Want to head up Pikes Peak's scenic highway? You'll have to take a shuttle

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — For a second summer season, those wanting to drive up the scenic highway to access the summit of Pikes Peak will need to hop aboard a shuttle. 

According to a release from the City of Colorado Springs, the complimentary shuttles have been reinstated while work on the new Pikes Peak Summit Complex continues. That, combined with the closure of the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, prompted city officials to explore the shuttle plan as an option last summer. 

RELATED: 'Significant snowfall' keeps Mounts Evans Highway closed

597,233 people visited Pikes Peak in 2018 – with 75 percent of those visiting between May 1 and September 30, according to the release. That's about 100,000 visitors more than in 2017. 

Just like last year, shuttle wait times are estimated between 5-10 minutes. Visitors will have the option of driving part of the way up Pikes Peak Highway to one of three parking lots before getting on a shuttle to the summit: 

• 16-Mile Lot: The shortest shuttle ride is from the 16-mile lot (Devils Playground) and will take approximately 15 minutes to drive up and 20 minutes to drive down.
• 13-Mile Lot: The 13-mile lot (Glen Cove) will take approximately 25 minutes to go up and 35 minutes to come down by shuttle.
• 7-Mile lot: The 7-mile lot (Pikes Peak International Hill Club start line) will take approximately 30 minutes to go up and 45 minutes to come down by shuttle. This lot will only be utilized in July. 

Only visitors who don’t plan to reach the summit by car, like fisherman, hikers and cyclists, can use the highway as normal.

“The shuttle service is critical to providing a safe and accessible experience for all visitors who wish to enjoy the summit during the increasingly popular summer season,” said Jack Glavan, Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain manager. “We invite visitors to sit back, relax and enjoy our spectacular views while we do the driving for them.”

The service will be provided by Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, an enterprise division of the City of Colorado Springs. The shuttles are expected to operate through mid-October. 

>Click/tap here to learn more. 

SUGGESTED VIDEOS | Local stories from 9NEWS