Pikes Peak & Garden of the Gods: Denver Day Trip

Two Colorado Landmarks, One Day, No Driving Stress

You get driven from Denver to two of Colorado's most photographed landscapes (the red rocks of Garden of the Gods and the summit of Pikes Peak at 14,115 feet) with entry fees, lunch, and a professional guide handling all the navigation and timing. The fixed schedule and small-group format mean you're not arranging transport, choosing restaurants, or second-guessing the route. You show up at the Blue Bear and the day unfolds.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak

• Visit Garden of the Gods formations
• Take photos at Balanced Rock and Spires
• Travel to Pikes Peak summit
• Enjoy panoramic views from summit
• Descend from Pikes Peak
• Stop in Manitou Springs resort town
• Return to Denver at sunset

The experience

You'll notice the elevation shift the moment you leave Denver. The tour picks up at the Colorado Convention Center (in front of the Blue Bear sculpture, so no hunting around), and heads straight toward Colorado Springs, about an hour south. What makes this Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods tour different is the pacing: you're not rushing between two separate trips or figuring out logistics yourself. The guide handles the route, the timing, the stops. You just show up and follow along.

Garden of the Gods comes first, and the red rock formations hit different when someone who knows them is pointing out the names: Balanced Rock, Cathedral Spires, Steamboat Rock. The geological story makes sense of what you're looking at instead of just standing there taking photos. There's time to walk around, climb a bit if you want, sit with the view. Then you're back in the van heading up toward Pikes Peak. The drive itself is the experience here: 14,115 feet of elevation gain in one afternoon, switchbacks and views that open up as you climb. On clear days you see for miles across the Rocky Mountain range. If weather closes the summit road (which happens in winter or sudden storms), the driver takes you to the highest accessible point instead, so you're not left empty-handed.

Lunch is included and sorted before you leave Denver. Turkey sandwich, roast beef, tuna salad, gluten-free options. You pick your preference when you book, and it's waiting for you. Water comes with it. After descending from the peak, the tour swings through Manitou Springs, the small resort town founded in the 1800s around natural mineral springs, before heading back to Denver as the light fades. The whole day runs about ten hours. Small groups mean you're not on a bus with forty people. It's maybe a dozen travelers max, which changes how the guide can move and what they can explain.

What’s included

Park entry fees to Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, lunch (sandwich, water, and light snacks), professional driver and guide, transportation in a small group van, and all scenic stops along the route.

Information

Lasts 8h 30m, runs every day at 09:00, from US$ 169 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 12 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

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

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (8 and older) · Under 8: 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 nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Explorer Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see both Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods in one day without renting a car, planning stops, or navigating mountain roads yourself: the fixed itinerary and included lunch remove the logistics so you can focus on the views.

Traveler reviews

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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.

How long is the tour?

Around 10 hours total, including pickup and return to Denver.

What's included in lunch?

A sandwich (turkey, roast beef, tuna salad, or gluten-free options), water, and light snacks. You choose your preference when booking.

What if the weather closes Pikes Peak summit?

The driver takes you to the highest accessible point on the mountain instead. The road is open year-round, but sudden storms or winter conditions can restrict access.

Where do we meet?

Colorado Convention Center, in front of the Blue Bear sculpture in downtown Denver.

Is this suitable for kids?

Yes, ages 8 and up. Children under 8 need prior approval from the tour operator.

Do I need to be very fit?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels. You're mostly in the van. Walking at Garden of the Gods and the summit is optional and at your own pace.

What should I wear?

Layer your clothing. Temperatures drop as you gain elevation, and weather can change quickly. Bring a jacket even if Denver is warm.

Is there a minimum group size?

Yes. If the tour doesn't meet the minimum, you'll be offered an alternative date, different experience, or full refund.

Can I choose my lunch before the tour?

Yes. Message the operator via the booking platform or review sites with your preference for everyone in your group. If you don't specify, turkey sandwich is provided.

How far is Colorado Springs from Denver?

About an hour south by car.