Segment 19

Garden of the Gods & Pikes Peak

Distance: 32.7 miles
Vertical: +9360', -6335'
Highlights:
- Garden of the Gods
- Manitou Incline
- Pikes Peak trails
Main Challenges:
- Summer heat
- Unrelenting climb up Maintou Incline
Scrambling Grade: Mostly trails, light Class 2
Exposure: Low

Garden of the Gods

Segment 19 tackles Colorado’s most masochistic trail, the Manitou Incline. First, it tours Garden of the Gods and its various rock formations. It then follows the river walk into Manitou Springs, providing access to its several soda springs with unique flavors.

After ascending the Manitou Incline, the GCR joins the Barr Trial all the way to the summit of Pikes Peak. You might want to book a night at the Barr Camp or spend a night at A Frame shelter (first come first served) right below treeline.

After rewarding yourself with a summit donut at the visitor center, you follow the Devils Playground to Crags Trail all the way down before taking a road to the town of Divide.

In the future, we will investigate other options to access Woodland Park via Ring the Peak Trail or Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument via Mueller State Park.

Important: Read Before Viewing

The Great Colorado Route travels through remote, high-elevation backcountry. Hazards include severe weather, lightning, altitude illness, river crossings, wildlife, rockfall, steep and exposed terrain, route-finding errors, and limited or no cell service or emergency rescue.

This map and its information may be inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date. Conditions, closures, and land access change. It is not a substitute for your own judgment, navigation skills, current conditions, and other sources. You are solely responsible for your own safety and decisions.

By clicking below, you acknowledge these risks and agree to the Terms of Use of this website.

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Use at your own risk. Backcountry travel is inherently dangerous. Route information may be inaccurate or out of date and was last reviewed on October 2026. Always carry appropriate navigation tools, verify current conditions and land access, and make your own decisions. See the Terms of Use.

Logistical Considerations

Garden of the Gods

Seasonal Closures

We are not aware of any official seasonal closures, but this section is best done when snow is nonproblematic.

Manitou Incline

Permits & Fees

A free timed-entry permit for the Mantiou Incline is strongly encouraged and be booked here.

Staying overnight at the Barr Camp requires a reservation that can be booked here.

Includes spaghetti dinner and breakfast
We recommend the bunkhouse if you don’t mind bunkmates.

Crags Campground costs $20, first come first served, and is likely full on weekends since it’s car accessible.

The Cirque, Pikes Peak

Water

There is a water fountain in Garden of the Gods.

There is no water between Manitou Springs and just shortly before the Barr Camp.

There is a water fountain at the summit of Pikes Peak, but only if the visitor center is open.

A Frame Shelter, Barr Trail

Camping

No camping in Garden of the Gods.

There are a couple dispersed camping options along the Barr Trail between the Manitou Incline and Barr Camp.

Barr Camp is a worthwhile expense for the experience; otherwise, we like the A Frame shelter that is free and just below treeline (first come first served).

There is no legal dispersed camping between Crags Campground and Divide

Crags Campground is first come first served and costs $20.