Pikes Peak was created through geological processes over millions of years. An igneous intrusion formed the pink Pikes Peak granite batholith below the surface 1 billion years ago. Plate tectonic forces later uplifted the batholith, pushing it through the earth's crust. Glaciation during the ice age and subsequent erosion of valley sides by glacial meltwater further sculpted Pikes Peak into its current form. Weathering from water infiltration and frost wedging has also broken down the granite over time.