5 Best Pikes Peak Tours from Denver + What to Know (2024)
Keen on escaping the bustling cityscape of Denver? A top-notch experience I highly recommend you consider is journeying to the summit of one of Colorado’s legendary 14ers, Pikes Peak! You’ll not only get to take in the breathtaking views from the top of America’s Mountain but also wander through the enchanting red rock formations that adorn the Garden of the Gods. Truly, this an experience you won’t want to miss. To help you out, below are the 5 best Pikes Peak tours worth checking out as well as helpful insights & mistakes to avoid based on my experience! 🤠
🏔️ No Time? Here’s the Best Pikes Peak Tour from Denver
Small Group Tour of Pikes Peak & the Garden of the Gods — Taken by over 1450+ guests, this tour includes a convenient meeting point downtown, exploring the Garden of the Gods and Manitou Springs, and taking the scenic route to Pikes Peak!
🚨 PRO TIP: If you’re pressed for time and prefer a brief overview of the tours I’ll be discussing, feel free to skip ahead to the recap section. There, you’ll find a table summarizing the five Pikes Peak Tours I’ve covered.
5 Best Pikes Peak Tours from Denver (2024)
1. Small Group Tour of Pikes Peak & the Garden of the Gods From Denver
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 –1800+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 8 hours
The Small Group Tour of Pikes Peak & the Garden of the Gods From Denver includes:
- Easy pick-up from a meeting point near Union Station
- Visiting Garden of the Gods & the famous Balanced Rock
- Driving the scenic route to Pikes Peak
- Exploring the quaint town of Manitou Springs
- Snacks, water, & entrance fees included
- Small group tour limited to 14 guests
🤠 Looking to get a lot of bang for your buck? Explore Pikes Peak with ease on the most popular and highly-rated tour from Denver! It also happens to be one of the most affordable tours out there, which means you get a lot of value for your money! Over 8 hours, you’ll join a small group of fellow travelers and experience the breathtaking beauty of the Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, & Manitou Springs!
Plus, with a convenient pick-up in downtown Denver and your super knowledgeable guide navigating the roads, you’ll be able to enjoy a wonderful, *stress-free* day trip! I mean, there’s a reason 1825+ people have opted to go on this tour! 😉
“I loved this tour! Our tour guide Jeff was super knowledgeable and kept us entertained with fun facts and an awesome playlist on the road. The views were amazing and we had plenty of time at each stop to take in the scenery and take some photos. I would highly recommend this tour for anyone passing through Denver!”
– Rachel G. (See More Reviews)
2. Private Pikes Peak Country and Garden of the Gods Tour From Denver
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 215+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 8 hours
The Private Pikes Peak Country and Garden of the Gods Tour From Denver includes:
- Direct pick-up from your housing accommodations in Denver
- Traveling in a comfortable minibus or minivan
- Exploring the famous sights around Garden of the Gods
- Spend time walking the streets of Manitou Springs
- Driving Pikes Peak Highway to the summit
- Private experience with up to 14 guests
🚗 Looking for a more exclusive viewing of Pikes Peak? With almost all guests leaving 5-star reviews, this is the most popular private tour option that takes guests from Denver to Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. Along the way, you’ll discover the Garden of the Gods’ captivating sandstone formations, wander around the little town of Manitou Springs, and take in the picturesque views on your drive to the summit of Pikes Peak!
Not to mention, with this being a private tour, scheduling is much more flexible and customizable to what you want to see. Thus, if you want to avoid car rental hassles and opt for a personalized experience with only your group, check out this private tour to Pikes Peak!
“The best part of the trip was experiencing the summit of Pikes Peak. We also checked out Manitou Springs and walked around the Garden of the Gods. The tour guide was superb. He knew all about the history and natural features and was hilarious. He also has a great travel playlist. Tried and true tour guide. We loved it!”
– TINA M. (See More Reviews)
3. Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Tour From Denver
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 100+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 8.5 hours
The Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Tour From Denver includes:
- Accessible pick-up location near Denver’s Union Station
- Visiting inspiring landmarks around Garden of the Gods
- Driving the scenic Pikes Peak Highway to the top
- A sandwich lunch in the resort town of Manitou Springs
- Small group tour limited to 14 people
⛰️ Keen on spending extra time in the area? With near-perfect reviews, this is another tour to Pikes Peak that’s worth checking out. Much like the first tour I mentioned, this tour includes a convenient pick-up near Union Station. You’ll then have the opportunity to visit different spots around Garden of the Gods before journeying to Pikes Peak.
The difference is that this tour includes a sandwich lunch and gives you an extra 30 minutes for exploring! So, whether the first small-group tour option is completely booked or you don’t want to worry about figuring out lunch, consider this hassle-free tour!
“It was a wonderful day with Ernie! Garden of the Gods was beautiful and trip up to pikes peak was absolutely amazing!! Ernie was so knowledgeable and provided very tasty and large sandwiches!! I can’t recommend Ernie enough!”
