Being the farthest east of the large Rocky Mountain peaks, Pikes Peak ended up becoming a Gold Rush icon in the 1800’s. Clocking in at a whopping 14,000 feet, its peak represents the American West well.

The red rock formations around it make it one of the top spots in Colorado for escaping the city noise and crowds. If you’re looking to do the same, we highly recommend it! Without further ado, here are the top tours of Pikes Peak from Denver available.

Be sure to see our reviews of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Best Pikes Peak Tours

	Small Group Tour of Pikes Peak & the Garden of the Gods	Private Pikes Peak Country Tour from Denver	Pikes Peak Regional Wonders full day tour from Denver
Departure Point:	1747 Wynkoop St , 1747 Wynkoop St	Pickup and drop-off included	Denver Union Station , 1701 Wynkoop St
Departure Time:	9:45 am	9 am	8:15 am
Duration:	8 hours	8 hours	9 hours
Includes:	Bottled water, local taxes, fuel surcharge, park admission	Transport by private vehicle, private tour, bottled water, snacks, local taxes, fuel surcharge, driver/guide	Local Driver/Guide, commentary on board, pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, transportation, water refills
	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking

Quick Answer: The 5 Best Guided Tours of Pikes Peak from Denver

1. Small Group Tour of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods from Denver
2. Private Pikes Peak Country Tour from Denver
3. Pikes Peak Regional Wonders full day tour from Denver
4. Private Colorado Springs Tour: Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak
5. Private Tour to Pikes Peak Garden of Gods

Pikes Peak Tour Reviews

1. Small Group Tour of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods from Denver

First off, we have the Small Group Tour for Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods from Denver. This 8-hour tour is a great deal and will take you through little charming mountain towns, to the towering peaks and interesting rock formations. With incredibly friendly, experienced, and fun guides, this is sure to be a great time!

This one starts a bit later in the day, in comparison to most others on our guide. You’ll meet up at Union Station at 9:45 am with the rest of your group so you’ll have time to fit in some breakfast beforehand and still get to sleep in a bit.

Make sure to take a look at the weather beforehand, as it can get a bit chilly or even rainy during the warmer months. Your guides will also know about the predicted weather conditions, but it’s always good to be on top of things.

Also bring some great walking shoes with good traction for different types of surfaces! The day is very well planned out, and you’ll first head to Garden of the Gods, where you’ll have about 40 minutes to walk around at your pace. Your guide will also offer very informative commentary about the history of the area.

After working up an appetite, you’ll head over for an hour-long lunch stop at Manitou Springs. Located just outside Colorado Springs, it’s known for its rich land, street performers, art, and boutiques.

After refueling, you’ll then drive up to Pikes Peak, which famously inspired “America the Beautiful”. Seeing the top of the mountain is simply incredible, offering amazing views.

The scenic drive is quite impressive, but actually hopping out and seeing it up close and personal is even better.  Your guide will give you some time for plenty of photo stops and knows all the best spots for taking them.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

2. Private Pikes Peak Country Tour from Denver

This next tour is a bit more “complete”, including extras like bottled water, snacks, and an entirely private tour. The Private Pikes Peak Country Tour from Denver is a great excursion full of natural beauty, local culture, and a ton of interesting stories and lessons from your guide!

All that, and you have a small group size that makes for more attention from your guide and a more customized experience. If you’ve never been to the Rocky Mountains before, you’re in for a real treat.

The tour starts with them picking you up at your Denver hotel in a comfortable, private vehicle. Just about anything you need, they’ll have it available for you, too!

The first destination of the day is Garden of the Gods, which boasts enormous red rocks emerging from the ground to create some type of other-worldly environment.

You’ll essentially be witnessing 300 million years of geological history here. After walking around and learning about Garden of the Gods, you’ll make your way to downtown Manitou Springs.

This charming little place is full of nice locals, great shopping and art, and delicious food! It only makes sense to take a nice little break for some lunch before going over to Pikes Peak.

