Pikes Peak Highway & Summit: Private Land Cruiser Tour

You can stop whenever something catches your eye on Pikes Peak Highway

You ride in a custom Land Cruiser with a guide who stops when you want to stop, climbing Pikes Peak Highway to the 14,115-foot summit with flexible timing at scenic overlooks, the historic Glen Cove Lodge, and the Summit House. Snacks, water, soda, and Wi-Fi are included; the vehicle is air-conditioned; and the whole day is shaped around your interests rather than a fixed itinerary.

Step-by-step itinerary

Pikes Peak Highway and Summit Tour

• Drive up Pikes Peak Highway
• Stop at Crystal Creek Reservoir
• Stop at Catamount Reservoirs
• Visit North Catamount Reservoir
• Visit Historic Glen Cove Lodge
• Arrive at Summit House
• Explore Summit House exhibits and shop
• Enjoy views and photos at summit

The experience

The moment you realize you're not on a bus full of thirty people is the moment this tour shifts into something else entirely. Instead of a fixed itinerary that stops where the schedule says, you're in a custom Land Cruiser with a driver who actually listens: pull over at Crystal Creek Reservoir if the light hits the water right, linger at North Catamount if you want to walk to the edge, skip ahead if you don't. The whole drive up Pikes Peak Highway becomes yours to shape, which sounds small until you're standing at a scenic overlook that wasn't on anyone's list but yours.

The route itself climbs 19 miles and gains over 6,000 feet in elevation, moving from forest into alpine tundra as you go. You'll pass the historic Glen Cove Lodge at 11,440 feet. A waystation that's been there since 1886, now serving hot drinks and light food while you catch your breath and take photos of the landscape spreading out below. The air gets thinner, the views get wider, and the Land Cruiser's air conditioning and complimentary snacks mean you're not white-knuckling the whole way up. Bottled water and soda are included, plus Wi-Fi if you need to send something down the mountain, though most people stop checking their phones somewhere around 10,000 feet.

The Summit House sits at 14,115 feet with a modern visitor center, gift shop, and the thing everyone talks about: donuts made fresh daily at altitude, which taste different up there and probably shouldn't but do. You get time to walk around, absorb the views that stretch across the Rockies, and let your body adjust to the thinness of the air. Unlike a group tour that herds you through in forty minutes, this is your summit. You set the pace. The drive back down takes the same road but feels different, and the whole experience from pickup to return is built around what matters to you, not what fits a schedule.

What’s included

• Private custom Land Cruiser transportation.
• flexible scenic stops along Pikes Peak Highway.
• complimentary snacks and beverages (soda, bottled water).
• Wi-Fi access on board.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• time at the historic Glen Cove Lodge.
• access to the Summit House at 14,115 feet.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:00

Book up to2d before

GroupPrivate

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Ridgeline Tours

Is this one for you?This works best if you want control over where you stop and how long you spend at each spot, rather than following a group tour's fixed schedule. The flexibility is what makes a 19-mile drive feel like your own mountain experience instead of a checklist.

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 does the private Pikes Peak tour take?

The full experience spans several hours, including the drive up Pikes Peak Highway, stops at scenic overlooks and the historic Glen Cove Lodge, time at the Summit House, and the return descent. Exact duration depends on how many stops you make and how long you spend at each one.

What's included in the tour?

The custom Land Cruiser, complimentary snacks, bottled water, soda, Wi-Fi on board, air conditioning, and all fees and taxes. Entry to the summit and any food or gifts you buy at the Summit House are separate.

Can I make stops along Pikes Peak Highway?

Yes, that's the main difference from group tours. You can stop at scenic overlooks, Crystal Creek Reservoir, North Catamount Reservoir, and other spots whenever something interests you, rather than following a fixed schedule.

What's the elevation at the summit?

The Summit House is located at 14,115 feet. The drive gains over 6,000 feet in elevation from the base.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children can ride, though the third-row seat has less legroom and is best suited for younger passengers. Infants and small children can use a pram or stroller. Children under 2 are not recommended for this tour.

What should I know about altitude?

The summit reaches over 14,000 feet, which affects how you feel. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, but it's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or pregnant travelers.

Is there food at the summit?

Yes. The Summit House serves fresh donuts made daily at altitude, plus has a gift shop. The historic Glen Cove Lodge at 11,440 feet also offers light fare and warm beverages.