Zebulon Montgomery Pike, Jr. (January 5, 1779 – April 27, 1813) is an American officer and explorer for whom Pikes Peak in Colorado is named.

As a United States Army captain in 1806–1807, he leads the Pike Expedition to explore and document the southern portion of the Louisiana Purchase and to find the headwaters of the Red River, during which he records the discovery of what later is called Pikes Peak.

Captured by the Spanish while wandering in present-day Colorado after his party gets confused in its travels, Pike and his men are taken to Chihuahua, present-day Mexico and questioned by the governor.

They are released later in 1807 at the border of Louisiana.

In 1810, Pike publishes an account of his expeditions, a book so popular that it is translated into French, German and Dutch for publication in Europe.

He later achieves the rank of brigadier general in the Army, serving during the War of 1812.

He is killed during the Battle of York, which the United States wins.