If weather allows, you and your group will all head up to the summit. Luckily, if you don’t consider yourself much of a hiker, the summit is accessible by vehicle and your guide will expertly maneuver you all up to the top. All the while, they’ll be offering up entertaining stories and informative lectures on the area.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

3. Pikes Peak Regional Wonders full day tour from Denver

This one is pretty similar to the other two we’ve covered so far, but the order of stops is basically reversed. The Pikes Peak Regional Wonders Full Day Tour from Denver is just slightly longer than the others, at 9 hours instead of 8. If you want to escape the crowds and get in some fresh air, led by a knowledgeable, professional guide the whole time.

You’ll start things out at the beautiful Union Station located in downtown Denver. No matter where your hotel is located, the station is pretty easy to access.

Your vehicle is a spacious, 15-passenger touring van with padded seats and air-conditioning. From the very beginning, you can tell how knowledgeable your guide is and how serious they take their job.

The ride out there is really quite beautiful, and the large windows of the van make it great for taking some videos along the way. Head to Colorado Springs, where you’ll have plenty of time to check out the surrounding Pikes Peak area.

The entrance fees are included to Pikes Peak, where your driver/guide will take you all up to the more than 14,000-foot summit! It’s just as stunning as when Katherine Lee Bates was inspired by it to write “America the Beautiful over 100 years ago.

After you have time to explore the area to your liking, you’ll go down to Manitou Springs, which is also a solid tourist destination. Take some time to enjoy a locally-sourced lunch and get in some great shopping. There are plenty of galleries and boutique shops with art made by local artists. Make sure to try the 1000-year-old soda water mineral springs or check out the penny arcade!

You’ll then drive on over to Garden of the Gods for some more natural beauty of another kind. Here are enormous rock formations over millions of years old. It commands attention, and we’re sure you’ve never encountered anything like this area before!

Make sure to see their visitor and nature center, because there are some pretty educational and interesting exhibits there.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

4. Private Colorado Springs Tour: Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak

Next up, we bring you the Private Colorado Springs Tour: Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. The title pretty much says it all, but it is a bit longer than the other tours we’ve covered so far. Clocking in around 9 to 10 hours, you’ll get to relax and take in some of the best Mother Nature has to offer and see some of the most famous landmarks in the country.

With hotel pickup and drop-off available in Denver, you won’t have to worry about allotting extra time and transportation to get to a meeting point. Just head down to your hotel lobby in the morning, and the private vehicle will be there to help board you and the rest of your small group.

What we loved about this tour was how open the guides were to suggestions, and how knowledgeable they are about the areas. It’s not out of the ordinary for them to suggest additional stops at other cool places if time allows for it.

They try their best to accommodate your requests, and with the small group size you can expect a more personalized experience anyway.

Head first to Garden of the Gods, where your guide will take you all through the red rock formations. After they tell you all about them and you walk around, you’ll then walk over to the Visitor Center which holds all kinds of fascinating exhibits which will give you further insight into why this area is so special.

You’ll then see the Broadmoor Golf Courses located at the sophisticated Broadmoor Hotel. Oh, it’s much more than looks, though. It’s simply iconic and known for various movie starts and US presidents resting their heads here. After taking a tour, you’ll head to Manitou Springs for a cowboy lunch and some shopping and strolling around.

Then, you have the legendary Pikes Peak. Your guide will drive you up to the very top of the second most-climbed mountain park on the planet. It’s been the inspiration for various pieces of American art, and you’ll absolutely see why.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

5. Private Tour to Pikes Peak Garden of Gods

We wouldn’t be doing our guide justice if we didn’t include the Private Tour to Pikes Peak Garden of Gods. This 8-hour adventure is perfect if you want a completely personalized experience, as the groups top out at just 5 people. It’s like having a local friend drive you around and show you some of the most stunning places in the state!

If you are looking to go with a partner, friends, or your family, it’s one of the best options out there due to the small group size as well.

