Day Hike, Pike’s Peak (14,114 ft)

Clare Resting on Pike's Peak Summit
Climbergirl on Summit of Pike’s Peak

Almost to Devil's Playground
Tom and Linda on their millionth-gazillionth summit of Pike’s.

The Scene:
Tom and Linda are looking for a little adventure, so they call me. “We’re thinking to hike up Pike’s Peak this weekend, do you want to join us?”.

The Setting:
Of course, I had nothing else going on; having just returned from Portugal. The calendar was wide open.

The Response:
“Sign me up!” I exclaimed, before even asking about the weather!…Lucky for me, Tom already had the forecast printed. It was supposed to be windy with gusts up to 20 and a possibility of late evening precipitation. The trail was mostly clear, but we might want to bring gators for a few areas of snow deposits.

After being blown off Pike’s Peak a few years ago, I decided this potential forecast sounded as good as any other day on Pikes!

I met Tom and Linda at their place and we carpooled down to Pike’s. We stopped for donuts on the way and I got a delicious chocolate covered bar shaped thingy. I felt a little like Homer Simpson as I was devouring the fatty, sugary morsel.

We drove to the trailhead and got ready for our assault on Pike’s. We layered up and I got this super cute picture of Tom and Linda, just prior to heading down the trail.
Lovebirds Ready for a Hike
At 8:25am.

We ascended the Northwest slopes of Pike’s. What a beautiful mountain view, from about an hour into our hike. I wasn’t sure if we were still in Fall as the weather on that side of Pike’s was cold! Brrrrrr.
North West View from Pike's Peak Slopes

Linda & Tom Hiking Up Pike's Peak
Here are Linda and Tom heading up to Devil’s Playground.

Ladies Hiking Pike's Peak
Linda and I excited to be nearing in on the summit! What a gorgeous fall day!

There's the Summit of Pike's Peak
I’m pointing the way to the summit!

Devil's Playground Sign
Devil’s Playground Sign, beware!

Linda Crossing Snowy Patch
Linda crossing a snow patch

Westward View from Pike's Peak
View Northwest from about 30 minutes below the summit!

Pike's Peak Road
Looking back at the way we ascended.

Huge Cairns on Pike's Peak
Tom Passing Huge Cairns on Pike’s Peak!

Pike's Peak Summit Donut - Yummy!
They give a free donut to hikers who get to the top of Pike’s Peak. It was a very yummy donut. After 5.5 hours of hiking, I kinda deserved it. But, donut # 2 of the day was not as good as donut # 1, even if it was a summit donut!

Tom & Linda Post Pike's Peak Hike
Back at the car, another 4 hours later, we all feasted on leftover donuts from the morning.

What a donutty delicious day hike! Linda and Tom were super hiking companions. They both know Pike’s Peak like the back of their hands. I had a fabulous time hiking with them and an even more goofy time eating all those donuts. My fattest food fourteener to-date!

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