Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak, at 14,115 ft, offers stunning mountain views, a scenic drive or railway to the summit, and inspired the song “America the Beautiful."

Pikes Peak, often called "America’s Mountain," is one of Colorado’s most iconic fourteeners, standing at 4,302 meters (14,115 feet) above sea level. Located near Colorado Springs, it’s the highest summit of the southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains and famously inspired the song "America the Beautiful." The peak offers sweeping, panoramic views that stretch across the plains and deep into the mountain ranges—on clear days, you can see as far as Kansas and New Mexico.

Visitors can reach the summit by driving the scenic Pikes Peak Highway, taking the historic cog railway, or hiking the challenging 21-km Barr Trail. The drive itself is an experience, with winding roads, dramatic drop-offs, and numerous viewpoints for photos and short walks. At the top, a modern Summit Visitor Center provides restrooms, interpretive exhibits, and the famous high-altitude donuts.

Pikes Peak holds both natural and cultural significance, attracting outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and history buffs alike. Whether you're chasing views, adventure, or a taste of alpine air, Pikes Peak is a must-see highlight in the Colorado Rockies. 

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Denver
Colorado State Capitol
The Colorado State Capitol is one of the most iconic and historic buildings in Denver, known for its huge gilded dome covered in genuine gold leaf.
Molly Brown House Museum
Once home to 'unsinkable Molly Brown, ' a survivor of the Titanic, this Denver stately home is now a museum about the life of the philanthropist and socialite.
Big Blue Bear
The Big Blue Bear is an iconic 40-foot-tall sculpture standing outside Colorado Convention Centre, depicting a curious blue bear peering into its glass façade.
US Mint, Denver
The U.S. Mint in Denver is one of only four active coin-producing mints in the country, offering a glimpse into the history and production of American currency.
Denver Art Museum
Known largely for its collection of Native American art, the museum's art collection consists of over 70,000 pieces.
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is a stunning natural park in Colorado Springs, known for its towering red rock formations, scenic trails, and geological wonders.

Related Tours

Discover Garden of the Gods: Private 6-hour Day Trip from Denver

Known as the Rocky Mountain State, Colorado boasts an incredible array of natural beauty, known for its dramatic mountain landscapes, remarkable diversity of ecosystems and distinctive geographical features, including the striking red rock formations at the Garden of the Gods. This National Natural Landmark offers a range of hiking trails with breathtaking views and is well worth a day trip from Denver. Our private excursion is a great way to discover the towering sandstone structures with comfortable private transport to the park and an experienced local guide to help you navigate the trail's stops with ease.

On our 6-hour private day trip, you will:

  • Journey from Denver to the stunning Garden of the Gods in a comfortable private vehicle;
  • Embark on an adventure tailored to your interests with convenient pick up and drop off from your hotel in central Denver;
  • Enjoy the undivided attention of your knowledgeable local driver-guide, well-versed in the geography and history of the state;
  • Take in the quintessential Colorado scenery as you drive along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains;
  • Learn about Colorado’s early inhabitants and how the gold rush transformed its fortunes;
  • Set out on a spectacular hike along easily accessible trails through the Garden of the Gods Park;
  • Get a closer look at the incredible geological formations to be found in the area, as well as the local flora and fauna;
  • See the beautiful snow-capped Pikes Peak and hear about its historical significance.

Escape the city and immerse yourself in Colorado’s natural beauty on this private 6-hour excursion from Denver to the spectacular landscapes of Colorado Springs and the Garden of the Gods. With round-trip transportation from your hotel in central Denver, you’ll travel in comfort with a knowledgeable local driver-guide who tailors the journey to your interests while offering engaging insight into the region’s dramatic history, geology, and culture.

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive south along the Rocky Mountain foothills, where sweeping views and storytelling bring the terrain to life. Along the way, you’ll learn how Colorado’s rugged beauty shaped its history, from the Indigenous peoples who first called the region home to the miners who flocked to Pikes Peak during the gold rush and the conservationists who strived to preserve its wild heart. A major highlight of your tour is Garden of the Gods, a surreal red-rock park where ancient sandstone formations thought to be over 300 million years old rise from the earth in stark contrast to the snow-dusted peaks behind them. Here, you’ll take a leisurely, guided hike through the park’s trails, getting up close to iconic formations like Balanced Rock and Kissing Camels. Your guide will explain the geological forces that shaped the land, highlight native plants and wildlife, and delve into the spiritual and cultural significance of the area.

From there, the tour ascends to new heights with a drive up the legendary Pikes Peak, the highest summit in Colorado’s Front Range. Whether you're gazing across the plains from the summit or winding up the mountain highway, the views are nothing short of unforgettable, and you'll hear the stories behind this iconic peak that inspired the popular song “America the Beautiful.” 

Depending on your preferences and timing, the day may also include a chance to explore the charming streets of Manitou Springs, an artsy mountain town nestled at the base of Pikes Peak, stroll through Colorado Springs, or visit landmarks such as the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Centre or the U.S. Air Force Academy.

This invigorating day trip provides a breath of fresh mountain air and is an ideal way to experience the soul of Colorado, where soaring mountains, ancient rocks, and historic towns come together to tell the story of the American West.

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