The Day Trip From Denver
In short: From Denver: Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Guided Tour lasts 8.5 hours in English, in a small group limited to 12. It meets in front of the Blue Bear sculpture outside the Colorado Convention Center main entrance, 700 14th St, Denver. Its itinerary gives Garden of the Gods, the Pikes Peak summit and a drive through Manitou Springs, and the listing includes lunch, entrance fees and round-trip transport.
What it is
A guided full day from downtown Denver to the Pikes Peak region and back. Denver is about 70 miles from the park, per Visit Colorado Springs, and about 1.5 hours via I-25, per the park, so a good part of the day is on the road. The listing also lists hotel pickup and drop-off among its inclusions; confirm pickup when booking.
The day, as the listing gives it
- Denver: departure from the Blue Bear sculpture, 700 14th St.
- Garden of the Gods: the red rock park, free to enter.
- The Pikes Peak summit: 14,115 ft. If weather or road closures shut the summit, the bus goes to the highest point possible, per the listing.
- Manitou Springs: a drive through the town.
- Return to Denver.
What it adds to a free park
Garden of the Gods costs nothing to enter; the Pikes Peak Highway charges admission. This listing covers the entrance fees, the transport from Denver, lunch and a guide, which removes the drive down I-25 and up the highway. The listing states: "Pikes Peak Highway is open year-round". Pikes Peak rises to 14,115 ft (14,110 ft is an older figure still seen on some signs). The Pikes Peak Highway is 19 miles long and open year-round, weather permitting, according to the city's Pikes Peak Highway page. In 2026, vehicles going past Mile 7 need a timed-entry permit from May 22 to September 30, as reported by the Gazette, and an admission fee applies. Worth the drive from Denver covers the self-drive version.
Who it suits, and who should look elsewhere
Suits
- Visitors staying in Denver without a car.
- Visitors who want the park and the Pikes Peak summit in one day, with lunch included.
- Visitors who prefer a small group: the listing limits it to 12.
Look elsewhere if
- Children under 8: the listing states that it is not suitable.
- Travellers with pets: the listing does not allow them.
- Anyone who wants more time in the park itself: the listing gives it as one stop in 8.5 hours. Garden of the Gods in one day sets out a longer visit.
- Anyone with a history of severe heart or breathing problems. The Pikes Peak Highway's own health advice tells people with a history of severe heart or breathing problems not to go to the summit, and not to take infants under 6 months; who should not go up Pikes Peak sets it out.
Included, and not stated
Included
- Guide
- Round-trip transport from Denver
- Entrance fees
- Lunch
- Water refills
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (confirm when booking)
Not stated
- Time at each stop: not stated in the listing
- Wheelchair access: not stated in the listing
What travellers mention
Katharina from Belgium describes a knowledgeable guide who was happy to share information. Roopa from the United States calls the day lively and fun. Ian from the United Kingdom mentions an engaging guide and the scenery at both places, and Katie from the United States says the group reached the summit despite the weather and had walks at both places.
Practical notes
Start times: check the calendar in the booking widget. The listing asks travellers to bring a camera, comfortable clothes and a reusable bottle for the water refills. Summer afternoon storms can form within minutes at Garden of the Gods, and temperatures can drop 20 degrees or more, according to the park. Tours from Denver covers the options.
The meeting point is the Blue Bear sculpture outside the Colorado Convention Center main entrance; confirming hotel pickup at booking settles which applies.
Two alternatives
Pikes PeakPikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Jeep Tour
Private optionColorado Springs: Garden of the Gods Luxury Jeep Tour
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Denver tour meet?
In front of the Blue Bear sculpture outside the Colorado Convention Center main entrance, 700 14th St, Denver, according to the listing. Hotel pickup and drop-off also appear under the inclusions, so confirm pickup when booking.
Is lunch included on the Denver tour?
Yes. The listing includes lunch, entrance fees, round-trip transport, a guide and water refills.
What happens if the Pikes Peak summit is closed?
If weather or road closures shut the summit, the bus goes to the highest point possible, according to the listing.
How far is Garden of the Gods from Denver?
About 70 miles, per Visit Colorado Springs, and about 1.5 hours via I-25, per the park. Worth the drive from Denver covers the trip.