Towering 14,110 feet above Colorado Springs, this mountain serves as one of the nation's most famous landmarks. Access to the summit can be obtained via the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, or by driving the Pikes Peak Highway which winds through stands of pine and aspen before cresting above treeline. Katherine Lee Bates was so moved by her visit to the summit that it inspired her to pen "America the Beautiful." Bring a jacket as the temperature is about 20 degrees cooler up top.
• Hours: Memorial-Labor Day: Daily 7a-7p; Labor Day-Sep 30: Daily 7a-5p; Oct 1-Memorial Day: Daily 9a-3p