Ranger Talks To Go

Pikes Peak - America's Mountain

Ranger Talks To Go brings Pikes Peak - America's Mountain to you! These quick, engaging programs deliver bite-sized tips, stories, and lessons from our Pikes Peak Highway Rangers, with stewardship woven into every episode. Perfect for learning on the go before, during, or after your adventure! If you've got young explorers along for the ride, subscribe to Junior Ranger Talks To Go for fun, kid-friendly tips along the way.

Episodes

  1. Sep 11

    Mountain Mysteries: Legends of Pikes Peak

    *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-6aa2f63c-7e9c-83e8-b846-6116d2e68945-1" data-turn-id-container= "request-6aa2f63c-7e9c-83e8-b846-6116d2e68945-1" data-testid= "conversation-turn-14" data-turn="assistant"> Take a trip into the stranger side of Pikes Peak! Ranger Jordan explores some of the mountain's wildest legends, from giant man-eating rats and the ghost of Desperation Mona to mysterious UFO sightings and Bigfoot. Which stories are history, which are legend, and what might still be out there? *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" data-turn-id="9214cbef-6a4f-4c55-b153-89320be04e98" data-testid="conversation-turn-47" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-69e6276f-4eb4-832b-8f63-5447e47778f5-3" data-testid= "conversation-turn-48" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> Keep your Pikes Peak adventure going by subscribing to Ranger Talks To Go and Junior Ranger Talks To Go. Follow us on social media @DrivePikesPeak, and for more information about the mountain, visit DrivePikesPeak.com. To learn more about responsible outdoor recreation, check out LNT.org. As always, thanks for tuning in, Peak Pals!   Episode Notes: Mountain Mysteries: Legends of Pikes Peak In this episode of Ranger Talks To Go, we explore some of the strangest stories and legends connected to Pikes Peak. From giant man-eating rats and wandering ghosts to UFO sightings and Bigfoot, these tales have helped shape the mountain's more mysterious side for generations. What You'll Learn: The bizarre story of the 1876 man-eating rats on the summit The legend of Desperation Mona and the ghost stories surrounding Glen Cove Reported UFO sightings above Pikes Peak The story behind the Bigfoot Crossing sign on the Pikes Peak Highway *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-6aa2f63c-7e9c-83e8-b846-6116d2e68945-5" data-turn-id-container= "request-6aa2f63c-7e9c-83e8-b846-6116d2e68945-5" data-testid= "conversation-turn-22" data-turn="assistant"> Key Takeaways: Stay curious, ask questions, and don't believe every wild story you hear Never feed wildlife, no matter how big their feet are Learn More: Visit LNT.org for more on Leave No Trace principles and best practices. Plan your trip to Pikes Peak at DrivePikesPeak.com

  2. Jun 11

    What Wildlife Eats: Nature's Perfect Menu

    On Ranger Talks To Go, Ranger Mack hosts a show within a show: Wild Chef: Nature's Perfect Menu from Pikes Peak – America's Mountain. Listeners will meet the bighorn sheep, pika, and golden eagle while learning how each animal's natural diet helps it survive — and why human food can be harmful to wildlife. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" data-turn-id="9214cbef-6a4f-4c55-b153-89320be04e98" data-testid="conversation-turn-47" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-69e6276f-4eb4-832b-8f63-5447e47778f5-3" data-testid= "conversation-turn-48" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> Keep your Pikes Peak adventure going by subscribing to Ranger Talks To Go and Junior Ranger Talks To Go. Follow us on social media @DrivePikesPeak, and for more information about the mountain, visit DrivePikesPeak.com. To learn more about responsible outdoor recreation, check out LNT.org. As always, thanks for tuning in, Peak Pals! Episode Notes: Nature's Perfect Menu: Wild animals already have the foods they need in nature. People food can be unhealthy or dangerous for wildlife. Even small crumbs, wrappers, fruit peels, or leftovers can create problems on a busy mountain. Feeding wildlife can put both animals and people at risk. Visitors can help protect Pikes Peak by following Leave No Trace and packing out everything they bring in.

    What Wildlife Eats: Nature's Perfect Menu
  3. Jun 8

    History of the Pikes Peak Donut

    In this episode of Ranger Talks To Go, Ranger Matt takes listeners to the summit of Pikes Peak – America's Mountain to explore the history, tradition, and responsibility behind the famous high altitude donut served at the Summit Visitor Center. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" data-turn-id="9214cbef-6a4f-4c55-b153-89320be04e98" data-testid="conversation-turn-47" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-69e6276f-4eb4-832b-8f63-5447e47778f5-3" data-testid= "conversation-turn-48" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> Keep your Pikes Peak adventure going by subscribing to Ranger Talks To Go and Junior Ranger Talks To Go. Follow us on social media @DrivePikesPeak, and for more information about the mountain, visit DrivePikesPeak.com. To learn more about responsible outdoor recreation, check out LNT.org. As always, thanks for tuning in, Peak Pals! Episode Notes: The History of the Pikes Peak Donut: The Pikes Peak donut is a historic high altitude tradition connected to more than a century of summit history. Baking and frying at 14,115 feet requires special adjustments because dough behaves differently in thinner air. The alpine tundra is fragile, slow-growing, and easily damaged. Even tiny crumbs, napkins, trays, wrappers, and other small items can harm the summit environment. Visitors can help protect Pikes Peak by following Leave No Trace, staying on trails, watching out for wind, and packing out everything they bring in.

