Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods tour from Denver

The Pikes Peak Tour begins in Denver and shows you the beauty to be found in the state of Colorado. This day-long trip includes the Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak and a drive through historic Manitou Springs.

The first thing you will notice about the Garden of the Gods is the variety of red, pink and white sandstone rock formations. The beauty of these ancient geological formations has amazed people for centuries. On your tour, there will be ample time for you to explore the many photo opportunities as you examine formations with names like Balanced Rock, Cathedral Spires and Steamboat Rock.

The next stop on the itinerary is the majestic view from the top of Pikes Peak. This peak was also known as Sun Mountain by the Ute people and El Capitan by Spanish explorers, but it was later named after the explorer Zebulon Pike. It is also known as America's Mountain because the magnificent vista at the top inspired the lyrics of “America, the Beautiful.” The mountain stands at 14,115 feet and is the tallest mountain in the southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. As you stand at the summit, you will have a beautiful view of Colorado Springs and the rest of the Rocky Mountain range. With the right conditions, you will see for miles, enjoying all the natural beauty.

After descending from the mountain, the tour continues in Manitou Springs, a small resort town to the west of Colorado Springs. The town was founded in the late 1800s to be a health spa centered on the eight natural mineral springs in the area. The hope was that it would attract visitors much like Saratoga Springs back east. Today, this quaint town serves as the home base for the Manitou and Pikes Peak cog railway.

Once you have enjoyed the sights of Manitou Springs, it will be time to head back to Denver. As the sun sets over the western Rockies, your tour of the natural wonders of Colorado will come to a close. You can trust that it will be a day to remember!