Pikes Peak is a famous mountain located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. At 14,115 feet, it is one of Colorado’s tallest peaks and a popular tourist destination. This article features 59 riddles about various facts and features of Pikes Peak, with the answers provided as well. From geology to history and wildlife, these brainteasers cover a wide range of topics related to this iconic mountain.
Geology
Q: What geological process created the spectacular rock formations found on Pikes Peak? A: Erosion
Q: What type of rock comprises the summit and upper slopes of Pikes Peak? A: Granite
Q: Over many centuries, ice, wind, and water have slowly broken apart Pikes Peak. What term describes this process? A: Weathering
Q: Pikes Peak has examples of both exfoliation and fluting erosion patterns. What natural process causes giant curved grooves to form on the mountain’s surface? A: Glaciers
Q: What results when water enters cracks in a boulder on Pikes Peak, freezes overnight, and expands the cracks through hydraulic pressure? A: Frost Wedging
Wildlife
Q: What type of furry critters with bushy tails and black eyes are frequently seen scurrying over rocks on Pikes Peak trails? A: Pikas
Q: Cinereus is the species name for which high alpine rodent commonly seen atop Pikes Peak? A: American Pika
Q: What yellow wildflower found above treeline on Pikes Peak relies on fat, fuzzy insects for pollination? A: Alpine Sunflowers
Q: Mountain goats are often spotted navigating steep cliffs on Pikes Peak. What helps them maintain balance at high altitudes? A: Wide hooves
Q: Peregrine falcons build nests called “eyries” on rocky Pikes Peak cliff edges. Why is this location ideal? A: Good views for hunting
History & Landmarks
Q: What famous author wrote about climbing Pikes Peak with a burro party in 1859? A: Walt Whitman
Q: Who was the first European believed to have spotted Pikes Peak in 1806? A: Zebulon Pike
Q: Pikes Peak inspired what patriotic 1892 song that became the state anthem of Colorado? A: “America the Beautiful”
Q: At over 14,000 feet elevation, what building sits atop the Pikes Peak summit? A: Summit House
Q: Constructed in 1891 on Pikes Peak, theCog Railway still operates today using what renewable power? A: Electricity
Q: Barr Trail leading up Pikes Peak was named after Captain Jack Barr, known for what achievement in 1914? A: Breaking the Pikes Peak marathon record
Climate & Weather
Q: What season typically brings the most visitors wanting to see golden aspens on Pikes Peak? A: Autumn/Fall
Q: Summer thunderstorms frequently build over Pikes Peak by early afternoon. What weather condition causes this? A: Convection
Q: What weather hazard makes climbing Pikes Peak risky during winter and early spring? A: Avalanches
Q: When specks of dust blow off Pikes Peak’s summit, what does it indicate about upcoming weather? A: High winds are coming
Q: Tourists often comment on unexpectedly cold temps while visiting Pikes Peak. What explains this chill? A: High Elevation
Records
Q: In 1993, Vinny Benedetto set a Pikes Peak record that still stands today. What did he accomplish? A: Fastest motorcycle ascent
Q: Which annual Colorado Springs event is the oldest continuously held hill climb in North America? A: Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
Q: What is the record time for climbing to Pikes Peak’s summit on foot? A: 2 hours, 15 minutes, 37 seconds
Q: Who was the first woman to officially reach Pikes Peak’s top in 1858? A: Julia Holmes Archibald
Q: What mode of transportation claimed the fastest-ever Pikes Peak round trip time of 15 minutes, 28 seconds? A: Car
Best Season to Visit
Q: Peak wildflower season arrives on Pikes Peak in July and August. What elevation range offers the most vibrant blooms? A: 10,000 – 12,000 feet
Q: For snow lovers, October through May is the best time to visit Pikes Peak. During this cold season, how much snow can accumulate on average? A: 300 inches
Q: Summer is the most popular season for Pikes Peak tourism due to mild weather. What month typically has the warmest average temps? A: July
Q: The Pikes Peak Marathon takes place in August. Why was this warmer month chosen over June or July? A: Less afternoon thunderstorms
Q: September and early October is prime leaf-peeping season in Colorado. What percentage of Pikes Peak is covered in golden aspens each fall? A: 25%
Fun Facts
Q: Pikes Peak has been called America’s Mountain for over 100 years. What exactly does this nickname refer to? A: Inspiring the song “America the Beautiful”
Q: Tourists climbing Pikes Peak sometimes experience altitude sickness. What percent of climbers does this impact? A: 25%
Q: At 14,115 feet tall, approximately how many Empire State Buildings would need to stack up to equal the height of Pikes Peak? A: Over seven Empire State Buildings
Q: Pikes Peak has five official trails leading to its summit. What is the shortest route up covering only 3.5 miles? A: The Cog Railway
Q: Roughly how many miles of well-marked trails exist across Pikes Peak’s lower slopes? A: 200 miles
Conclusion
From cool trivia to geography stumpers, these 59 Pikes Peak riddles offer a fun way to test your knowledge about Colorado’s most famous mountain. Whether planning a vacation or simply curious to learn more, reviewing the brainteasers first helps build excitement and appreciation before visiting America’s legendary landmark peak.
