Pikes Peak, Mountain peak in El Paso County, United States

Pikes Peak rises to 4302 meters (14115 feet) as part of the Rocky Mountains, with granite formations and an alpine tundra ecosystem at higher elevations. The landscape shifts from conifer forests at lower levels to bare rock terrain at the summit, where temperatures remain cool even in summer.

Zebulon Pike led an expedition to the mountain in 1806 but abandoned his climb attempt in deep snow; Edwin James made the first documented ascent on July 15, 1820. The peak was designated a National Historic Landmark on July 4, 1961, and listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.

The Ute people of the region called the mountain Tava, "Sun Mountain", and the Tabeguache band took their name from it; the Arapaho knew it as Heey-otoyoo', "Long Mountain". Spanish explorers named it El Capitán, "The Leader". Katharine Lee Bates wrote the poem that became "America the Beautiful" after reaching the summit in 1893.

Visitors can reach the summit through the Pikes Peak Highway or hike the trail system, while taking time to adjust to the altitude. Weather changes quickly here, so carrying warm clothing even on sunny days proves helpful.

The site hosts the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, where vehicles race on winding roads through extreme elevation changes. The cog railway that carries passengers to the summit since 1891 ranks among the highest of its kind worldwide.