Unveiling the Majesty of a Pikes Peak Tour: A Guide to Gorges, Natural Wonders, and Water Experiences

LEARN MORE ABOUT A PIKES PEAK TOUR IN COLORADO

Pikes Peak, often referred to as “America’s Mountain,” stands in the Rocky Mountains near Colorado Springs, offering a blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and a host of outdoor activities. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a history buff, or someone seeking serene landscapes, Pikes Peak has something for everyone. This guide will walk you through the many attractions and experiences that await you and how our services can enhance your visit. A Pikes Peak tour in Colorado is something you and your family will remember for a lifetime. 

WHAT IS PIKES PEAK?

Rising to an elevation of 14,115 feet, Pikes Peak is one of Colorado’s most iconic landmarks. Located in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, this peak offers spectacular views that famously inspired Katharine Lee Bates to pen the song “America the Beautiful.” The surrounding region is perfect for nature lovers and adventurers, featuring various hiking trails, scenic drives, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Pikes Peak also hosts the annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, a thrilling motorsport event that attracts participants worldwide. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply looking to bask in the natural beauty, Pikes Peak has something to offer everyone.

WHAT NATURAL WONDERS CAN I FIND?

From towering heights to deep gorges and canyons, Pikes Peak offers a variety of natural wonders for you to explore. At Great Outdoors Adventures, we can help guide you through these natural wonders. Discover some of the outdoor marvels you can find in Pikes Peak: 

Gorges and Canyons

Explore the deep, captivating gorges and canyons that offer breathtaking views and a sense of adventure in Pikes Peak. Discover some of the gorges and canyons you can choose to explore: 

• Royal Gorge: Walk across the Royal Gorge Bridge, the highest suspension bridge in the United States, offering unparalleled views of the Arkansas River over 1,000 feet below. Don’t miss the chance to take a ride on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad for a unique perspective of the canyon.

• Cheyenne Cañon: Explore this natural wonder featuring waterfalls like Helen Hunt Falls, dramatic rock formations, and trails suitable for various skill levels. The Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center is a great starting point for your adventure.

Scenic Drives

For those who prefer to enjoy the stunning landscape from the comfort of their vehicles, the Pikes Peak Highway and Gold Camp Road offer scenic drives that shouldn’t be missed. You can choose from the following scenic drives: 

• Pikes Peak Highway: A 19-mile drive that takes you directly to the summit, with numerous lookout points along the way. Be sure to stop at the Crystal Reservoir for some fishing or a picnic and take in the panoramic views from Devil’s Playground.

• Gold Camp Road: This historic route offers stunning views and access to historic tunnels and bridges. Along the way, you can stop for short hikes or enjoy a picnic amidst the area’s natural beauty.

Hiking Trails

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a stroll, Pikes Peak has trails for everyone, each offering unique experiences and picturesque scenery. Learn more about Pikes Peak’s various trails: 

• Barr Trail: An intense 13-mile hike that takes you from the base to the summit of Pikes Peak. This trail is a challenge even for seasoned hikers, but the views from the top make it all worthwhile.

• Crags Trail: This less challenging 4.6-mile round-trip route offers beautiful views and unique rock formations. It is perfect for families or those looking for a moderate hike without the intense elevation gain of Barr Trail.

ARE THERE ANY WATER ACTIVITIES?

Water activities around Pikes Peak are as diverse as the landscape itself. From serene lakes to rushing rivers, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the top water adventures in and around Pikes Peak:

• Rafting: The Arkansas River, which runs through the Royal Gorge, offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the country. With rapids ranging from Class I to Class V, there are options for all experience levels.
• Kayaking: For a more intimate and challenging experience on the water, kayaking is a popular option among outdoor enthusiasts. The Clear Creek Whitewater Park in Idaho Springs is a great spot for both beginners and experienced kayakers.
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): Enjoy a peaceful paddle across one of the many scenic lakes in the Pikes Peak region. The Twin Lakes and Eleven Mile State Parks are popular spots for SUP activities.

• Fishing: With countless lakes, rivers, and streams in the area, Pikes Peak is a haven for fishing enthusiasts. From fly fishing to ice fishing in the winter months, there are plenty of opportunities to reel in some trout or salmon. Check out Colorado Friends & Family Fishing for a guided fishing trip!

• Boating: Boating on one of the many lakes is a great option for those looking for a more relaxed water adventure. Rent a pontoon boat at Rampart Reservoir or take a guided tour around Lake Dillon.

• Swimming: Take a refreshing dip at the Woodland Park Aquatic Center. This swimming pool has one of the best views of Pikes Peak in town! A must see escpecially if you have kids who love jumping in the water.

• Hot Springs: Unwind at SunWater Spa and soak in private cedar tubs. This spa is in the charming and historic town of Manitou Springs with a stunning view of mountains and an old fashioned down town.