If you’re a first-time visitor, it comes highly recommended due to the incredible attention from the guide, the convenience of having someone drive you there, and of course all of the interesting stories your guide will tell you about.

Stop first at Garden of the Gods, which will surely blow your mind with its over 300-foot, natural skyscrapers, a.k.a., the red sandstone rock formations jutting out from the ground. Take some time to walk around, and wrap your mind around just how old these guys are!

Then, head indoors to the visitor’s center and see a different aspect with their varied exhibits.

You’re well-deserving of a delicious lunch after all that exploring, so walk around the gorgeous, charming Manitou Springs. Here, you’ll have plenty of time to eat some local dishes and do some shopping for souvenirs and/or art pieces.

Then, you’ll make your way to the beautiful Pikes Peak and the summit. The views from up there are jaw-dropping, with picturesque vistas for miles and miles. Your guide will take you on different trails, with the sound of crowds and the city nowhere to be found.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

Denver Tour Guide

Getting There –

Getting to Denver from within the US is very easy and with so many different options, you’re sure to find something that works for you.

Air – Did you know that Denver International Airport is the 3^rd-busiest airport in the US if you can believe it! With a whopping 24 airlines operating in and out of it, no matter where you’re located you’ll find a good route. Not only that, but their airport makes it easy to get to the city center with the public train that has a stop there. There are always cabs and rideshares available, too.

Amtrak – The California Zephyr line actually makes a stop right in the center of Denver, at their beautiful Union Station. Running daily, they start in San Francisco but make stops in various other cities around the US.

Car – Driving to Denver is possible from anywhere within the continental US, and for those located on the Western side of the country is quite easy to do. Thanks to its somewhat-central location within the west, driving may be a preferable option for some travelers.

Getting Around –

Getting around Denver is also very easy. In fact, we’d be willing to bet that it has some of the best public transportation in the country.

Driving – If you’re going to drive to Denver, that’s not a problem. Driving here is very easy, and we noticed that there isn’t usually too much traffic. The streets are well-maintained, even in the older neighborhoods. They’re wide, and the drivers overall are respectful. However, parking downtown is very expensive, so if you’re going to be traveling around this area you may want to explore other options.

Buses – The city has over a thousand city buses with more than an impressive 10,000 local stops in 8 different counties. If you’re looking to head to the airport or suburbs to/from downtown, grabbing a bus is probably the easiest way. They make getting to just about any part of Denver a breeze, and we found the buses clean and well-maintained and they run 365 days a year!

Light Rail – The light rail, part of Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD), consists of 12 different lines that cross not only Denver, but Boulder and some other areas! While it does depend on the specific line, day, and time of day, you can expect each train to run every 15 to 30 minutes. Make sure to check the schedules and routes online – also to see the fees as they do vary.

Scooters – Electric scooters have exploded in popularity over the last few years, and are currently one of the most popular way that locals navigate Denver. They’re meant to be used in the bike lane, and can go pretty fast! You’ll see both Lyft and Lime scooters all over the city, usually available for around 30 cents a minute. If traveling short distances, it’s a nice alternative to walking and will get you where you need to go faster.

Lyft/Uber/Taxi – These are all available all over Denver, but they can add up quickly if you’re just relying on them or if you’re traveling longer distances. However, for the times when the light rail or bus isn’t available it’s a great option to have.

Where to Stay –

The great thing about Denver is that there really is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a busy city life that never stops, or quiet, calm suburbs, you can find that here.

Union Stations/Lower Downtown – If it’s your first time in Denver, or if you really want to see as much as possible, we highly recommend staying in lower downtown. Thanks to Union Station reopening in 2014, it makes traveling anywhere around the city a breeze. Oh, and if you love checking out incredible restaurants, boutiques, and bars, then this is the place to be. However, it is a bit more expensive than the rest of the city.

