Originally referred to by Spanish settlers as El Capitan, Pikes Peak is one of the most visited mountains in the world. The name was derived after Zebulon Pike, an explorer who first documented it and attempted to climb to its summit during his led expedition to the southern Colorado area in 1806. Pikes Peak can be reached via Pikes Peak Highway, Barr Trail or the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Several visitor centers with gift shops and restaurants were built within its 12-mile radius and on the summit itself.

Pikes Peak is home to four famous events that draw thousands of sports enthusiasts. One is The Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon where athletes have to race by foot up the Barr Trail and back down. Currently, the best record is 3 hours 16 minutes 30 seconds set in 1993. Secondly, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb where Nobuhiro Tajima set a new record of 10 minutes 1 second in 2007. Thirdly, the "Assault on the Peak" Bike Event where bicyclists compete and ride to the summit of Pikes Peak. Lastly, the AdAmAn Club New Year's Fireworks display every midnight of December 31.