Colorado Springs: Garden of the Gods Jeep Tour & Canyon Stops

Summary

Jeep ride through red rocks tunnels and colorado springs history

You’ll ride open-air through Colorado Springs’ foothills with a local guide, stopping at Garden of the Gods’ wild red rocks and echoing railroad tunnels. Feel pine-scented air on your face in North Cheyenne Canyon, wander quirky Manitou Springs, and share stories along bumpy roads. Expect laughter, little surprises—and maybe a quiet moment you’ll remember later.

What’s the experience like?

“That’s where Butch Cassidy hid out — or so they say,” our guide grinned, pointing past the Jeep’s hood at a craggy outcrop above North Cheyenne Canyon. I was still brushing dust off my jeans from our last stop, but honestly, I didn’t mind. The air smelled like pine needles and something sweet I couldn’t place (maybe wildflowers?). We’d only been rolling for twenty minutes since Colorado Springs but already it felt like we’d jumped back a century or two. The jeep rattled over another patch of dirt road and someone in the back let out a whoop — not me this time, though I was tempted.

I’m not usually one for group tours, but there was something about having a real-life cowboy hat up front (his name’s Mike, if you get him) narrating stories about railroad tunnels and Helen Hunt Falls that made it feel less scripted. He slowed down near the Shortline Railroad tunnels so we could stick our heads out — cold wind straight to the face, but worth it for that echo when he shouted “hello!” inside. At Garden of the Gods, those red rocks looked almost fake against the sky. We climbed out for photos (no windows to get in the way), and I tried to pronounce “Manitou” right. Mike laughed — apparently I wasn’t even close.

Lunch isn’t included, but we stopped in Manitou Springs anyway for sodas and some weird candy from a shop with creaky floors. The whole town smells faintly like mineral water if you pay attention. On the way back, someone wrapped up in one of the tour blankets — Colorado weather does what it wants, even in June. It hit me then how much ground we’d covered without rushing anything; paved roads turned to dirt and back again before I really noticed. Still think about that first view of Garden of the Gods when nobody said anything for a minute or two. That silence sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Colorado Springs landmarks

• Visit Garden of the Gods park
• Drive through North Cheyenne Canyon
• See Helen Hunt Falls
• Pass Shortline Railroad tunnels
• Explore Old Colorado City
• Visit Manitou Springs

Top questions

How long is the Garden of the Gods Jeep tour?

The tour covers several hours exploring key sites around Colorado Springs including Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Canyon, Helen Hunt Falls, and Manitou Springs.

Is lunch included on this Jeep tour?

No lunch is included, but there is a stop in Manitou Springs where you can buy snacks or drinks.

Are blankets provided during the tour?

Yes, blankets are included for comfort during your Jeep ride.

What attractions are visited on this Colorado Springs Jeep tour?

The tour includes Garden of the Gods, North Cheyenne Canyon, Helen Hunt Falls, Shortline Railroad tunnels, Old Colorado City, and Manitou Springs.

Is this Jeep tour suitable for children?

Yes—children must be accompanied by an adult but all fitness levels are welcome.

Does this tour operate in all weather conditions?

Yes—tours run rain or shine; dress appropriately for changing Colorado weather.

How many people can join each Jeep tour booking?

A maximum of 6 people per booking is allowed on each non-private Jeep tour.

Are service animals allowed on this Jeep tour?

Yes—service animals are permitted to join the group.

What’s included

Your day includes group transport by open-air Jeep with a local guide sharing stories along both paved roads and dirt tracks; warm blankets provided for comfort; stops at Garden of the Gods’ red rocks, historic railroad tunnels near Colorado Springs, North Cheyenne Canyon views, Helen Hunt Falls photo ops, plus free time to explore Manitou Springs before heading back together.