The longest standard-route hike on any Colorado 14er — a famous, non-technical trail from the lowest 14er trailhead in the state to a summit with a visitor center, cog railway, and highway.
The Barr Trail Trailhead is in Manitou Springs, just above the Pikes Peak Cog Railway depot off Ruxton Avenue, at about 6,720 feet — the lowest starting elevation of any Colorado 14er route, which is a large part of why this hike is so long. The trail switchbacks steeply for its first 1.4 miles (a section nicknamed "the W's"), then continues climbing steadily through ponderosa and aspen forest for about 6.5–7 miles to Barr Camp at roughly 10,200 feet, a staffed overnight stop with tent sites and bunkhouse space available for a fee (reservations recommended). Above Barr Camp, the trail passes the A-Frame shelter near 11,500 feet and climbs above treeline into alpine terrain, finishing at the summit's visitor center at 14,115 feet, where indoor food and facilities are available.
Most hikers reverse the trail, but options exist for a one-way trip: ride the cog railway down when it is running, arrange a shuttle or ride via the Pikes Peak Highway, or simply accept the long knee-grinding descent back to Manitou Springs.