Pikes Peak Northwest Slopes

The Pikes Peak Northwest Slopes route, also known as the Devil's Playground or Crags Route, provides a challenging ascent to the summit of Pikes Peak from the west side. Starting near the Crags Campground at approximately 9,983 feet, this 6.8-mile (one-way) trail climbs 4,236 feet, offering a quieter and shorter alternative to the popular Barr Trail. The hike begins on the Crags Trail, crossing a bridge over Fourmile Creek. After approximately 0.5 miles, the route turns right onto Trail #664A (Devil's Playground Trail) at a marked junction and crosses a log bridge. The path climbs steadily through dense forest, crossing a small stream at 10,400 feet before ascending a series of steep switchbacks to exit the tree line near 11,900 feet. Once above the tree line, the trail heads southeast across open alpine tundra, bringing the summit of Pikes Peak into view near 12,750 feet. The trail leads northeast, passing through the boulder fields of Devil's Playground before crossing to the east side of the Pikes Peak Highway. Paralleling the highway, the trail descends slightly, then climbs around the side of Point 13,363. The final stretch follows rock cairns through steep, rugged red granite blocks up the northwest side of the peak, culminating at the summit. Return via the same route, or arrange for a pickup at the summit.

Katherine Lee Bates wrote the song "America the Beautiful" after taking in the view from the summit of Pikes Peak in 1893.