Pikes Peak Guided Bus Tour: Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs & Summit Views
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8–11 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect short walks on uneven terrain and the effects of high elevation.
Overview
Trade Denver’s edge for the raw angles of Garden of the Gods, a quick pass through mineral-spring Manitou, and a drive up Pikes Peak’s 19 rugged miles. This full-day guided bus tour stitches geology, local history, and summit panoramas into a single, accessible Colorado experience.
Pikes Peak Guided Bus Tour: Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs & Summit Views
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The bus leaves Denver while the city is still shrugging off its gray; you feel the shift in the air before the skyline thins — the light gets harder, the horizon sharper. As the highway threads into the foothills you trade glass and traffic for red sandstone spires at Garden of the Gods, a place where towering fins of rock point skyward like handholds for the wind.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Hydrate for altitude
Start hydrating before the tour and bring a 1–2L refillable bottle—altitude dehydrates you faster than you expect.
Dress in layers
Temperatures can swing 30°F between the base and summit; pack a windproof layer and warm mid-layer.
Book Pikes Peak train tickets ahead
If you choose the round‑trip scenic train option, reserve online in advance—the operator’s prices and availability change by date.
Wear sturdy shoes
Garden of the Gods and summit viewpoints require walking on uneven rock and pavement—closed-toe shoes with good tread are best.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Marmots and pika in alpine zones
- Occasional Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep on high slopes
History
Pikes Peak inspired Katharine Lee Bates’ poem that became “America the Beautiful”; Manitou Springs grew as a Victorian spa town built around its mineral springs.
Conservation
Stay on marked paths at Garden of the Gods to protect fragile desert soils and avoid collecting mineral spring water bottles—local conservation groups manage foot traffic and restoration efforts.
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Adventure Hotspots in Colorado Springs
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Layered jacket
Wind and temperature change rapidly with elevation; a packable insulated layer is helpful.
Sturdy walking shoes
Provides traction on sandstone paths and paved summit areas.
Sunscreen and sunglasses
High-elevation sun is intense; protect skin and eyes.
summer specific
Reusable water bottle with filter or capacity 1–2L
Bring enough water to avoid dehydration between stops.