Pikes Peak & Garden of the Gods: Private Day Trip from Denver

Summary

Private drive from Denver to Pikes Peak summit with stops at Garden of the Gods and Manitou Springs

You’ll ride from Denver through Colorado’s wildest scenery with a local guide—staring up at surreal rocks in Garden of the Gods, breathing thin air atop Pikes Peak’s summit, wandering colorful Manitou Springs for lunch or a quick drink. Every stop feels different: earthy smells, mountain winds, small-town laughter. You’ll come back feeling lighter somehow.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t think I’d ever see rocks that looked like they were balancing just for fun, but the Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs is full of those weird red giants. Our guide, Mark, kept pointing out shapes — “That one’s called Kissing Camels,” he said, and I swear it really did look like two camels. The air smelled kind of sweet and dusty, like sun-baked earth after rain. I caught myself just staring up while everyone else took photos. Guess I’m slow sometimes.

The drive up to Pikes Peak was longer than I expected — winding roads, hairpin turns, and every so often we’d pull over so Mark could let us “catch our breath” (which was code for him telling stories about explorers who never made it to the top). At 14,115 feet, you feel it in your chest. There was this moment at the summit where everything just went quiet except for some wind and a couple kids laughing about how their chips bag puffed up from the altitude. My hands felt cold even though it was sunny. That view — honestly, it’s still stuck in my head when things get noisy back home.

After coming down (which somehow felt faster), we stopped in Manitou Springs for lunch. It’s a funny little town — old wooden signs, art shops with crystals everywhere, people sipping mineral water straight from these public fountains. I tried some; can’t say I loved it but hey, when in Rome. We wandered around until someone spotted a tiny brewery and half our group disappeared inside. Mark said Manitou’s always been a bit quirky — “Saratoga of the West,” he called it — and yeah, you can tell by the murals on every wall.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak

• Pickup at Denver hotel
• Travel south to Garden of the Gods
• Visit Garden of the Gods park
• Climb to Pikes Peak Summit
• Visit historic Manitou Springs
• Optional lunch in Manitou Springs
• Scenic drive through Sedalia foothills
• Watch sunset over the Rockies

Top questions

How long does the private Pikes Peak & Garden of the Gods tour take?

The tour is a full day trip from Denver with several stops including Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak summit, and Manitou Springs.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, complimentary hotel pickup is offered for guests staying in downtown Denver or along the route to Colorado Springs.

Are meals or lunch included on this day trip?

No, lunch is not included but there is free time to eat in Manitou Springs where you’ll find restaurants and even a local brewery.

How high is Pikes Peak on this tour?

Pikes Peak summit reaches 14,115 feet (4,302 meters) above sea level.

Is this private tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels but comfortable shoes and a warm jacket are recommended due to altitude changes.

What attractions are visited during this private tour?

The main stops are Garden of the Gods park near Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak summit via scenic drive, and historic Manitou Springs.

What’s included

Your day includes private transport by vehicle with fuel covered, bottled water throughout the journey, hotel pickup and drop-off in Denver or en route to Colorado Springs, plus guidance from a local driver who shares stories along every stop before bringing you back at sunset.