Five Points/RiNo – This neighborhood is just north of Union Station, making it still very conveniently located. This one is almost like the “Brooklyn” of Denver, with all kinds of trendy clubs, breweries, and interesting food options like markets are available. If you’re a foodie or super into nightlife, you may just prefer it over lower downtown. However, it is notably noisy on the weekends due to loud music coming from bars.

Cherry Creek – Do you like luxury? Then Cherry Creek is hard to beat. It’s known for luxe residential units, massive shopping complexes, and wide streets that are perfect for strolling around. Not to mention, it’s overall quiet and you won’t have to deal with struggling to find parking. However, it’s not close to much of anything else and if you aren’t driving you’ll definitely have to grab an Uber/Lyft everywhere.

Central Business District – If you’re heading here for business or a convention, you may find this the best area to stay in. Skyscrapers, shuttles, the Denver Convention Center, and all kinds of events are found here. However, if you’re into nightlife you’ll likely find this option a bit boring as once business hours are over it goes quiet.

Capitol Hill – Why does it feel like every neighborhood named Capitol Hill is like this one? Older, beautiful residential homes, contrasting more “edgy” areas like tattoo parlors, liquor stores, and bars are what this one boasts. It’s known to be a bit more “hipster” and is awesome if you’re looking for an entertaining area to stay on a budget. Not only that, is it’s still quite close to downtown and the CBD.

Restaurants and Eating Out –

If you’re a foodie, you’re sure to enjoy the Mile High City. Let’s break things down by meal so you have a better idea of what Denver has to offer your taste buds.

Breakfast – There are a ton of people who have moved to Denver from Mexico, and that’s evident in the local cuisine. El Taco de Mexico is simply the best if you’re recovering from a long plane ride or a long night. Their egg-and-chorizo burritos are serious lifesavers! Other great options are the huevos con machaca and La Machaca de Mi Amá. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try a red bean bun with a matcha latte at Tokyo Premium Bakery. We’re also big fans of “Onefold”, which is sublimely “Denver” with their Bacon Fried Rice bowls, and all kinds of meat-heavy to veggie options.

Lunch – Listen, we’re going to recommend Mexican food in Denver, no matter what the meal is. So, aside from Kiké’s Red Tacos, Denver also has some great pizza (of all different styles!). For Neapolitan, try Marco’s Coal-Fired, or White Pie for Connecticut Style. If you’re trying to stick to a healthier diet, we love The Turtle Boat! Delicious poke always seems super fresh here, and you can indulge without the extra calories or feeling sluggish afterward. We can’t recommend the frybread and curry at Tocabe if you’re really feeling hungry!

Dinner – Inspired by the NYC neighborhood, Greenwich is trendy, and your ultimate “hipster” dining spot. Pizza with Brussels sprouts, bacon marmalade, and lemon relish are just some notable details we really liked. However, their cocktails are unique, “crafty”, and pair perfectly with their dishes. For an interesting take on Mexican food, check out Cantina Loca. From their perfectly-sweet pulque to cactus tempura, you’re sure to find something here you haven’t tried before. Three Saints Revival is a pan-Mediterranean spot, “celebrating old and new world wines”. Despite being beverage-forward, it’s great for grabbing some pork belly with saffron-pickled apples or scallops.

Nightlife and Entertainment –

Denver has a pulsing, lively nightlife and you can find just about anything here.

Bars – If you’re going downtown, you have to check out their bars. 54thirty Rooftop and Le Mèridien Hotel are both some of the top options, with amazing views high up of the city. The open-air spots make them ultra-busy during the warmer months and are perfect to start off the night with. Howl at The Moon is a blast, and people here are looking to really party and have a good time.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a calmer, casual spot, check out Appaloosa Grill which throws it back to the American west. Oh, and we can’t forget Union lodge No.1, which is great for a date, as it’s an intimate speakeasy with strong, 19^th-century-inspired cocktails.

Clubs – Denver has some of the best clubs in the country, especially if you’re into electronic music. Glow Lounge is beautiful and overall such a good vibe. With the glowing parts of the venue, it is great to dance a bit here and meet some locals as everyone seems so friendly and in a good mood. If you’re just looking to dance and don’t have a particular genre in mind, “Your Mom’s House” has everything from jazz and soul to techno and house, to Latin and Reggae.

