Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Private Tour — Colorado Springs Day Trip
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Light to moderate fitness; be prepared for short walks and the effects of high altitude (shortness of breath, light-headedness).
Overview
An eight-hour private day tour that pairs the red sandstone fins of Garden of the Gods with high-alpine panoramas on Pikes Peak. Expect short walks, a Manitou Springs lunch stop, and dramatic elevation change—summit access depends on season and weather.
Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Private Tour — Colorado Springs Day Trip
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You start the day below a pale-blue Colorado sky, the highway cutting west toward the mountains like a line on a map. The first stop, Garden of the Gods, arrives abruptly: 300-foot sandstone fins tilt out of scrub and prairie, their red faces catching the morning sun. A guide opens the door, hands you a bottle of water, and for a few minutes the conversation is only the wind and the occasional clack of rock against shoe.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Pace yourself at altitude
The tour reaches high elevations—sip water, avoid sudden exertion at the summit, and give your body 10–20 minutes to acclimate before strenuous walking.
Layer for big temperature swings
Bring a warm jacket and windproof shell—temperatures can drop dozens of degrees from Colorado Springs to the summit.
Protect against sun exposure
High altitude increases UV intensity—use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat even on cool days.
Respect fragile sandstone
Stay on designated paths in Garden of the Gods to prevent erosion and preserve cryptobiotic soil and plant life.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mule deer
- Golden eagle
History
Garden of the Gods was designated a National Natural Landmark for its striking Fountain Formation geology; Pikes Peak inspired 19th-century gold rush slogans and the poem that became “America the Beautiful.”
Conservation
Stay on trails and carry out trash—Garden of the Gods uses visitor education and trail design to reduce erosion, and high-altitude zones are particularly sensitive to trampling.
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Adventure Hotspots in Colorado Springs
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Layered clothing (base, mid-layer, shell)
Quick changes between warm valleys and cold summit conditions make layers essential.
Sturdy trail shoes or sneakers with good tread
Trails and viewpoints include uneven rock and gravel—good grip matters.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat
High-elevation sun is intense year-round—protect skin and eyes.
Camera or binoculars
Bring a zoom or binoculars for distant mountain views and birdwatching opportunities.