Please dont try this in flip-flops. Currently nice footsteps and low snow all the way up way past Barr camp. So gather up your 10 essentials for hiking, lace up those boots, grab some trail mix, and get ready to hit those trails! Barr Trail can take you all day. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. For more great hikes check out our guides to the best hiking in Colorado. This beautiful 13-mile (one-way) hike with 7,400 vertical feet in elevation is not a . But its still Colorado, so youll see plenty of other people getting their outdoor recreation on. Switchbacks are tight and terrain is often uneven and rocky, There is no potable water. The weather on Pikes Peak can change drastically from hour to hour. Made an already challenging hike even more challenging. Mar-May. Jun-Aug. Sep-Nov. Dec-Feb. Furthermore, there are "rest stations" along this hike with amenities you would never expect in the National Forest. Have any thoughts on this guide? As you ascend, you will gain 7,800 feet in elevation which is tough on even the most altitude-acclimated body. Easy to follow the trail. Making it to the top of a 14,115-foot mountain is no small feat. Once you get to the top of Pikes Peak, youre going to have to find a way back down. The Crystal Reservoir Visitor Center: Get food, sign up for classes, get fishing equipment, and more. Rescue requires you being able to get ahold of emergency services and cell service can be spotty on the mountain. Started from the Barr trailhead in the paid parking lot. Why can it be so stressful to plan something thats supposed to be so much fun? They may not be as invigorating or challenging as a hike, but they will ensure youre alive and well with all limbs and digits intact to make the ascent in the summer. After hours will cost you as well and you may even have to resort to asking strangers for a ride. If you have the time to take a couple of days, you ought to stay the night at Barr Camp. then drive up Pikes Peak and explore Manitou Springs. A journey to the top of Pikes Peak involves driving the 19-mile Pikes Peak Highway, which costs $12 per passenger age 16 and older and $5 per person ages 6-15. Summit early, especially during summertime, when afternoon storms almost always occur. Unpopular environmental consequences of a city's exploitation of Pikes Peak; The only time pikes peak is a puch line If you name is Pike never buy a pikanese. Families pay $40. Theres some decent views of the National Forest while you ascend and theres some far-off views of other 14ers from the top, but as others have mentioned, youre mostly just looking at Colorado Springs. Longs Peak is the only ("14er") peak above 14,000 feet located with Rocky Mountain National Park. I wish to do this hike again to the summit this time, but is there a way to do this via Barr Trail without doing that section of the Manitou Incline? The snowfall can be quite heavy, obscuring the trail and making it easy for any hiker get turned around or wander off the edge of one of the many drop-offs. You will want to hydrate frequently along the way, as the climb can quickly dehydrate you, which is a great way to end up at the hospital instead of the summit. The geology is almost living, yet now frozen in place. I made it up to the summit and down without getting my spikes on. Spaghetti and pancakes were on point. The trail begins with steep elevation gain immediately. Beautiful and awesome to check it off the list. This is a dirt road, but most vehicles will be able to handle it. You could be in peak shape (pun intended) and suddenly become ill, experience a shoe malfunction that slows travel, become injured, get lost on areas where the trail is less obvious or get altitude sickness. For the best accommodations, a grande dame hotel, the Broadmoor, ups the luxury ante for moms in the mountains and offers activities like fly fishing . There is a 3 maximum pet limit and breed restrictions apply. Knee deep snow and good amount of wind. If youve never hiked at high altitudes, take a few smaller practice hikes in places like Cripple Creek to understand how your body responds. Off the trail, I could sink in waist deep in snow. Day 1 was perfect weather and sunny with some afternoon rain. The trail is beautiful up to tree line and especially up to Barr Camp. The Pikes Peak Summit House and gift shop: At the top of the mountain, this is a stop to warm up, get more food (like the only donuts in the world made above 14,000 feet), and buy a souvenir to prove you made it. Trail is great, little bit of snow showing up as you get closer to the summit but nothing to worry about yet. Pikes Peak claims to be the most-visited mountain, not just in Colorado but in all of North America. We get it. Spikes were key most of the way. The good part about pikes is that if you get smashed by weather or bonk out you can hitch hike down the road to a different section of the trail depending on how high you are. It gets chillier the higher you climb. But, youre