The Pikes Peak Visitor Center matches the beauty of the surrounding environment while also providing new ways to understand and enjoy the great outdoors. Visitors to the 38,000-sq-ft building are greeted with a two-story grand stair entry with views that look south over Mount Rosa, the summit where Zebulon Pike first saw in 1806 the peak that would be named after him.
The architecture of the pavilion highlights the relationship between the two landforms—the view from the top of the steps to the lobby angles down at 3.5 degrees to Mount Rosa, matching the angle on the upward slope of the roof. Stairs down to the main level appear to fold down out of the mountain as visitors descend to the exhibits, a dining area, gift shop and restrooms. Warm, rustic colors and natural materials such as locally sourced timber further connect the interior to the landscape.