Denver mountain tour: Red Rocks, Evergreen, Echo Lake

Mountains in an afternoon, not a full day

A half-day shared mountain tour from Denver that visits Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, the mountain town of Evergreen, and Echo Lake at 10,600 feet, with a local driver-guide and stops to walk and explore. The tour runs five hours and includes water refills. Children under 4 are not permitted, and access inside the amphitheater depends on performer sound checks that day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Half-day mountain tour from Denver

• Meet at Historic Union Station Denver
• Explore Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater
• Drive through Bear Creek Canyon scenic route
• Visit Historic Downtown Evergreen shops and saloon
• Travel up Squaw Pass to Echo Lake
• Stroll around Echo Lake and enjoy mountain views
• Drive Scenic Byway with photo stops

The experience

You start at Historic Union Station in downtown Denver, where your local driver-guide picks you up. From there the tour climbs into the foothills to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, where you walk through the geological rock formations and learn the history and geology of this natural music venue. The route then follows Bear Creek Canyon through the Denver Mountain Parks, a stretch lined with scenic overlooks and rugged rock walls.

The tour stops in Evergreen, a mountain town with local artisan shops, a historic saloon, winery and coffee shops where you can grab a quick drink or ice cream and walk around. From there you climb Squaw Pass (a scenic byway with views of the Continental Divide and Rocky Mountains) to reach Echo Lake. Sitting at 10,600 feet at the base of Mt. Evans, the glacial lake is the high point of the day. You stroll the shore, take in the fresh mountain air and stop for photos along the pass on the way back down to Denver. The whole tour runs five hours.

On the return, you drive through historic Genesee Mountain Park, where herds of buffalo and elk sometimes appear along the road (wildlife viewing is not guaranteed). Water refills are included. Bring a refillable bottle. The operator recommends a jacket year-round since the mountains are always colder than Denver, and in winter, a hat and gloves as well.

What’s included

• Local professional driver-guide who speaks English.
• water refills (bring a refillable bottle).
• pickup and drop-off at Historic Union Station in downtown Denver.

Information

Lasts 5h, runs every day at 08:15 and 12:15, from US$ 99 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 13 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:15 and 12:15

GroupUp to 13

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (4 and older) · Under 4: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by The Colorado Sightseer

Is this one for you?Book this if you're leaving Denver with a free afternoon and no car. The guide handles navigation and storytelling while you walk through Red Rocks and up to Evergreen, seeing the highlights without needing to drive yourself.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I get inside the Red Rocks Amphitheater on this tour?

Access into the amphitheater depends on sound check closures by performers the day you tour. The operator recommends booking the morning departure for the best chance of getting inside, especially during concert seasons.

What's the elevation at Echo Lake and what will I do there?

Echo Lake sits at 10,600 feet at the base of Mt. Evans. You stroll around the glacial lake, take in the mountain scenery and fresh air, and stop for photos of the Rocky Mountain views.

How long is this tour and what does it include?

The tour runs five hours and includes pickup at Historic Union Station, the local driver-guide, and water refills (bring your own refillable bottle). Gratuities are not included and are recommended at 15–20%.

What is Evergreen like and how much time do I spend there?

Evergreen is a quaint mountain town with local artisan shops, a historic wild west saloon, winery and coffee shops. You stop for a quick drink, ice cream or to browse the shops, but the exact time depends on the group's pace.

Are there any restrictions on who can join this tour?

Children under 4 years old are not permitted. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The operator notes that minimum passenger numbers apply, and in the uncommon event of cancellation after confirmation, you will be offered an alternative tour or a full refund.

Will I see wildlife on this tour?

On the return through Genesee Mountain Park, herds of buffalo and elk sometimes appear along the road. Wildlife viewing is not guaranteed, but the scenic byway offers photo stops for Rocky Mountain views whether or not animals appear.