Discover the rugged beauty and history of Colorado’s foothills on a four-hour guided tour with Explorer Tours. From Red Rocks Amphitheater to Lookout Mountain, experience iconic landscapes just outside Denver.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for those with average fitness; some walking on uneven terrain required.
Wildlife
History
Lookout Mountain is known for Buffalo Bill's gravesite, linking the area with Wild West heritage and Colorado's frontier history.
Conservation
Explorer Tours promotes responsible tourism by emphasizing Leave No Trace principles to protect the delicate foothill ecosystems.
Explorer Tours
Discover the rugged beauty and history of Colorado’s foothills on a four-hour guided tour with Explorer Tours. From Red Rocks Amphitheater to Lookout Mountain, experience iconic landscapes just outside Denver.
Explorer Tours is a Denver-based tour operator that offers guided day trips to Colorado's most visited mountain landscapes and natural attractions. Operating from Denver, Explorer Tours lists excursions to Mount Blue Sky (14,130 ft), Red Rocks Amphitheater, Rocky Mountain National Park, Boulder and the Flatirons, Pikes Peak (14,115 ft), and Garden of the Gods. Itineraries combine scenic drives, interpretive commentary on local history and geology, and planned stops for wildlife viewing and short walks.
Pickup and drop-off are coordinated from Denver to simplify logistics. Typical full-day tours run about 7.5 to 8 hours, depending on the destination. Highlighted stops include Echo Lake, Idaho Springs, Trail Ridge Road, the Stanley Hotel, and the Flatirons, offering an introduction to alpine lakes, rock formations, and high-elevation summits.
Many itineraries begin with a short drive from Denver, making mountain access convenient for day trips. Several tours include opportunities for wildlife sightings and photographic viewpoints, as well as visits to visitor centers or historic towns along the route. Vehicles and guides are arranged to reach parks and overlooks accessible within single-day schedules.
Explorer Tours provides clear trip descriptions with elevation and duration details to help guests prepare for high-elevation conditions and seasonal weather. Travelers who want guided, day-trip access to Colorado's signature outdoor destinations from Denver will find focused itineraries, local route knowledge, and a selection of private and small-group excursions. Trip options include summit visits, amphitheater stops, scenic drives on Trail Ridge Road, and visits to nearby mining towns like Idaho Springs for visitors.
Tours Offered
5
Day trips from Denver.
High Peaks
14,000+ ft
Includes Mount Blue Sky and Pikes Peak.
Typical Duration
7.5–8 hrs
Full-day excursions.
Departure City
Denver, CO
Pickup coordinated from Denver.
Reserve a curated day trip to Mount Blue Sky, Pikes Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park, Garden of the Gods or Boulder today.
Bring a refillable water bottle
Water refills are provided but having your own bottle helps you stay hydrated on this active tour.
Wear sturdy walking shoes
Expect some uneven terrain and light walking at stops like Red Rocks and Evergreen Lake.
Layer your clothing
Weather can change quickly in the mountains; dress in layers to stay comfortable.
Book early for peak seasons
Tours fill up fast during summer weekends and fall colors — reserve in advance for best availability.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Protect feet and provide traction on rocky and uneven surfaces.
Layered clothing
Adapts to mountain temperature fluctuations.
spring|fall|winter
Sun protection
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are important at higher elevation.
summer
Water bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the tour—refills are available.