almost at the top. Reading this may have been a bit of a downer, but our only goal is to help you enjoy your time in Colorado safely. One of the most popular trails in the Pikes Peak region, the Crags Trail (Forest Service Trail 664) in the Pike National Forest is an easy/moderate hike of less than 6 miles round trip; it offers stunning views of the lower part of Pikes Peak and the surrounding areas. This trail has beautiful views. You can overnight at Barr Camp or even at the Barr tree-line shelter further up the trail. A 6-mi (10-km) ride from Pacific Grove toward Carmel is one of the most beautiful rides. The proper shoes are critical. Wrap your brain around the possibility of hiking for 10 hours straight. Just because you're in your car doesn't mean your heart won't be pumping. The air will be thinner, the sun will be bright, and the terrain will be rocky and rough. Nothing. That being said, temperatures and conditions can change quickly here, especially at the top, where you can experience a 10-20 degree drop. I hiked Barr Trail to Barr Camp a couple months ago. Weve broken up the route into two sections. There was a lot more snow than I expected above the tree-line, often making it difficult to find the trail. So we slogged one step at a time to the top. We saw only about 12 people on the trail, not including 5 bikers coming down. Many hikers will break the trek to the summit of Pikes Peak into two days by stopping to camp at Barr Camp, about halfway up the mountain. Red and Iron Mountains via Intemann Trail, Ute Indian Trail to Medicine Wheel Sacred Indian Site. Basically, its a half-marathon in hiking form. There are two trails that take you to the Summit of Pikes Peak Barr Trail and the Crags Trail. The top of Pikes Peak can be very stormy, it is recommended to start this hike very early and get to the peak by noon. We provide this info simply as a resource, and do not have additional info or trail conditions. The hike may take longer than you expect; they cannot hold dinner past 6:00 pm. The last mile is tough. Though anyone can stop to rest at the camp, staying overnight requires an advanced reservation. That means youll have to pay for the train to take you back to the base of Pikes Peak or try to arrange a ride to meet you at the topif you make it up before the summit closes. The first mile from the trailhead parking lot is one of the most difficult parts of this hike. Took about 9 hours to summit, but snow and hail definitely slower us down above tree line! Hedidn't, but you can make it to the top. Go on a scenic drive up Pikes Peak Highway, or hop on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Incredibly difficult, but what a feeling of accomplishment! If driving to the trailhead, youll have to pay to park. Cancellations made less than 24 hours will not be refunded. I climbed Quandary Peak earlier in the year (after sleeping at 10,000 ft for a few nights) and didnt have any issues with the altitude. It's a good one to start out on with little exposure /risk 1 level 1 With that out of commission, here are your options: We dont recommend relying on the kindness of strangers to take you down the mountain. Do you want to savor as much art as possible when youre out touring galleries in the Pikes Peak region? The temps can take very steep drops after sundown. The hike to the Pikes Peak Summit is just over twelve miles and 7,800 feet altitude gain, with most of the elevation gain over the first three miles of the trail. If you're not used to driving on mountainswe're talking cliffs with heart-stopping drop-offsconsider taking the train instead. The Pikes Peak Highway: Travel to the summit on your own time by driving yourself up the mountain. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Then there is also the option of mountain biking to get you to the top. All other cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance to receive a full refund. Other things to note on Barr Camp: You can learn more about the accommodations at Barr Camphere. Bring clothing to accommodate blistering heat at the trailhead and snow or thunderstorms at the summit. Lastly All Trails Pro saved me above tree line. There are several hiking trails up Pikes Peak, but only one will bring you to the top, and that's Barr Trail (the trailhead is trailhead near the railway in Manitou Springs). The starting point is located at the San Lorenzo River and then through the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It's rated moderately difficult, so it's probably best to leave the kiddos at home, but if you've got a trusty dog, he might enjoy the experience. Be sure to consume sweets with care so you dont get a sugar rush and the resulting sugar crash. FS 383 is a dirt road that can be a bit washboardy and bumpy at times, but except for after heavy rainfall or when snow covered, can be travelled by almost any vehicle. You will need to bring your own water (use a CamelBak-style system) and a filtration method/system. Took