Celebrate Independence Day in Colorado Springs with new Pikes Peak experiences and family traditions

Colorado Springs is inviting residents and visitors to celebrate Independence Day with unique experiences across the city, from a special sunrise and the first-ever sunset opening at Pikes Peak - America's Mountain to the Family Fourth celebration at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site.
This year's celebration kicks off a summer of special programming commemorating America's 250th anniversary and leading into Colorado's 150th anniversary, with new experiences at Pikes Peak - America's Mountain that will continue throughout the season.

Experience Independence Day from America's Mountain

On July 4, visitors can celebrate Independence Day with both a special sunrise and the first-ever sunset opening at the summit. The Pikes Peak Highway Gateway will open at 4 a.m. for the sunrise event, with the last timed entry at 6 a.m., before reopening at 7 p.m. for the evening celebration, allowing guests to enjoy sunset from 14,115 feet at 8:29 p.m. Visitors will begin their descent no later than one hour after sunset.

Timed-entry permits and admission for personal vehicles, as well as shuttle tickets departing from the North Pole parking lot, must be purchased in advance at DrivePikesPeak.com. Tickets will not be sold at the gateway during the special events, capacity is limited, and all activities are weather permitting. The July 4 events mark the beginning of a new series of special experiences, with an Aug. 1 sunrise celebration commemorating Colorado's 150th anniversary and additional sunrise openings scheduled for July 18, Aug. 15, Sept. 26 and Oct. 12.

While visiting the summit, guests can also explore a rare historical exhibition featuring artifacts connected to Lt. Zebulon Montgomery Pike, including his original field notebook on loan from the National Archives, his ceremonial sword from History Colorado and his 1810 military commission signed by President James Madison from the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum collection. On display through Aug. 10 at the Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center, the exhibition marks the first time Pike's original field notebook has reached the summit of the mountain that now bears his name and is part of the City of Colorado Springs' participation in the America 250 Colorado 150 commemoration.

Celebrate at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site

Families can continue a longstanding Independence Day tradition during Family Fourth at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The celebration features:

• Children's patriotic parade
• Historic home tours
• Festival games
• Historic speeches and live music
• Food trucks, apple pie and lemonade
• Old-fashioned soda and popcorn from the Pop Shed
• Shopping in the General Store

Tickets are available at RockLedgeRanch.com.

Learn more about upcoming America 250/Colorado 150 events hosted by the City at ColoradoSprings.gov/America250Colorado150.