A visitor of the Pikes Peak Highway died in the Devil’s Playground-area on Wednesday, October 9. The Devil’s Playground-area is located above treeline on Pikes Peak along the final few miles leading to the 14,115-foot summit. An initial report from a local news source stated that the deceased was believed to be a hiker. It has since been confirmed that the deceased was a visitor to the highway, not someone climbing the peak.

The OutThere Colorado team has reached out to local search & rescue, city representatives, and the Colorado Springs Police Department for additional details. This article will be updated when more is known about the situation.

The Pikes Peak Highway is a toll road that travels 19 miles to the summit of Pikes Peak. The highway starts near Green Mountain Falls, Colorado, where the elevation is 7,800 feet above sea-level. The highway route winds up the mountainside with a rapid gain in elevation as switchbacks twist and turn. Some traveling the road report feeling symptoms of altitude sickness due to the rapid ascent.

This death occurred just weeks after another hiking death in the Colorado Springs area. In September, a 63-year-old male died while attempting to climb the Manitou Incline, a route that connects to the Barr Trail – a common option for summiting Pikes Peak via the East Slopes.

If you’re planning to enter Colorado’s high-altitude terrain, it’s always important to exercise caution. Be aware of changing weather, plummeting temperatures, and exposure risks. Heed the warning signs of altitude sickness and avoid hiking alone. Here’s a quick list of safety tips that will help jump start your research on the topic.

Editor’s Note: Here’s an editorial about why our team covers death, injuries, and rescues in outdoor recreation.