a leisurely 3 days to hike, two nights at Barr camp and it was a good choice. All reservations include a homemade dinner and pancake breakfast the next morning. Barr Trail is the main route to hike Pikes Peak and the only trail that will take you to the summit. The best times to visit Colorado Springs are from March to May and from September to October. The next day the climb continues to the summit at 14,110 feet. In the past, many hikers have used the Cog Railway. These beautiful Swiss-made cog trains head up the mountain about once an hour. Special Prizes for the top of the Leaderboard! Requests for transport will be subject to transportand rescue fees: Reaching the top of a 14er is a proud accomplishment. This makes it challenging to see the trail much less hike it. So, whether you are more of a novice hiker or you have hiked many other 14ers . There are areas to stop and enjoy the views and scenery and the road is only open if its safely passable. Barr Camp is approximately 6.5 miles from the trailhead in Manitou Springs. This path is popular, but it's not easy. Go slow over the washboard sections and youll be fine. Rocky Mountain Ride provides daily shuttles from the summit of Pikes Peak back to the Barr Trail trailhead parking lot in Manitou Springs. In the summer, the experienced folks at Barr Camp, which marks the middle of the hike, recommend you get to Barr Camp as early in the day as possible and try get to the top and be back below the tree line by 1 p.m. What do they recommend in the winter? Money well spent!!!! Hiking Pikes Peak | Fast Facts Standard Route: East Slopes Trailhead: Manitou Springs Elevation Gain: 7,600 feet Round-Trip Distance: 24 Miles Difficulty Level: Class 1 Hike Range: Front Range Hiking Pikes Peak - East Slopes Route Route Description Route Map Weather Forecast About Pikes Peak Gear Recommendations Nearby Camping & Lodging Dress in layers and bring extra clothing like a warm hat, gloves and an insulating layer in the event that you hit cold weather. But keep pushing on, youre almost to the summit. The summer months are the best time of year to plan the summiting of Pikes Peak. The temperature drop during ascension can be drastic, requiring your body to also designate valuable energy to keeping you warm. Started at 5am and only got 3/4 of the way there. Start early-early on the day of your hike, like before the sun comes up. Length: 13 miles (one-way)Trail Difficulty: AdvancedScenery: Forestry, Rock formations, Rocky Mountains, TimberlineRecommended for: Hikers, athletic dogsCost: Free. At 10,000 feet, youll only have 4,402 feet of elevation to gain over the 7+ miles to the top. Cancellations due to road closures will be refunded 100%. If you reserve your overnight ahead of time, you can even get breakfast and dinner (dinner service is limited to certain nights; dry meals are available for purchase when dinner is not available). Goherefor more info. For much of the trail, youll walk through pine and aspen forests, which makes the trail itself nice and shady, but just dont expect the grand views youve seen on other 14ers. Website hand-crafted by the Design Rangers. Coming from the east, youll start at the Barr Trail Trailhead. A popular choice is to hike half way, then spend the night at Barr Camp before reaching the 14,115-foot peak. Overall stunning trail with beautiful fall colors. Leave us a comment below! The views are stunning. We did Bierstadt in September 2021. Visibility was horrible. Weather:The weather on Pikes Peak can change drastically from hour to hour. Pikes Peak, a National Historic Landmark, was named after the explorer Zebulon Pike, even though he didn't make the top of the mountain when he hiked it. The staff updates the info approximately 15 minutes prior to opening and then as conditions change throughout the day. Overnighters reserve a spot at Barr Camp, a 6.5-mile hike from Manitou Springs, or about the halfway mark to the summit of Pikes Peak. One of the most popular trails in the Pikes Peak region, the Crags Trail (Forest Service Trail 664) in the Pike National Forest is an easy/moderate hike of less than 6 miles round trip; it offers stunning views of the lower part of Pikes Peak and the surrounding areas. The trail starts across from a large parking lot just before the Crags Campground. How to Pack a Backpack Are You Doing it Right? Tickets are available for purchase with the conductor of the train if there is room available. You want to be off the mountain by the afternoon. What You Need to Know About Hiking Pikes Peak, There are not a lot of signs to guide you on the trail; the trail itself is clear to follow, but you should have a map with you just in case. While the slope of the trail isnt terrible (~600 ft/mile), it is fairly constant and only the most physically fit wont feel their legs getting tired after hiking this for hour after hour. So, drink plenty of water. For me, first three miles were challenging as well as the last three. You start at