Private Colorado Springs Tour to Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak — Full-Day Scenic Drive
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8–9 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers comfortable with short walks and extended time in a vehicle; be prepared for the effects of high altitude even if you’re fit.
Overview
A private full-day tour that pairs the crimson sandstone spectacles of Garden of the Gods with a high-altitude drive to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak. Expect geology, small-town charm in Manitou Springs, and panoramic mountain views—plus practical guidance on altitude and timing.
Private Colorado Springs Tour to Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak — Full-Day Scenic Drive
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You step out of a leather-seated SUV onto sun-warmed sandstone, the air at the Garden of the Gods carrying a dry, mineral tang that tastes like the high plains. Jagged red fins rise perpendicular from the earth—Kissing Camels, Cathedral Spires—each slab a record of pressure and wind. The guide folds a map into a pocket and points to the notch in the horizon: later you’ll drive up to the tundra summit of Pikes Peak, where the sky feels close enough to touch.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for dramatic temperature shifts
Start at ~6,400 ft and climb to 14,115 ft—bring breathable base layers and a warm, windproof outer shell to stay comfortable on the summit.
Hydrate before and during the drive
High altitude increases dehydration and headache risk—drink water early and bring a refillable bottle; bottled water is provided but bring extras if you’re prone to altitude effects.
Wear sturdy shoes for short walks
Trails in Garden of the Gods vary from paved loops to rocky scrambling—closed-toe shoes with grip make viewpoints easier and safer.
Plan for summit wind and sun
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are useful—sun is stronger at altitude and the summit often gusts enough to chill uncovered skin.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mule deer
- American pika (in alpine talus near the summit)
History
Garden of the Gods has been a public park since the late 19th century and the region’s dramatic uplift is tied to the Laramide orogeny that formed the Front Range.
Conservation
Stay on designated trails and avoid trampling vegetation; high-elevation ecosystems are fragile and slow to recover from damage.
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Adventure Hotspots in Colorado Springs
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windproof jacket
Blocks summit gusts and provides warmth when temperatures drop sharply at high elevation.
Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated through altitude changes; refillable at restaurants and park facilities.
Sturdy walking shoes
Provides traction on paved and uneven sandstone paths in the Garden of the Gods.
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Protects against stronger UV exposure at altitude and glare off rock surfaces.