Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Jeep Tour — Summit Views & Open‑Air Jeep Adventure
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal walking at stops but be prepared for altitude.
Overview
An open‑air Jeep climbs the Pikes Peak Highway to 14,115 ft, then returns through Garden of the Gods’ red sandstone walls. This four‑hour morning tour pairs summit panoramas with local history and practical comforts—blankets, bottled water, and expert cowboy guides.
Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Jeep Tour — Summit Views & Open‑Air Jeep Adventure
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The morning air bites clean and cold at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center as the cowboy Jeep rumbles to life. You climb into an open‑air vehicle with a guide whose anecdotes land like rock fragments—local geology, military history, a line about Katharine Lee Bates—and the highway unfurls upward. Switchbacks give the landscape a cinematic rhythm: red sandstone below, lodgepole pines midway, and at the horizon the summit of Pikes Peak juts like a weathered promise.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress for wind and sun
Even in summer the summit is windy and sun‑exposed—bring a windproof outer layer and high‑SPF sunscreen.
Acclimate and hydrate
Start hydrating before the tour and avoid heavy exertion immediately after reaching the summit to reduce altitude effects.
Secure gear in the Jeep
Open‑air rides are bumpy—use straps for cameras and keep small items zipped to avoid losing them.
Arrive early to park
Check‑in is 15 minutes before departure; free parking is available at the Garden of the Gods Nature & Visitor Center.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mule deer
- Bighorn sheep
History
Pikes Peak inspired Katharine Lee Bates’ poem that became “America the Beautiful,” and Garden of the Gods is a National Natural Landmark with long Indigenous significance.
Conservation
Stay on designated roads and trails to protect fragile soils and vegetation; operators emphasize low‑impact practices and support local stewardship programs.
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Adventure Hotspots in Colorado Springs
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windproof jacket
Blocks summit gusts and keeps you comfortable in variable mountain weather.
spring specific
Sunscreen & sunglasses
High‑albedo surfaces and thinner air increase UV exposure at altitude.
summer specific
Closed‑toe shoes
Stable footing for short, rocky walks at overlooks and in the park.
fall specific
Compact camera or binoculars
Capture summit panoramas and scan ridgelines for bighorn sheep and mule deer.
winter specific