Barr Trail starts in Manitou Springs and heads all the way up the east face of Pikes Peak. Hikers and runners make good use of the trail year-round, though late winter and early spring are my favorite seasons.
The trail offers many options. Possibilities include a trail run up to Barr Camp and back, an extended hike to the A-frame at treeline, or you may want to continue on to the summit. Especially in the snowy seasons, the 25-mile and 7,500-foot round-trip to the summit is a bit much for one day. Even reaching the A-frame and descending is a substantial day hike.
I recently made the trek to the A-frame, making a relaxed day out of it by stopping for an enjoyable break at Barr Camp. This is a great place to spend a night on your way up for a climb of the peak. On previous visits we’ve stayed here on our way to the north face snow climbs, later in the spring.
An added bonus is to catch sunrise in the nearby Garden of the Gods.
Hike description
From the parking area start hiking up the well-signed trail. This first part of the trail, “the Incline,” is well known to runners for its unrelenting grade and endless switchbacks. Even at this time of the year this lower section can be quite hot, so it is best hiked in the early morning. Stay right at the first trail junction after 0.3 miles and reach the junction with the trail to the top of the Incline after gaining 2,100 feet in 2.5 miles.
The grade eases somewhat from this point, but as of March 26 there was snow on the trail shortly beyond this point. The trail is so well tracked as far as Barr Camp that snowshoes usually are not required, although gaiters might be welcome.
Continue on through pine forest, catching occasional glimpses of the peak through clearings. Metal signs along the way keep you informed as to your progress. Barr Camp, reached at mile 5.9, makes a good place to take a break. Beyond this point the trail is less traveled, so snow shoes may be necessary.
Continue up the trail, passing a junction for the Bottomless Pit at mile 6.8. There is likely to be enough of a track above Barr Camp to follow, and when I was there it was very obvious if I stepped off the track, I would sink in several feet. As the trail nears treeline it switchbacks along the north side of the Cabin Creek drainage. In this area the trail may be less distinct and requires that you pay more attention. The A-frame is nestled just below treeline on the north side of the Cabin Creek drainage. A small ridge actually separates the two; the structure isn’t readily visible from the drainage.
Dave Cooper is the author of “Colorado Scrambles: A Guide to 50 Select Climbs in Colorado’s Mountains.”