– sheila A. (See More Reviews)
4. Private Tour to Pikes Peak & Garden of Gods
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 90+ % 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 8 hours
The Private Tour to Pikes Peak & Garden of Gods includes:
- Direct pick up from your housing accommodations in Denver
- Admiring the panoramic views from the top of Pikes Peak
- Spending an hour strolling through Garden of the Gods
- Roaming around Manitou Springs before heading home
- Personalized tour in a private vehicle
🌄 Looking for an alternate private tour option? Experience Colorado’s famous ‘fourteener,’ Pikes Peak, and the beauty of the surrounding Colorado Springs area on this private tour from Denver. First, you’ll be picked up directly from your housing in downtown Denver. Then, you’ll have time to marvel at the sweeping vistas from the summit of Pikes Peak, admire the sky-scraping sandstone formations in Garden of the Gods, and check out Manitou Springs! Again, with a private vehicle and personalized attention, this tour ensures an intimate, flexible, and memorable Colorado experience that’s great for families and first-time visitors!
“Steve picked us up at our hotel. We spent the day at Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak and Manitou Springs. The Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak are simply stunning scenery. Steve was personable, relating to each member of our group. We appreciated the pictures he took of us – and driving to these beautiful locations so we could just enjoy our day. Thanks, Steve!”
– Debra M. (See More Reviews)
5. Pikes Peak Regional Wonders Full Day Tour From Denver
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – almost all 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 9 hours
The Pikes Peak Regional Wonders Full Day Tour includes:
- Meeting point at Union Station in downtown Denver
- Travel up the gorgeous Pikes Peak Highway to the summit
- Lunch and free time to wander historic Manitou Springs
- Touring through the majestic Garden of the Gods park
- Water, snacks, and transit in a comfortable van
- Can accommodate up to 12 guests
🏔️ Ready to spend a full day exploring the area around Pikes Peak? If you’re looking for an extensive and comfortable tour to Pikes Peak from Denver, this is one of the longest available, ensuring a comprehensive experience. During the tour, you’ll travel along the stunning Pikes Peak Highway, taking in the sweeping views from the top. Then you’ll have some free time for lunch and walking around in historic Manitou Springs. Finally, to cap off the day, you’ll get up close and personal with the spectacular rock formations scattered through the Garden of the Gods park!
This is also one of the most affordable Pikes Peak tours from Denver available. Therefore, if you’re working on a tight budget, this is your best option!
“Definitely one of the highlights of our vacation in the Denver area. Will was very knowledgeable and a great guide. Very fun day!”
— Renee C. (See More Reviews)
Pikes Peak Tours from Denver Comparison
| Tour | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 🤠Tour #1 | 8 hrs | > Convenient meeting point near Denver’s Union Station > Visiting Garden of the Gods & 30 mins at Pikes Peak > Hour lunch stop in the charming town of Manitou Springs |
| 🚗Tour #2 | 8 hrs | > Direct Pick up from your housing accommodations in downtown > Explore Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs, Pikes Peak > Private tour that can accommodate up to 14 guests |
| ⛰️ Tour #3 | 8.5 hrs | > Meeting point near Union Station + included sandwich lunch > Exploring Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak & Manitou Springs > Small-group tour that can accommodate up to 14 guests |
| 🌄 Tour #4 | 8 hrs | > Easy pick-up from your housing accommodations in Denver > Visiting Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, & Manitou Springs > Private Tour with only your group! |
| 🏔️Tour #5 | 9 hrs | > Accessible meeting point at Denver’s Union Station > Discovering Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs, & Garden of the Gods > One of the most affordable small-group tours to Pikes Peak |
Tips for Visiting Pikes Peak
For a more enjoyable experience, here are some mistakes to avoid and general tips to keep in mind as you plan your Pikes Peak day trip from Denver!
- ⏰ Plan Ahead: Once you know your travel dates, book your Pikes Peak tour in advance as this incredible experience often fills up quickly.
- 🥶 Dress in Layers: Check the forecast and bring a warm coat or two!! My guide was wearing a parka and was all nice and toasty. Meanwhile, I only brought my Patagonia Nano puff jacket, and I was freezing my toes off!
- 💧 Stay Hydrated: High elevations can lead to dehydration and altitude sickness, so be sure to drink plenty of water. I even recommend some OTC medicine if you think you’ll get a headache.
- 😎 Bring Essentials: The restaurant food is ✨very overpriced✨. Save yourself some money by bringing your own fruit snacks, granola bars, sandwiches, etc. I also recommend packing basics like sunscreen, sunglasses, cash for tipping your guide, and your camera!
- 🚂 Cogwheel Railway: If you decide to take the cogwheel up, reserve your ticket at least a week in advance. They almost always sell out. And for the best views, I recommend you reserve a window seat on the 3-seater side!
