Pikes Peak Highway scenic tour: 4 hours to 14,115 feet

Climb to the summit and walk the peak's 360-degree rim

A four-hour guided tour of Pikes Peak Highway takes you from the base through multiple scenic overlooks to the Summit House at 14,115 feet, with stops at Crystal Creek Reservoir, Glen Cove Inn, Devil's Playground, and the Bottomless Pit. The tour includes bottled water, the highway toll fee, parking, and your timed entry reservation. The guide points out local wildlife and history along the route, and you can request extra stops for photos or restroom breaks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Scenic Pikes Peak Highway tour

• Depart from Colorado Springs
• Stop at multiple scenic overlooks
• Visit Bigfoot sighting sign
• Drive over Crystal Creek Reservoir dam
• Stop at Glen Cove Inn for views
• Pass Devil's Playground rock formation
• Stop at Bottomless Pit cliff viewpoint
• Explore Summit House and surroundings
• Return to Colorado Springs

The experience

The tour runs four hours total, with your guide driving a roomy passenger van and stopping at points of interest on the way up. You'll pull over at Crystal Creek Reservoir first, where the dam crossing gives you the first full view of Pikes Peak against the water, and there's a gift shop and restrooms on site. As you climb, the road passes Glen Cove Inn, an old ski lodge just under the timber line where you get the first striking view of the mountain's bald top, usually highlighted by snow. The guide shares facts and stories throughout, and you can ask for extra stops whenever you want to stretch your legs, take photos, or use a restroom.

Higher up, the highway reaches the Switchbacks and the rock formation called Devil's Playground, then continues to the Bottomless Pit: a steep cliff near the summit where the road runs close enough to the edge for a view straight down and across an expansive scene. The final stop is the Summit House, a state-of-the-art visitors center at the peak. You'll have time to walk around the 14,115-foot summit and experience 360-degree views that stretch into Kansas and New Mexico, take a photo at the new Summit sign, and visit the gift shop or try the high-altitude doughnuts inside. The tour includes the highway toll fee, parking, your timed entry reservation, and bottled water throughout the day.

What’s included

• Bottled water throughout the day.
• Pikes Peak Highway toll fee.
• free parking.
• timed entry reservation fee.
• all taxes and fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Child (under 17)

GroupUp to 11

Live guideEnglish

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

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 today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Rocky Mountain Ride

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a guide speaking English throughout the four hours to explain the history and wildlife as you go, with multiple stops to stretch and photograph at your own pace.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 17).

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.

What is Crystal Creek Reservoir like on the Pikes Peak tour?

Crystal Creek Reservoir offers the first full view of Pikes Peak mountain set against the water. The tour drives directly over the dam, and the site has a gift shop, restrooms, and informative plaques about local wildlife and history.

Can I request extra stops during the four-hour tour?

Yes, additional stops can be requested for photo opportunities, wildlife spotting, and restroom breaks whenever you want to get out of the van and stretch your legs.

What will I see at the Summit House at the top?

The Summit House is a state-of-the-art visitors center where you can walk around the 14,115-foot summit with 360-degree views stretching into Kansas and New Mexico, take a photo at the new Summit sign, visit the gift shop, and try the famous high-altitude doughnuts.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes bottled water, the Pikes Peak Highway toll fee, free parking, your timed entry reservation fee, and all taxes. Nothing extra to pay at the gate.

What is Glen Cove Inn on the Pikes Peak Highway?

Glen Cove Inn is a historic old ski lodge building that sits just under the timber line. It offers the first striking view of Pikes Peak's bald top, usually highlighted by snow, plus a Brake Check station, gift shop, and restrooms.