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Ski off the summit of "America's mountain" and descend almost 3,000 vertical feet to treeline.


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Map Key

1.3

Miles

2.2

KM

Ski Line

13,892' 4,234 m

High

11,089' 3,380 m

Low

0' 0 m

Up

2,804' 855 m

Down

40%

Avg Slope (22°)

51%

Max Slope (27°)
Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Overview

If you've ever looked at Pikes Peak from Colorado Springs, you've seen this line.

Need to Know

Ditch a car at the bottom by parking at or near the Manitou Incline parking, then get a ride to the summit. After getting dropped off, just make it back to your car! Alternatively, this could be a great overnight trip by staying at the Barr Camp.

Description

This slanting gully that slashes the east face of Pikes begins just to the south of the summit and drops you off near treeline. The corniced convexity at the top has slid in the past and killed people, so BEWARE.

Once you drop off the summit, the angle gets less and less steep as you descend the face, picking your way down the gully. On a good snow day, this would afford some excellent skiing. However, due its aspect, this line gets baked by the sun and rots out early in the spring.

History & Background

Legend has it that, back in the 70's, it was common practice for Manitou locals to skin up the backside of Pikes from the Crag's trailhead, tag the summit, and then ski the East Face right into the nearest Manitou bar.

Shared By:

Chris Dickson

Trail Ratings

  3.5 from 2 votes

#5

in Pikes Peak

#586

Overall
  3.5 from 2 votes
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Ski Line Rankings

#5

in Pikes Peak

#238

in Colorado

#586

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Photos

You can't miss this obvious line on the East Face.
Apr 12, 2015 near Manitou…, CO
Looking down the final section of the gully before treeline.
Apr 13, 2015 near Manitou…, CO
Skiing the lower gully with the upper bowl in the background.
Apr 13, 2015 near Manitou…, CO
Dropping in off the summit.
Apr 12, 2015 near Manitou…, CO
Looking down the East Face gully towards Kansas. A little sparely covered in mid-April.
Apr 12, 2015 near Manitou…, CO
Beautiful view from the top of Pikes Peak as you ski down
Apr 14, 2015 near Manitou…, CO

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Check-Ins

Apr 12, 2015
Andrew Allison-Godfrey
The gully is beautiful and the snow and slopes below treeline are awesome! be prepared for a heavy duty nine mile hike out with all your gear! 1.3mi
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