Devil's Playground - PPIHC — Attraction in Woodland Park

Having been to the Summit of Pikes peak once before, we decided to try again - this time in sub-par weather. Or so we thought: we went in early November, one day after a snow storm. We figured our vehicle could handle it and there would be few people.

Due to the snow/ice, the path up the mountain was intense! We drove a '21 Outback with a Turbo and AWD all weather tires. All of that got put to good use! Took lots of photos, as the drive up is half of the fun (and most of the terror!).

Fortunately, the sun came out and allowed the Rangers to open the road one mile at a time. It added a unique experience being forced to stop and wait for a bit every few miles. It allowed us to appreciate the ascent more. Miles 13-16 are the best views in my opinion. Most of these pictures are from there.

We did not make it to the summit this time (ran out of time), but did make it to Mile 16 - The Devil's Playground. This place is spectacular. We found it comparable to the Summit in terms of beauty and interest. Only lacking the facilities that the Summit has. Definitely worth spending some time at this place following the trails and taking some breathtaking photos! Also, worth going even if the...

This is the last pit stop on the drive to the summit of Pikes Peak. As of Jul 2021, all cars are require to park here and take a shuttle to the summit. Cars with handicap tags and those wishing to drive by the summit (no disembarking) are allowed to proceed but best to check ahead.

Devil's Playground in itself is amazing with breathtaking views all around. You will see the hardy hikers come up from the Crags Trail here. Tip your hat to them in respect. They just climbed ~3,000 feet in a non-stop incline and have another difficult 1,500 vertical feet more to ascend. Many trails converge here but venture out only if you're prepared. Weather can turn in 10 minutes (no exaggeration here) and you do NOT want to be caught in a storm at 12,000+ feet, above the treeline. Get back to the treeline before 1 pm or before the storms roll in. There is no "manager of the storms" to speak to and make the storms appear later 😁😁

Devil's Playground is named so because lightning has been observed to jump from rock to rock during storms. If you're caught in a storm, seek immediate shelter, stay in your car and hope for the best.

All that said, you'll thank yourself for making the drive/hike here and...

This was my first time in Colorado (Lord willing it won't be my last!), so I did not want to miss out on seeing the view from the 14er known as America's Mountain. I was not disappointed. It was Oct 1 so it was winter hours - and winter at the top. The summit was initially closed to drivers, but opened by the time I reached the Devil's Playground. The winds, I was told, were around 70 mph and getting stronger. The temp was about 36 according to the car's thermometer. Bring a coat (something I did not do!).

Be prepared - guardrails on the road are, as the tshirts say, optional. There were plenty of spots with about a foot or less between the edge of the road and what I would say was death. Drive carefully.

The rewards, however, are worth the drive or hike. Stunning and breathtaking are words that do not do justice. Plan on spending a few hours at least, as you will constantly want to stop to get just a few more pictures, because the view of even the same scene changes dramatically at the various altitudes.

Plan ahead and purchase your admission and, if during summer hours, your reservation to park...