Donut lovers will have to travel up to 14,000 feet in elevation to indulge in these unique Rocky Mountain donuts. Located on the top of Pikes Peak, one of the tallest mountains in Colorado, is the Pikes Peak Summit House. Known for its high elevation donuts, this rest stop, gift shop, and restaurant has grown into a popular tourist attraction in the Centennial State.
Sitting at 14,115 feet, Pikes Peak, the massive mountain seen from Colorado Springs, is a must-visit while in the area. Choose to hike up to the summit along the Barr Trail or drive right up to the top via the Pikes Peak Highway. No matter if you come here by foot or car, don’t miss out on a sweet treat or meal at Pikes Peak Summit House.
With the highest deep fryer in the United States, the donuts here are made differently than if they were made at sea level. At nearly three miles above sea level, the air is thinner and water boils at a lower temperature. Therefore food is cooked differently here. The Pikes Peak Summit House has used the same recipe since 1916 to make their delicious fried donuts. Some claim that the donuts must be devoured while at the top of Pikes Peak, because if you bring them down to a lower elevation they just don’t taste the same.
The donuts at Pikes Peak Summit House aren’t the only things that draw people up to this mountain. The view from Pikes Peak is absolutely breathtaking. Katharine Lee Bates actually wrote the poem, which became an iconic song, “America the Beautiful” when she visited Pikes Peak in 1893.
There is nothing better than enjoying a fried donut with a spectacular view, and you can do just that Pikes Peak Summit House. These famous donuts are just as popular as the mountain that they are made on. The next time you’re in Colorado, don’t miss out on visiting the summit of Pikes Peak.
Pikes Peak Summit House Information
Official Website
