re: Pikes Peak - where to stay

I think it’s just really accessible to the Front Range. 99.9% of people just drive to the top. That’s a pretty amazing experience for a flat lander. As for hiking -the Barr Trail is way long and will wear your arse out - very long round trip . Too long to enjoy for most people. 26 Miles is a long way.

I always liked the Collegiates and would start in St Elmo and take my time over days. My Princeton is great and you feel like you have it to yourself. And Mt Evans is really cool and has some short routes that are great day hikes. Long’s Peak was the preferred peak for Boulderites but scares the shite out of me. That one unnerves me but people talk about it like it’s nothing. I have nightmares about some of those ledges and rock scrambles. I’ve talked about that here before and understand people disagree with me on this.

OP should do some Boulder hikes -park at NCAR in Boulder, check out Mallory Cave and hike Bear Mountain . Love that one. And definitely hit Gregory Canyon/ Green Mountain and Mt Sanitas for a power hike especially if it’s cold because it’s full sun exposure . Enter off the side road and start on the steep steps and then come down the gradual slope in the front. That used to be my daily jam. Love that hike. 45 minutes up - 30 down .

OP - tell us how it went . As for hotels I’d choose one with a bed and toilet.