The Day Trip From Denver
The drive
The park’s directions and parking page gives “approximately 1.5 hours south of Denver via I-25”, and Visit COS gives about 70 miles. From Denver International Airport, Colorado Springs is 75 miles on I-25, per the park’s site. Traffic on I-25 changes the time; in 2026 overnight lane closures on southbound I-25 at the Garden of the Gods Road interchange began on August 19, per the Colorado Department of Transportation. The getting there page covers the address and the approach.
What the day can include
The park on its own takes 90 minutes to 2 hours, or 20 to 30 minutes for a drive-through (Visit COS). With about three hours spent on I-25, a day plan from Denver can add one or more stops:
- Manitou Springs: next to the park, with free mineral springs, Miramont Castle and Cave of the Winds. See the Manitou Springs page.
- Pikes Peak by the highway: 19 miles, 2 to 3 hours round trip; a timed-entry permit applies past Mile 7 from May 22 to September 30, 2026.
- Pikes Peak by the Cog Railway: about 3 hours round trip from Manitou Springs.
- Other sights nearby: Seven Falls, Helen Hunt Falls and Red Rock Canyon Open Space. See things to do nearby.
A park visit plus Manitou Springs keeps the day short; adding Pikes Peak fills it. The one-day page has sample plans.
The park at the end of the drive
Garden of the Gods has been a National Natural Landmark since 1971 and, per the city, draws over 4 million visitors a year. Its sandstone formations stand upright against the foothills, with Pikes Peak behind them, and the paved Perkins Central Garden Trail runs among them. Entry, parking and the Visitor & Nature Center are free. The is it worth it page covers what a visit includes, and the is it free page explains the free status.
The tour from Denver
The From Denver: Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Guided Tour is the one product on this site that starts in Denver. According to its listing:
- 8.5 hours, a small group limited to 12.
- Meets in front of the Blue Bear sculpture outside the Colorado Convention Center main entrance, 700 14th St, Denver; hotel pickup and drop-off also appears under includes, so confirm pickup when booking.
- Garden of the Gods, then up to the Pikes Peak summit, a drive through Manitou Springs and the return to Denver.
- Includes a guide, entrance fees, round-trip transport, lunch and water refills.
- Not suitable for children under 8; no pets.
- If the summit is closed by weather or road closures, the bus goes to the highest point possible.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, for a full refund.
Ian, from the United Kingdom, mentioned an engaging guide and the scenery at both places. Katie, from the United States, wrote that the group reached the summit despite the weather and had walks at both places. Katharina, from Belgium, described a knowledgeable guide happy to share information. The close-up has the full listing, and the tours from Denver page explains the options.
The Pikes Peak Highway’s own health advice applies on the Denver tour too: people with a history of severe heart or breathing problems are advised not to go to the summit.
Frequently asked questions
Is Garden of the Gods worth the drive from Denver?
The park is about 1.5 hours away and free; adding Manitou Springs or Pikes Peak makes a full day. See is it worth it.
How far is Garden of the Gods from Denver?
About 70 miles (Visit COS), about 1.5 hours via I-25 (park site).
Is there a tour from Denver?
One product: 8.5 hours with Garden of the Gods, the Pikes Peak summit and Manitou Springs, per its listing. See the close-up.
How far is the Denver airport from Colorado Springs?
75 miles on I-25, per the park’s site.