If you grew up in Colorado, there is about an 89% chance that you remember studying the great Zebulon Pike and his contribution to the exploration and expansion of the Centennial State. However, if you have never visited his namesake Pikes Peak for yourself, you may not realize what you are missing. Here is a little bit of the area’s history, as well as our biggest reason for visiting:

Although it was technically discovered centuries prior by both Native Americans and Spanish explorers, Pikes Peak was named for American pathfinder Zebulon Pike, who originally attempted his ascent in the early 1800s.
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Through the years, Pikes Peak started to gain the attention of locals and tourists alike, beginning with the Colorado Gold Rush, whose motto became the famous "Pike's Peak or Bust."
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Sadly, no gold veins could be found in the mountain, so miners quickly directed their attention to the nearby Cripple Creek.
In the late 1800s, Pikes Peak became a popular mountain to climb and ride (via the Manitou and Pike's Peak Railway) and attraction thousands of visitors each year, including Katharine Lee Bates, who penned the iconic "America the Beautiful" after witnessing the stunning view from the top.
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Just what was it about Pikes Peak that inspired Bates to write? For starters, there was this...
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...this...
Flickr/nigelmenzies
...and of course this.
Flickr/JC Manley
Standing tall at 14,110 feet, Pikes Peak offers what is by far one of the most incredible 360 degree views in all of Colorado (whether you make it to the gateway at 7,400 feet or the tippy top of the summit).
Flickr/Aric Brown
Whenever you visit "America's Mountain," make plans to also visit a few of its surrounding attractions, which include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Seven Falls, and Manitou Cliff Dwellings (pictured).
Flickr/Scott Lowe

For more information on Pikes Peak and its nearby attractions, be sure to visit Pikes Peak County Attractions’ website. Learn even more about this famous mountain by reading Pikes Peak In Colorado Is The Ultimate Destination For Anyone Who Loves The Outdoors!

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