Pikes Peak by road

About this experience

You meet at the Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St in Denver, at the main entrance in front of the Blue Bear, per the listing. The day runs about 8.5 hours in a small group of up to 12, with a guide who tells the story of the city on the drive south. First comes the Garden of the Gods: red, pink and white sandstone, with Balanced Rock and the Kissing Camels to find.

Then the bus climbs Pikes Peak by the Pikes Peak Highway to the summit for the view over Colorado Springs and the Front Range. The City of Colorado Springs describes the Pikes Peak Highway as 19 miles of mountain terrain, open year-round, weather permitting. This tour goes up by road, not by the cog railway, so there is no train on this day. If you want to ride the rails to the top, the private Cog Railway tour includes the tickets. On the way down you drive through Manitou Springs before heading back to central Denver.

Included, per the listing: the guided tour, entrance fees, round-trip transport, lunch and water refills. Not included: tips and hotel pickup, as everyone meets at the Convention Center. The listing says that if weather or a road closure keeps the summit out of reach, the bus goes as high as possible. It is not suitable for children under 8. A friendly tip: bring a jacket even in July, since the summit is far colder than Denver.

• The Pikes Peak summit at 14,115 feet, by the Pikes Peak Highway
• Balanced Rock and the Kissing Camels in the Garden of the Gods
• Lunch, entrance fees and water refills included
• A drive through Manitou Springs on the way down
• A small group of up to 12 with a guide
• One meeting point by the Blue Bear in downtown Denver

How the day runs

1. StartColorado Convention Center

   Meet at the main entrance in front of the Blue Bear, 700 14th St. Check the start time for your date.

2. First stopGarden of the Gods

   Photo stops among the sandstone formations, including Balanced Rock and the Kissing Camels.

3. MiddayLunch

   Lunch is included, per the listing.

4. The climbPikes Peak Highway

   The bus drives the highway to the 14,115-foot summit for the view over Colorado Springs and the ranges beyond.

5. Way downManitou Springs

   A drive through the small resort town west of Colorado Springs.

6. FinishBack to Denver

   The tour ends back in central Denver.

What's included

Who it suits

What guests say

Tips before you book

• Bring a camera, comfortable clothes and a reusable water bottle, as the listing suggests. Refills are included.
• Altitude is real at 14,115 feet. Drink water, take it slowly at the top and tell your guide if you feel unwell.
• The Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center opened in 2021 at the top, and the Cog Railway says it serves the only donuts made above 14,000 feet.
• The Cog Railway's schedule page says the aspens begin to turn in late September and run through mid-October.
• Torn between the road and the rails? Our Pikes Peak Cog Railway guide compares the bus tour with the cog.

Read next:

• Pikes Peak Cog Railway
• Best train rides in Colorado

Frequently asked questions

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