Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Full-Day Tour from Denver
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8–9 hours
Fitness Level
Light walking and short stair or rocky viewpoints; be prepared for the effects of high elevation rather than sustained exertion.
Overview
Take a single, scenic day from Denver to reach Pikes Peak’s 14,115-foot summit and the dramatic red spires of Garden of the Gods. This guided, small-group tour combines summit overlooks, a historic small-town lunch stop in Manitou Springs, and easy walks among iconic rock formations.
Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Full-Day Tour from Denver
Select participants and date
The bus pulls away from Union Station before dawn; Denver's skyline slips into a wash of gold and the Rockies harden on the horizon. By mid-morning the road has climbed into a thinner air where the wind seems to push you toward the summit of Pikes Peak, and the town of Manitou Springs waits like a small, curious neighbor between two grand attractions. This full-day tour stitches together high-alpine panoramas and dramatic sandstone sculpting, making for a compact, approachable introduction to Colorado's Front Range.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Hydrate before you go
Altitude hits quickly—drink water before departure and carry a filled bottle to avoid headaches and fatigue.
Dress in layers
Summit temperatures can be drastically colder and windier than the valley; pack a warm shell and a hat.
Protect against sun and glare
High-elevation sun is intense—use high-SPF sunscreen and polarized sunglasses for comfort and better photos.
Arrive early to Union Station
Check in at the large American flagpole by 8:15 a.m. to secure your spot and avoid last-minute delays.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bighorn sheep on rocky slopes
- Yellow-bellied marmots and mountain ground squirrels near summit talus
History
Pikes Peak inspired Katharine Lee Bates’ poem that became “America the Beautiful,” and the Perkins family donated Garden of the Gods to Colorado Springs in the early 1900s to preserve public access.
Conservation
Stick to established trails and avoid climbing on fragile sandstone; the park enforces restrictions to protect rock formations and native plant communities.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Denver
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Refillable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated at altitude and reduces plastic waste.
Insulating mid-layer and windproof shell
Summit weather can change fast—layers let you adapt without cutting the tour short.
Sturdy walking shoes
Good traction helps on rocky overlooks and uneven park trails.
Sunscreen and polarized sunglasses
Protects skin and reduces glare for clearer views and photos.
summer specific