Temple Nightclub is known for having some of the best DJs in the world (mostly mainstream/EDM). SoCo Nightlife District consists of 6 popular venues: The Church, Club Vinyl, City Hall, Milk Bar, Living Room, and Bar Standard. They all take production and talent seriously, and you’re sure to have a good time here. Oh, and there are plenty of underground warehouse events going around the city if you’re into techno!

Breweries – Denver is a hotbed of supreme breweries, and you’d be remiss to skip them! Wynkoop has been around for over 30 years, and was started by one of the state’s former governors and mayors. They offer all kinds of obscure flavors like green chiles and gummy bears.

Blue Moon is global now, but it started right here in 1995. It’s calm, and the crowd tends to lean slightly older. Cerebral Brewing is more “sterile” in both the looks and the approach to their brewing. However, the result is delicious, from all kinds of sours to a rich imperial coffee stout. TRVE looks kind of like a cave, and is a great place for hanging out for hours and trying delicious brews like oak-fermented saisons and cultured sours. Make sure to grab their signature fried chicken sandwich, too!

Weather –

Denver is a city that definitely gets seasons – seasons which can have a great effect on what you plan on doing. If you like the warmth, we recommend going from the beginning of June to the middle of September, where the daily average is around 80 degrees.

The colder months is from mid-November to the beginning of March, where it can definitely snow and be outright frigid. However, September and October and March/April are nice jacket weather where it’s neither too cold nor too hot.

Attractions –

Union Station – If you’re going to be in the area, make sure to check the station out. In 2014 it underwent a massive restoration, turning it into a cultural and entertainment hub. The Mercantile Dining and Terminal Bar are favorites, along with some bookstores, a hotel, and of course the convenience of having the rail, Amtrak, and shuttle bus station right there.

Denver Art Museum – The building alone is worth going to see, and looks like a fortress! The large gallery space inside showcases art from Asian, Indigenous North American, Alaska Native, European, and American art before 1900.

History Colorado Center – This is a newer attraction, but is great if you want to learn more about Denver and the state. It covers its history through technology and hands-on exhibits that are fun for kids and adults, alike.

Confluence Park – Founded originally as a gold mining camp, this beautiful park is great to walk or ride around. If you’re looking to get some fresh air, it’s fun for taking a picnic or a cup of coffee and just enjoying the day. Not to mention, you can take the Platte River Trolley to the Downtown Aquarium!

Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park – This is the only waterpark in all of the country located downtown. Surprisingly, they’ve managed to fit in over 50 rides, including rollercoasters and plenty of wet rides!

Coors Field – Even if you aren’t a huge baseball fan, checking out an MLB game here is a great way to spend an evening. Grab a hotdog, beer, and have fun with the local fans.

Cherry Creek Shopping – Boasting over 500 stores, boutiques, galleries, and more, you can easily spend all day here. If you’re looking to buy a souvenir or treat yourself, this is the place to do it.

Rocky Mountain National Park – If you don’t mind going a few hours north, you should take a tour of Rocky Mountain National Park. This is one of the most scenic parks in the country with beautiful mountains, lakes and abundant wildlife.

Tips –

1. Denver isn’t called the “Mile-High City” for nothing. It really is very high in altitude, and if you aren’t used to it it can really ruin your time. Make sure to drink plenty of water before and during your trip. Also eat foods high in potassium. The extra hydration and potassium will help your body better acclimate to the higher altitude.
2. Make sure to bring a jacket. While Denver is not located in the mountains, the weather can be quite finicky. Not to mention, when you’re going to Rocky Mountain National Park, you are going to be up in the mountains, which can have completely different weather than Denver.
3. Be respectful of nature. Colorado is a state that really values its wilderness and wildlife, and it’s important to follow outdoor etiquette.