of the comfy cafe.

Anyone hiking this trail had better be in great physical shape, and take plenty of food, water, clothes and shelter. It's a six hour walk for a veteran hiker - most hike it in two days or take the train up and hike down.

In western Manitou Springs, drive south on Ruxton Avenue for about a half mile. Just before the power plant is the Barr Trail parking lot up a short driveway to the right and jammed with cars.

This trail starts by climbing a long series of switchbacks, straight up the wall of Engleman Canyon. Once above the canyon there are great views of Manitou and Colorado Springs, and then the trail heads into the forest where the long views disappear until you reach tree line.

Six miles into the hike is Barr Camp. The caretaker lives here and provides a small assortment of snacks and drinks. It's a also a popular camping spot - and a turning around place for those who abort the peak. Hikers going up, down and stopping tend to pass in this area, making it a busy social spot.

This area is a flat trail with only a slight elevation gain, where you can make up for lost time before the steep upper face of the peak. Be sure to get a good lunch in this area, the thin air above can turn hungry legs to rubber. You should also be drinking constantly along the trail. Water or fruit drinks make a world of difference on any hike longer than a few hours.

Right at treeline is the A-frame hut. People often spend the night here and then finish the next day. Don't continue past here if it's later than two or three o'clock. The steep upper face of the peak takes a good two hours, and lightning is a problem almost every afternoon.

With no trees to block the views, you'll find a dizzy panorama of the plains to the east, and beautiful overlooks into the side canyons. The last mile is nearly vertical, cresting the top right in front of the cafe where fifty different people will ask if you just hiked the whole way up.