Elk Park Knoll

Getting There & Route Information

Elk Park Knoll sits in far northwestern El Paso County, near border with Teller County. Primary access roads are the Pikes Peak Toll Road (for those wanting to drive most the way to the summit), Hwy 67 to the west and Hwy 24 to both the north and east.

Many will visit this summit from near mile marker 14 on the Pikes Peak Toll Road. From here the hike is less than a mile roundtrip. The route first descends from the Elk Park Turnout parking area, then re-ascends to gain summit of Elk Park Knoll on blocky boulders.

Per the Pikes Peak website:

Just before Mile Marker 14, you'll see a gate on the left (north) side of the Highway. This marks a steep turnoff that leads to Elk Park Pullout. Please be extremely cautious if you take this turn. The road is very steep and drivers often can't see over their car hood to ensure no one else is coming up this single-lane dirt road. If your vehicle has a long wheelbase, you may want to avoid this turn entirely as it is difficult to rejoin the highway without backing up on the return from Elk Park Pullout.

You may also wish to park at Mile Marker 10 and hike up the mountain. Either way, there is no trail to this summit.

Red Tape

 

If accessing Elk Park Knoll entirely on foot via a hiking approach from Cascade or thereabout, there are no fees to access the area. The biggest red tape to be aware of is to ensure you do NOT walk along the Pikes Peak Toll Road and cross only in designated crossing zones.

For those driving up the Pikes Peak Toll Way, usage fees and curfews apply.

•Curfew: Generally speaking, the gates at the tollbooth close at 7:00 PM in the summer and 5:00 PM in the winter. Check the Pikes Peak Highway Website or call 719-385-Peak to check when the gates will be closed for the day you plan to visit.
•Fees: As of this writing, the fee for the Toll Road is $10.00 per adult (16 and over $5.00 per child (6 - 15) or total $35.00 per car. Cash and credit cards (Visa and Master Card) are accepted.

Camping

Views of Pikes Peak (14114 ft / 4302 m) from the summit of Elk Park Knoll 3 Nov 2012

The Pikes Peak Highway (toll road) from the summit of Elk Park Knoll. 3 Nov 2012

The National Forest Service operates three general-use campgrounds in its Manitou Park Recreation Area. The Manitou Park Recreation Area is located about 5 miles north of Woodland Park along Hwy 67. Below is information about these campgrounds as provided by the Forest Service.

• South Meadows Campground: Site has 64 camp sites with parking areas up to 30' long within the 8,000' elevation. Camping season is year round with a user fee of $15.00/per night/per site. The camp-ground has paved roads. Limited sites are reserved by calling 1-877-444-6777. Reservations may be made 240 days prior to arrival and there is a reservation fee. There is also a 2-night minimum stay if your reservation is for Friday or Saturday nights.
• Colorado Campground: Site has 81 campsites with parking areas up to 30' long within the 7800' elevation. Camping season usually begins late May and runs until early September. The user fee is $15.00 per night/per site. This campground has paved roads. Limited site reservations can be made 240 days prior to arrival by calling 1-877-444-6777. There is a reservation fee. There is also a 2-night minimum stay if your reservations are for Friday or Saturday night.
• Painted Rocks Campground: This camping area has 18 campsites with parking areas up to 30' long within the 7800' elevation. Camping season usually begins in May and runs through early September. A user fee of $13.00 per night/per site is charged. Limited sites are reserved by calling 1-877-444-6777 and can be made 240 days prior to arrival. There is a reservation fee.

Additionally, the Crags Campground sits on the western slope of Pikes Peak and provides a convenient campsite option for anyone visiting “Little Pikes” from west. This 17-site campground sits at 10,100 feet in elevation about 8 miles south of Divide.

Weather & Seasons

Views to the east (toward Colorado Springs) from the summit of Elk Park Knoll 3 Nov 2012

Views north 

Views west

Distant western views

Elk Park Knoll is essentially a sub-summit Pikes Peak. As Pikes in the largest landmass for miles around, it is known for somewhat volatile weather. “Sunny and warm with a gentle breeze” in Colorado Springs does not always translate to the same conditions at 13,000 feet on the western slope of Pikes Peak. Check the forecast before departing for your trip and constantly take a read on the weather, noting changes and patterns.

•Summer all but guarantees dense crowds and the dreaded afternoon thunderstorm. Start your day early and anticipate sharing the mountain with plenty of folks.
•Fall means shorter days, but also less afternoon thunderstorm threat. The aspen on the lower reaches of the mountain will delight, as will the orange-tinged alpine tundra. This is the high country, however, so be alert to rapidly changing weather and snowfall, even when the weather in Colorado Springs is quite pleasant.
•Spring and Winter may bring deeper snow, but less dense crowds. Barring a major snow event, the road to the summit of Pikes Peak generally is kept open to keep the tourist crowds happy and this peak should be accessible most days of the year, as a result.