the Crags Campground, which is at a higher elevation. When you get to the top, youre at the Devils Playground Trail. On a good day, the average hiker can make it up in about 6-8 hours. Just real people ready to answer your questions. The visitor center is kind of a weird experience, as you'll likely be exhausted when you arrive, but I found it helpful to rest there for half-an-hour out of the elements, enjoying a cup of coffee. These options allow you tackle the hike how you want and make it a lot more approachable, although I still wouldnt recommend this as your first 14er hike for reasons Ill get into later. The Barr Trail is the route most hikers take up Pikes Peak. I really recommend taking your time with this trail. Very challenging this time of year and very difficult to find the trail at various points. Very challenging this time of year and very difficult to find the trail at various points. Now, you might say that youre a great hiker and you can make it in time. Keep in mind that the summit also closes earlier in winter. Great conditions here on 11/12. The Pikes Peak train operates from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily. Dont forget to wear and pack sunscreen and chapstick, and bring extra water. The My Open Country name is registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. If you will not make the summit by the posted hours, turn around. Weve compiled some final bits of mountaineering wisdom to help you ensure this feat is pulled off with minimal issues. The days are shorter in the winter, narrowing your hiking window even if you are at the base at dawn to begin your journey. There are also a lot fewer fellow hikers that might be able to help if you need it. The conditions were foggy and a bit chilly, but nothing to worry about. Thats just shy of the length of a half-marathon. ), and because many good resources are already available online, I've decided to write this from a personal . Seasonal use pit toilets are available at the trailhead. The views at the top are well worth the time. Bring cooking utensils if you need to prep your own meals, You can learn more about the accommodations at Barr Camp. Pikes Peak is one of Colorado's 58 "fourteeners," or mountains taller than 14,000 feet above sea level. However, there are many things you must know before you decide to hike Pikes Peak this is an honest-to-goodness fourteener, the 31st highest of Colorados 54 14,000-foot-plus peaks and it isnota simple Sunday morning hike. Also, pack a hat, umbrella, sunglasses, and gloves, no matter the season. Experience this 25.0-mile out-and-back trail near Manitou Springs, Colorado. We saw gray squirrels with black tails, marmots, and black birds playing in the updrafts. The colors are almost gone, but the trail is very maintained. This route to the top of Pikes Peak is less popular than the Barr way. Snap some pictures, and sit down for a break before heading down the way you came. The first two miles out of Barr Camp are fairly easy-going, with more moderate elevation gain. But, youll certainly see some other hikers out here. Language All languages. Or, you can take the cog railway to the top. The railwaythe world's highest cog railwayhas been chugging up the mountain since 1891. There are a variety of hazards if you make a wrong turn, like ravines, wild animals and loose rock beside dangerous drops. To hike to the summit from the west, youll take the Crags Trail in Pike National Forest. We started at the Hydro parking lot at 4:00 AM and reached the summit at 3:15 PM - 11 hours. Please dont try this in flip-flops. There is a 20-degree difference between the starting point and camp, and the summit can be 40 degrees colder or more. Weather. The most popular way to get to the summit of Pikes Peak is via the Barr Trail. At least not for your first time up the mountain! You need to plan to arrive at the summit as early as possible to avoid potentially dangerous weather events. Follow cairns through the maze of rocks and soon you will reach the top. I spent 45 minutes at the top and 45 minutes at Barr Camp on the way down. In the winter, its a great trail for snowshoeing or cross country skiing. But, youve done the bulk of the climbing by now. Continue through the forest, gradually gaining elevation and then hike through few switchbacks to get above the tree line. A round-trip journey aboard the Cog to the top of Pikes Peak is an experience you will never forget. The almost 5-km long West Cliff Drive Bike Path, in Santa Cruz is another beautiful trail. Use a ride share service, where applicable (fees apply). Make sure you drink extra water because the altitude can dehydrate you. The hike was a great challange and would recommend leaving much earlier if you plan on taking a shuttle down. If the Highway and/or summit is closed to visitors, parties will not be able to pick up hikers for transport. This trail is longer than any Ive done before. This 13-mile (one-way) hike gains 7,400 vertical feet in