WHAT CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Just at the bottom of Pikes Peak, you’ll find the charming town of Manitou Springs. Known for its mineral springs and artistic community. Before or after your outdoor adventure begins, we suggest exploring and learning more about the culture that’s found here. Consider exploring the following: 

• Art Galleries and Boutiques: Explore local art and handmade crafts.
• Cultural Festivals: Seasonal events showcasing music, art, and local traditions.
• Historical Sites: Visit the Miramont Castle and the Manitou Cliff Dwellings.

Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Experience a historic ride on the world’s highest cog railway. This unique journey offers stunning vistas as you ascend to the summit:

• Scenic Views: Panoramic views of Colorado’s landscape.
• Educational Narratives: Learn about the history and geology of the area during your ride.

WHAT HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE DOES PIKE PEAK HAVE?

Pikes Peak holds a rich history, from Native American heritage to pioneer times. This iconic mountain stands as a testament to the diverse cultures and stories that have shaped the region. Discover some of the history found at Pike Peak: 

• Pioneer Museum: Dive deep into the area’s pioneer history with fascinating exhibits and artifacts that paint a vivid picture of the early settlers’ lives and challenges.
• Ute Pass: Discover the significance of this historic pass, which served as a crucial route for the Ute people and early settlers. Learn about its role in trade, travel, and cultural exchanges that influenced the development of the region.

WHAT MAKES GREAT OUTDOORS ADVENTURES DIFFERENT?

Great Outdoors Adventures differs in several ways, ensuring a unique and hassle-free experience for all adventurers. You and your family can enjoy an adventure-filled getaway with our team. Learn what sets us apart: 

Self-Guided Option: Unlike most competitors, we offer customized GPS, delivering all necessary information and equipment directly to you. No need to stress about gathering gear, bringing gas, or cleaning up afterward—it’s all taken care of. Just grab a camera and hit the trails!

Convenient Locations: 

• Woodland Park: Rent a Jeep Gladiator or a Polaris Slingshot, perfect for those visiting high-traffic tourist areas.
• Westcreek: Year-round adventures in the latest Polaris UTVs that seat 2, 4, or 6 people in one vehicle.
• Lake George: Offers a rustic experience at a historic dude ranch with lodging and horseback riding.

Inclusivity: We welcome families and individuals of all ages and abilities. Recently, we customized an experience for an Accessible Adventures, demonstrating our dedication to providing accessible fun for people with physical disabilities and veterans. At Great Outdoors Adventures, we pride ourselves on serving diverse audiences and creating unforgettable memories for all.

WHAT ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE?

At Great Outdoors Adventures, we offer a variety of different tours for you, your family, or even larger groups/events. From our UTV rentals to a hunting trip, we’ve got you covered for your next great outdoor adventure. Here are some of our services you can choose from: 

• UTV Rentals
• Jeep Rentals
• Slingshot Rentals
• Group & Events

WHAT LOCAL CUISINE CAN WE ENJOY?

After a day of exploration, treat yourself to some local cuisine! This region offers family-friendly dining options that everyone is sure to enjoy. Explore some of the local cuisines you can enjoy: 

• Roys Crew BBQ
• Margaret’s Munchies 
• AJ’s Pizzeria
• Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant Woodland Park
• Sushi Thai Woodland Park

TOURING COLORADO’S NATURAL WONDERS WITH GREAT OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

Our team at Great Outdoors Adventures offers various rentals and experiences for you to enjoy at Pikes Peak. Enjoy hunting, water activities, and our guided scenic tour. We want our customers to experience an adventure for a lifetime. Contact us today to learn more about our services and begin your adventure today! 

UNLOCK AN ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME WITH A PIKES PEAK MAP

At Great Outdoors Adventures, we are all about safe and well-planned experiences. So, we created the best and most beautiful maps of the iconic Peak Peak region. Our maps can serve as a guide for trail riding, scenic driving, hiking, biking, camping, hunting, exploring public lands, and historic areas.

Would you like to know exactly where you are on the map? A “smart” version of this map is available through the Avenza PDF Maps app. The app saves the map to your phone, so you always have access to it and your GPS location, even if you don’t have cell phone service. The app can also be used to record GPS tracks, points, and plot the locations of GPS-tagged photos. The Avenza Maps app is free, but you’ll have to purchase the map itself. The app features an online map store, where you can find Great Outdoors Maps and a variety of other downloadable maps. This app will keep you on the right trails, having fun, and safely exploring public lands!

Great Outdoors Adventures Maps

• Pikes Peak & Tarryall – Lake George – Eleven Mile 2022
• Divide & Woodland Park Trail Maps 2024
• Woodland Park Hike & Bike Map 2020
• Rampart Range Trails 2024

Thank you for reading GOA’s blog. We hope you enjoy a fantastic Pikes Peak Tour!