Renovations have transformed the exploration of America’s Mountain

By Kristian DePue

Author Katharine Lee Bates stood atop Pikes Peak in 1893. Looking out over the “enameled plain,” poetic lyrics filled her mind. Later, that evening, she wrote words in a room at the original Antlers Hotel. Her poem was eventually revised and put to music, becoming “America The Beautiful.”

The famous peak still attracts visitors from all over the world. Now, they will find an entirely new experience at the summit.

Nicknamed “America’s Mountain,” Pikes Peak is officially named after explorer Zebulon Pike. The 27-year-old Pike led a military party into the area to investigate the land. Although he never summited the peak during the 1806 expedition, the prominent mountain found a name.

More than a century later, mining millionaire and philanthropist Spencer Penrose established the highway for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, and he began to promote the new competition. Launched in 1916, the international auto-race, also known as “The Race To The Clouds,” has been held each year except during wartime.

This summer, Pikes Peak reopened with a completely new Summit Complex. One of the primary players involved in the project is Colorado native Sandy Elliott. She’s been the operation administrator for Pikes Peak - America’s Mountain for a decade. An appropriate occupation for someone whose grandfather was a driver in the Hill Climb’s 1963 race.

“With our complete redesign, we will provide an entirely new experience for all guests, including those who have previously stood on the peak,” Elliott says. “The old ‘60s visitor center was outdated in several respects … and the new Summit Complex is ADA accessible (Americans with Disabilities Act). The renovated center offers the chance to learn about the history, climate and geography of America’s Mountain.”

The exhibit in the visitor center is a mini-museum that will include interactive, digital features.

“We endeavored to (be) mindful of our carbon footprint,” Elliott adds. “The new building will be LEED certified.” Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is a globally recognized program of sustainability.

In addition to the new summit center, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway is being entirely overhauled with newly laid tracks, new train cars and a different rack rail system.

Even with all the changes, some things will remain the same: the decorative plaque honoring lyricist Katharine Lee Bates will stay – but be moved to the new eastern overlook.

Born and raised in rural Indiana, Kristian DePue works as a contributing writer in Colorado Springs. In addition to writing, he enjoys travel, watching films, and a good cocktail.

A series of artistic renderings show the newly opened visitors center at the top of Pikes Peak