Detour at top of Barr Trail extended until 2021

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The City of Colorado Springs announced that the temporary detour at the top of the Barr Trail will be extended until Dec. 31, 2020.

The 4.700-foot alternate route took effect in May due to construction of the new Pikes Peak Summit House. The detour has been extended due to weather challenges and the transportation of construction materials.

But if construction activity in the area is complete before the date, the detour will be removed early, according to city officials.

The alternate route takes hikers from the end of Barr Trail, down the Cog Railway track bed to the 19-mile point where hikers then access the Pikes Peak Highway to hike up the shoulder of the road to the summit. Signs are posted at the base of Barr Trail, at Barr Camp, and at the detour point.

If you're planning a trip to Pikes Peak, you can call ahead at 719-385-7784 for current conditions. Hours of operation and other information about the highway can be found at PikesPeakColorado.com.