Pike's Peak via Devil's Playground Trail: A Colorado 14er Guide

Oct 15

ABSTRACT

Discover the accessible route to hike Pike's Peak via Devil's Playground Trail in Colorado. This 8.95-mile trek offers stunning views, moderate traffic, and a less strenuous path to one of America's most famous 14ers.

Keywords

Pike's Peak hike
Devil's Playground trail
Colorado hikes
Pike's Peak via Devil's Playground
14er hikes in Colorado
Hiking Pike's Peak
Devil's Playground Trailhead
Hiking in Colorado
Pike's Peak summit
Best hikes in Colorado
Colorado 14ers
Pike's Peak hiking trail
Pike's Peak weather
Hiking equipment for Pike's Peak
Altitude on Pike's Peak
Difficulty of Pike's Peak hike
Pike's Peak trail length
Scenic hikes in Colorado
Class 1 scrambles
Hiking near Colorado Springs

Colorado Hikes: Pike’s Peak via Devil’s Playground

Time of Year: Mid-August.

Weather: 48 degrees and sunny.

Cover: 100% exposed.

Time: 8:48 am - 1:15 pm.

Distance: 8.95 miles total.

Cost: Yes (https://www.pikespeak.us.com/essentials/hours-and-fees/)

Bathroom at Trailhead: Yes.

Difficulty: Hard level 5 for altitude (14117 feet), elevation gain (2270 feet), and length (8.95 miles); class 1.

Route: Devil’s Playground Trailhead to Trail 664A to Pike’s Peak Summit; back down and up Devil’s Playground Peak; then down Trail 664A towards Crag’s Campground before turning back to the Devil’s Playground Trailhead.

Traffic: Moderate.

Parking: 30% full by 8:45 am.

Equipment: La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX Hiking Boots, Black Diamond Alpon Carbon Cork Trekking Poles, Osprey Talon 33 Backpack

Terrain: A dry dirt path with segments of class 1 scrambles.

Experience: To shorten my day, I chose to access Pike’s Peak from the Devil's Playground Trailhead. The alternatives, Crag’s Campground and Barr Trail, would have required a trek over 13 miles and 5000 feet of gain. We’ll save that for another day! Expect a gravel trek to the class 1 boulder ascent and a big finish with 300 people at the top of this route. On the way down, I quickly conquered the 13er Devil's Playground before tacking on the most scenic section: A hike towards Crag's Campground and turning around at the 12.4k mark. Overall, it was a scenic hike and enjoyable despite the crowds and cars on the nearby road. It is not intimate, but certainly an accessible way to tackle one of America’s most famous mountains!

Personal Trainer Notes: No 14er should be classified as an easy climb, but this route is as easy as it gets for my personal training clients. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants the taste and views of a 14er without the work. Not everything in life should be a challenge, right?

List of Hiking Trails in Colorado

To check out more hiking reviews with pictures, visit “List of Colorado Hikes.” You’ll find options across a spectrum of difficulty, including many trails in the foothills and front range.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL MOODY, PERSONAL TRAINER

As an author, a personal trainer in Denver, and podcast host, Michael Moody has helped personal training clients achieve new fitness heights and incredible weight loss transformations since 2005. He also produces the wellness podcast "The Elements of Being" and has been featured on NBC, WGN Radio, and PBS.

Michael offers personal training to Denver residents who want to meet at the 2460 W 26th Ave studio….or in their homes throughout LoHi (80206), LoDo (80202), RiNo (80216), Washington Park (80209), Cherry Creek (80206, 80209, 80243, 80246, 80231), and Highlands (80202, 80211, 80212). Michael also offers experiences with a personal trainer in Jefferson Park (80211) and Sloan's Lake (80204, 80212).

If you’re looking for a personal trainer who can curate a sustainable (and adaptable) routine based on your needs and wants, Michael is the experienced practitioner you’ve been looking for. Try personal training for a month…your body will thank you!