Zebulon Pike, a second lieutenant in the United States Army, commenced his expedition with a group of soldiers and guides, leaving Fort Bellefontaine in Missouri. His mission was backed by President Thomas Jefferson, who was keen to explore the vast western territories recently acquired through the Louisiana Purchase. Pike's objectives included mapping uncharted regions, identifying new resources, and enhancing relations with Native American tribes encountered along the way. The expedition would take him into present-day Colorado, New Mexico, and further into the Great Plains.

As Pike and his team navigated the wilderness, they faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather, difficult terrain, and the uncertainty of encounters with Indigenous peoples. One of the key highlights of the expedition was Pike's ascent of what is now known as Pikes Peak in Colorado. Although he did not reach the summit, his journey up the mountain contributed significantly to the understanding of the geography of the region. The information gathered laid the groundwork for future explorations and settlements.

Despite the hardships, Pike's expedition was significant for its scientific observations and for the opportunity it provided to report back to the federal government about the vast and resource-rich lands of the West. After several months, Pike and his men returned with valuable data and potential prospects for future American expansion.