    History of the Pikes Peak Donut
  4. Jun 8

    Protecting Water on Pikes Peak

    In this episode of Ranger Talks To Go, Ranger Angela shares how even the smallest crumbs, wrappers, and pieces of trash can impact Pikes Peak's reservoirs, wildlife, and the surrounding community. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" data-turn-id="9214cbef-6a4f-4c55-b153-89320be04e98" data-testid="conversation-turn-47" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-69e6276f-4eb4-832b-8f63-5447e47778f5-3" data-testid= "conversation-turn-48" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> Keep your Pikes Peak adventure going by subscribing to Ranger Talks To Go and Junior Ranger Talks To Go. Follow us on social media @DrivePikesPeak, and for more information about the mountain, visit DrivePikesPeak.com. To learn more about responsible outdoor recreation, check out LNT.org. As always, thanks for tuning in, Peak Pals! Show Notes: Small actions make a big difference! Pack out every crumb, keep trash and food out of the reservoirs, don't feed wildlife, and help protect the clean water, healthy habitats, and beautiful views that make Pikes Peak — America's Mountain so special.

    Protecting Water on Pikes Peak
  5. Apr 22

    The 7 Principles Of Leave No Trace

    In this episode of Ranger Talks To Go, we explore the 7 principles of Leave No Trace and how they shape the way we enjoy and protect the outdoors, with simple, practical tips you can use on every adventure. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" data-turn-id="9214cbef-6a4f-4c55-b153-89320be04e98" data-testid="conversation-turn-47" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-69e6276f-4eb4-832b-8f63-5447e47778f5-3" data-testid= "conversation-turn-48" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> Keep your Pikes Peak adventure going by subscribing to Ranger Talks To Go and Junior Ranger Talks To Go. Follow us on social media @DrivePikesPeak, and for more information about the mountain, visit DrivePikesPeak.com. To learn more about responsible outdoor recreation, check out LNT.org. As always, thanks for tuning in, Peak Pals!   Episode Notes: The 7 Principles Of Leave No Trace In this episode of Ranger Talks To Go, we dive into the 7 principles of Leave No Trace and how they help protect Pikes Peak and other outdoor spaces. These are not strict rules, but practical guidelines to help you make better decisions and minimize your impact while still enjoying nature. What You'll Learn: The 7 Leave No Trace principles  Why planning ahead is the most important step for a safe, successful trip How to choose durable surfaces and protect fragile environments like alpine tundra The real meaning of "pack it in, pack it out" and how to properly dispose of all types of waste Why it's important to leave natural items like flowers where you find them How campfires impact the environment  Simple ways to safely and respectfully observe wildlife How to be a considerate visitor and share outdoor spaces with others Key Takeaways: Small actions can have lasting impacts on the environment Preparation leads to safer and more responsible adventures Respect for nature, wildlife, and other visitors helps preserve these spaces for everyone Learn More: Visit LNT.org for more on Leave No Trace principles and best practices. Plan your trip to Pikes Peak at DrivePikesPeak.com

    The 7 Principles Of Leave No Trace
  6. Apr 8

    The Effects of Altitude on Your Body

    On this episode of Ranger Talks to Go, you'll learn how altitude changes the inner workings of your body… from your brain, to your muscles, and even your taste! Get helpful tips on how to prepare yourself for the journey up a 14,115-foot mountain. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" data-turn-id="9214cbef-6a4f-4c55-b153-89320be04e98" data-testid="conversation-turn-47" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-69e6276f-4eb4-832b-8f63-5447e47778f5-3" data-testid= "conversation-turn-48" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> Keep your Pikes Peak adventure going by subscribing to Ranger Talks To Go and Junior Ranger Talks To Go. Follow us on social media @DrivePikesPeak, and for more information about the mountain, visit DrivePikesPeak.com. To learn more about responsible outdoor recreation, check out LNT.org. As always, thanks for tuning in, Peak Pals!   Episode Notes: How Altitude Affects Your Body In this episode of Ranger Talks To Go, we explore what really happens to your body as you travel from 7,800 feet to 14,115 feet on Pikes Peak. From your brain to your muscles to even your taste buds, altitude changes more than you might expect. What You'll Learn: Why the air at the summit has about 60% of the oxygen compared to sea level How your body responds by increasing breathing and heart rate Common symptoms of altitude sickness and how to manage them Why hydration is critical at higher elevations How altitude can impact your brain, mood, and thinking Why your muscles fatigue faster at elevation How taste changes at altitude and why Pikes Peak donuts are specially made How people and animals adapt to living at higher elevations Key Takeaways: Take it slow and listen to your body as you gain elevation Drink water often to stay ahead of dehydration If you feel symptoms of altitude sickness, descend to a lower elevation Respect wildlife, especially highly adapted species like bighorn sheep Plan Your Visit: Learn more about Pikes Peak at DrivePikesPeak.com Stay safe, stay hydrated, and enjoy the journey to the summit!

    The Effects of Altitude on Your Body

About

Ranger Talks To Go brings Pikes Peak - America's Mountain to you! These quick, engaging programs deliver bite-sized tips, stories, and lessons from our Pikes Peak Highway Rangers, with stewardship woven into every episode. Perfect for learning on the go before, during, or after your adventure! If you've got young explorers along for the ride, subscribe to Junior Ranger Talks To Go for fun, kid-friendly tips along the way.