elevation from Manitou Springs to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak-Americas Mountain. Neither of these paths will bring you all the way up. Learn More, Start Planning Your Colorado Springs Trip, Copyright 2023 Visit Colorado Springs | All Rights Reserved, Top 25 Hiking & Biking Trails in Colorado Springs, The Most Challenging Hikes Near Colorado Springs, Please try to reserve your seat at least 24 hours in advance. Even in the summer, you can go from 90-degree weather to snow on the summit. Familiarize yourself with the route before you leave. Enjoy the views without any added stress to your brakes or legs! The hike can be accomplished in a single day and take anywhere from 6 to 10 hours to complete (depending on weather, the hikers' fitness and technical ability as well as a variety of other variables). The bus has huge windows to ensure you never miss a view. On some high peaks, lightning storms year-round are a severe danger. Its steep and there are sharp switchbacks, but the trail is smooth and not too challenging. Hike Pikes Peak on the Barr Trail. So, youve determined youve got the stamina, youve reviewed the trail and youve mapped out your journey. Last 2 miles were snow and hail after starting the hike in sunny weather. Backcountry camping is allowed along this route on the way up the mountain. At this elevation, booze will hit you harder. I was well prepared with layers and supplies that I did not think I would need and I am so glad. However, the Incline is its own grueling journey and we do not recommend adding this challenge unless you are incredibly fit, experienced and properly outfitted with an appropriate amount of additional water. This is our 2nd 14er. Didnt use spikes though many others were. That energy drop is no fun when you have four miles of climbing still ahead. Breathe slow and steady with strong exhalations. Everything was fantastic until we passed the tree line. Wear waterproof hiking boots with good wool socks. Youll be walking this trail on a ridge toward the summit, and you can see your route pretty clearly. It is highly recommended that you leave early in the morning for your hike to give yourself plenty of time to reach the summit or Barr Camp. Conditions change frequently, it is recommended to call our pre-recorded information line. Leaving earlier will also help you to reach shelter before the notorious Colorado afternoon storms, where lightning makes hiking extra dangerous. We moved at a fast pace and we certainly could have slowed down. I did reach the summit but the last few miles were a serious struggle. Get ready for an epic mountain adventure! At the 8 mile mark we were exhausted. After Barr Camp, the second section of the ascent to the summit of Pikes Peak begins. The last mile to Pikes peak had quite a bit of rock scramble. The day I hiked it was clear and sunny all day, but you should never rely on that, especially above the tree-line. At 14,433 feet in elevation, Mt Elbert stands as the highest point in all of Colorado. It also offers better views with the Continental Divide to the west and it is much less crowded. The Valley boasts this totally-moderate, three-mile urban trail that starts off at the corner of Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Fryman Road, then . A purifying system will allow you to turn stream water into safe drinking water and refill your pack. Though many sections of Barr Tail are considered to be easy, the full hike to the summit of Pikes Peak is quite advanced. The following section is an easy walk to the Devils Playground area. The Catamount Trail is more difficult than the Crags, but it's much shorter than Barr, at just 6 miles round trip. Once youve reached the top youll be at 14,115 feet of elevation! I summited last week on March 12th. This 13-mile (one-way) hike gains 7,400 vertical feet in elevation from Manitou Springs to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak-America's Mountain.. (76 . That makes it both attainable and a fantastic training peak for more significant hikes. Dogs are welcome on the trail. Thats why ordering your FREE visitor guide to Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region is like having your own travel planner on speed dial. In the winter, the days are far shorter, so build that into your decision to hike. Pay parking booth near entry of sign. This means being careful with salty food and alcohol, which can dehydrate you further. Betty B. Dearing Trail at Wilacre Park. A purifying system will allow you to turn stream water into safe drinking water and refill your pack. Pikes Peak is open year-round, weather permitting, from 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Now you might be wondering why we, lovers of all things Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region, would ever discourage anyone from enjoying the beauty of Americas Mountain on foot? Manitou Springs is a nice resort town and a great place to find lodging. Additionally, the trail isnt super steep, so youll spend a lot of time at high elevation, making altitude sickness even worse. It should go without saying that good shoes are necessary. Thats probably true. I will never do a challenging hike without my essentials including layers for any weather and my YakTraks! If you think you fit that bill, heres a look at the journey! An overnight stay at Barr Camp at 10,000 feet elevation provides a welcome relief. Here's the complete guide on how to do it. Youll be on steep terrain with less tree coverage all the way to the top from here. The closest town to the Crags Campground is Divide, Colorado. Beautiful day, light wind. White Mountain in Inyo County. Here are the basics. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Discover other area parks and trails, more Pikes Peak hiking trails, and information on cycling Pikes Peak Highway. In the winter, the days are far shorter, so build that into your decision to hike. What time does Pikes Peak open? Some footprints led us stray so using Alltrails was quite essnetial! The peak is also the highest point in the United States east of the Mississippi River. So if you are planning to refill before Barr camp, you cannot. Seasonal - The best time to hike Pikes Peak is in the summer Table of Contents [ show] Pikes Peak Hiking Trails: Barr and Crags Trails You can hike to the summit of Pikes Peak from the east or the west of the mountain. It's recommended you arrive to Barr Camp before 4:00 pm. Hiking Pikes Peak was an amazing experience and one I would highly recommend. Drive,bike downor grab ajeep or shuttle up Pikes Peak! The tail end around the golden stairs is definitely the harder section but that just means youre almost there! 12 month lease term only. After all, the majestic mountain dominates the scenery no matter where youre at in the Pikes Peak region (yes, so much so that the region is named after it), calling out to adventurers to conquer it. Manitou Springs is a full-service town with restaurants, hotels, breweries, coffee shops, and more. Youll feel more like youre on a backcountry adventure as you hike away from the Crags Campground. 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Cliffs with heart-stopping drop-offsconsider taking the train if there is a full-service town with,... 6-8 hours subject to transportand rescue fees: Reaching the 14,115-foot Peak stressful plan! Longer than any Ive done before make the summit of Pikes Peak is less popular than the Barr trail.. And one I would highly recommend best time of year to hike pikes peak you being able to handle it that youre a trail... About once an hour can not hold dinner past 6:00 pm Barr tree-line shelter further the... As well and you may even have to resort to asking strangers for a before! Path is popular, but you can learn more about the accommodations at Barr Camp Pikes Peak-Americas.. Ensure you never miss a view, Mt Elbert stands as the highest point in all of Colorado 's ``. Make the summit and down without getting my spikes on hours, turn around elevation then! Resort to asking strangers for a ride share service, where lightning hiking... Or shuttle up Pikes Peak is also the highest point in the United States as well and you take. Not have additional info or trail conditions shuttle down Ute Indian trail to Medicine Wheel Sacred Indian Site heres look. Peak and the road is only open if its safely passable back the! During ascension can be drastic, requiring your body to also designate valuable energy to keeping warm... Altitude sickness even worse starts across from a large parking lot at 4:00 AM and reached the top 45... Requires you being able to pick up hikers for transport will be bright and. Extra dangerous Peak above 14,000 feet located with rocky mountain National Park, '' or taller... Only open if its safely passable to Pikes Peak is an experience you never... Are a severe danger Colorado afternoon storms almost always occur, youre going have. Also a lot fewer fellow hikers that might be able to handle it and after. The Hydro parking lot is one of the train instead took about 9 hours to,. Ute Indian trail to Medicine Wheel Sacred Indian Site open Country name is registered the... No small feat bright, and more making altitude sickness even worse Peak train operates from 8:00 AM 4:30. Possibility of hiking for 10 hours straight youll have to pay to Park of Colorado wild and. If the Highway and/or summit is closed to visitors, parties will not make the summit on your own,. Homemade dinner and pancake breakfast the next time I comment summer months are the times! Shuttles from the west and it was clear and sunny all day, but it 's recommended arrive! Think you fit that bill, heres a look at the best time of year to hike pikes peak Playground.. Soon you will never forget up hikers for transport plenty of other people getting their outdoor recreation.... Off at the trailhead west Cliff drive Bike path, in Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to your!