August 26, 2011
5:00 a.m. Start Time

First Things First:
You must sign the disclaimer form included with the registration!! Without this you will be unable to join Associates Group of Companies for the climb.

Meeting Place:
On Friday, August 26, 2011 we will meet at 5am at the base of the incline, which is located in the parking lot of the Cog Railway (see maps for directions from a couple of nearby locations). We have a group rate with Comfort Inn (45 Manitou Avenue 719-685-5455) and have reserved 10 rooms at $80/night under Pikespeakapalooza for 8/25 and 8/26 (must call to reserve room by 8/5). You are also welcome to secure your own accommodations.

What Should I Bring/Wear:
Although hiking boots are not required they are the best choice when climbing Pikes Peak. You can also wear a good pair of walking or running shoes. Make sure they will be comfortable for an 8 - 9 hour climb. You may want to pack a first-aid kit you never know when you will have a minor emergency.

Since our weather is so unpredictable you can start off in shorts and a tee-shirt but long pants, a nice warm jacket, hat and gloves would also be recommended. A rain jacket will be handy since afternoon thunderstorms are predictable during the summer.

You will be on a mountain that is over 14,000 feet which means the sun will be intense, please remember your sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. Water is important to have while climbing to keep you hydrated as well as help with subside some altitude problems you may have. About halfway up the mountain you will run into Barr Camp, you will be able to replenish your water supply here as long as you have some sort of water filter or treatment available since they do not have potable water. You may also purchase filters they sell. Bathrooms are located here as well. Once you pass Barr Camp there are no other bathrooms so bring some toilet paper and get off the trail! Dig a small hole a few inches deep and cover it up when done.

You will be hiking for 8 to 9 hours and you may get hungry, bring a few snacks for along the way. The food that you take with you for hiking should have enough energy to keep you going, not take up a lot of space, and at least be decent enough to eat. Dried fruit is healthy for you and gives your body a boost of vitamins. Trai lmixes are great, but you mainly want to stick to the one's that have a lot of mixed nuts. Power/energy bars and granola bars are an excellent food source, balanced nutrition, lightweight and little trash. Fuel Energy is an all
natural energy boosting beverage you should think about taking in case you need a little pick-me-up along the way.

You should also bring some money with you. At Barr Camp there are snacks, dehydrated meals, hot drinks and merchandise available for purchase. There is also the summit house that will have drinks and snacks available for purchase.

Good to Know Information:
Pikes Peak is the most visited mountain in North America and the second most visited mountain in the world behind Japan's Mount Fuji. At an altitude of 14,110 feet above sea level, Pikes Peak is the 31st highest peak out of 54 Colorado Peaks. Over a half million people reach the summit house every year by the Pikes Peak Highway, Barr Trail or the Pikes Peak Cog Railway.

Barr Trail offers a spectacular route up to the Peak. It's the greatest base-to-base summit climb in Colorado, with and altitude gain of over 7,000 feet in 12-plus miles. It is the most difficult regional trail because of the elevation gain and distance. Although the trail itself is well marked, has packed dirt and decomposed gravel all the way to the top it's not an easy hike. Four distinct segments of the trail exist, each with its own personality and challenges. Take your time and enjoy the wonderful views it has to offer as you pass through beautiful forests of ponderosa pine and blue spruce. Easiest part of the hike- the trail beyond Rocky Mountain to Barr Camp with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet and approximately 4 miles. Barr camp is approximately halfway up the mountain.

Leaving Barr Camp- the next three miles become steeper as you pass through forests of spruce and fir. You will then enter a region of very old dwarf trees. At treeline (about 3,000 feet below the summit), trees have disappeared and you are entering tundra meadows. Please stay on the trail as the tundra is easily damaged and takes years to repair.

The final miles- are awe-inspiring. The last section of the hike provides a view of the Cirque, a spectacular pit carved by glaciers and the 16 Golden Stairs, a series of short, steep switchbacks in the final one-half mile to the summit. Steep switchbacks, rocks, altitude and unpredictable weather can make this portion of the trail difficult and uncomfortable.

Summit:
Congratulations, you made it to the top. Hopefully you had a wonderful hike along the way and enjoyed all the breath taking scenes. Now it's time to get down the mountain. You will need to contact Angie Overlie with Family Tree at 303-598-1551 to catch the van back down to the base of incline in Manitou Springs. There will be a maximum wait of 30 minutes, so please be patient and enjoy the views from the top of Pikes Peak.

What Then:
Celebration time, we will meet at The Loop at Manitou (965 Manitou Avenue 719-685-9344) for food, beer and wine— also, Specialty Pikespeakapoolza Margarita for all Climbers. if you have guests that would like to join you for the after-party there is a $25.00 fee that will be donated to Family Tree. The after-party will begin at 4pm. Please be responsible while drinking, if you feel you will not be able to return home safely and need accommodations we have a group rate with Comfort Inn.