Where to Stay in Denver
Unsure where to book your stay in Denver? Here are some recommendations for you to check out based on my research. They are all well-rated and conveniently located in downtown Denver. You can also explore options on a specific platform using the buttons below. Or to see housing accommodations with location in mind, try using this interactive map.
Low-Cost Stay
- Ember Hostel — Secure hostel with inviting atmosphere | ⭐️ 9.4 / 10
- Comfy rooms w/ in-bed outlets, storage, & privacy curtain
- Hilton Garden Inn Denver — Nice 3-star hotel | ⭐️ 7.6 / 10
- Near the convention center, has an on-site restaurant, & pet-friendly
Mid-Range Stay
- The Art Hotel Denver — Stylish 4-star hotel | ⭐️ 8.6 / 10
- Located near the Art Museum & tasty on-site restaurant!
- Hyatt Regency Denver — 4 star hotel with prime location | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
- Has a restaurant, bar, pool, gym, & self-parking available
Fancy Stays
- The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block — Upscale 4-star hotel | ⭐️ 9 / 10
- Near lots of restaurants downtown, comfy rooms, & fun atmosphere
- Four Season Hotel Denver — centrally located 5-star hotel | ⭐️ 9.4 / 10
- Spa service, outdoor pool, massive rooms & top-notch service!
Feel free to use the map below or click these buttons to head to your favorite booking platform and see additional housing options there.
Other Awesome Things to Do in Denver
If you’re staying in the city for a few days and looking for other awesome things to do in Denver, here are my top 7 recommendations! And they are basically from a local because my brother lives here, so yah girl visits often and gets all the insider tips. 😉
- Explore the Culinary Scene: For a fun foodie adventure, take this wildly popular 3-hour guided tour through 5 local restaurants serving award-winning dishes. You’ll eat authentic Neapolitan pizza and delectable empanadas, delve into Denver’s Wild West history, and see iconic landmarks like the baseball field and Union Station!
🍕✅ Check rates & availability for this epic food tour through Denver!
- Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge: Spot everything from deer and bison to prairie dogs and coyotes in their natural habitat at this expansive refuge! View location that’s 20 minutes outside of Denver.
- Denver Botanical Gardens: Observe a diverse array of beautiful plant life and marvelous outdoor art installations. You can grab your ticket here.
- Rocky Mountain National Park: Visit the closest National Park for unparalleled outdoor adventures, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and breathtaking mountain scenery 🙂 You can explore tour options here.
⛰️✅ Check rates & availability for this fantastic full-day tour to Rocky Mountain NP from Denver!
- Meow Wolf: Step into a surreal, immersive art experience at Meow Wolf, where visitors explore fantastical, interactive installations that make your head spin.
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science: Visit this crowd-favorite museum that sparks inspiration and curiosity through fascinating exhibits, interactive displays, and a planetarium.
- Ziplining: If you’re a thrill seeker like me, I recommend ziplining! You can soar along Colorado’s longest ziplines in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
🚀✅ Check rates & availability for this adrenaline-pumping adventure!
Pikes Peak Tours from Denver: FAQ
Pikes Peak tours range from $159 to ~$220 USD per person. That said, the private tour options can be on the pricey side if you only go with a couple of people instead of a larger group.
In my biased opinion, a Pikes Peak tour from Denver is well worth it! They’re great if you appreciate the convenience of a knowledgeable guide, desire a hassle-free experience, and want to admire the gorgeous panoramic views from the top of one of Colorado’s famous 14ers! Plus, most of the tours take you through the Garden of the Gods, which is equally incredible to see!
The best time to visit Pikes Peak is between May and October when the weather is milder. But, if you want to see the beautiful Aspen trees changing colors, I recommend going in the fall! Just remember, Pikes Peak is pretty cold no matter what time of the year you go.
Pikes Peak’s elevation stands at 14,115 feet (4,302 meters) above sea level.
On a relatively clear day, you can see Pikes Peak from Denver! The distinctive mountain peak is visible on the southwestern horizon, providing a stunning backdrop to the Denver skyline.
A guided tour is the easiest way to see Pikes Peak. This is because there are no public transportation options from Denver to Manitou Springs. Alternatively, you can explore at your own pace by renting a car and driving there. You can check car rental options with pick-up at the Denver International Airport here.
Wrap-Up: 5 Best Pikes Peak Tours from Denver (2024)
Visiting Pikes Peak is always an awe-inspiring adventure, and for those exploring Denver without private transportation, an amazing guided tour is the ultimate solution.
With the convenience of experienced guides and their wealth of knowledge, you can make the most of your time as you discover this iconic peak and its magnificent surroundings!
So, let the experts lead the way as you embark on an unforgettable journey to one of Colorado’s most breathtaking destinations! Because truly, it’s a must-visit beauty that everyone should witness at least once and the view is truly mighty fine from up top! 😉
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