Garden of the Gods: Day Trips and Tours from Denver

The colossal red-stone features of the Garden of the Gods create an inspiring landscape that perfectly captures the serenity of Colorado. This national natural landmark is one of the most beautiful places in Colorado and makes for the perfect day trip from Denver.

Wander through the mesmerizing geological features while the snow-capped Pikes Peak keeps watch in the distance on day trip to Garden of the Gods from Denver. It is a place where you can disconnect and stand in awe of the raw beauty of nature.

Here's all you need to know about Garden of the Gods, one of the most exciting day trips from Denver.

How to get to the Garden of the Gods from Denver?

The Garden of the Gods is in West Colorado Springs, south of Denver.

From Denver to the Garden of the Gods by car

The drive from Denver to the Garden of the Gods is 112 kilometers and takes just over an hour. You will drive directly south from Denver on the I-25 S and continue into Colorado Springs. Take Exit 145 and follow the signs to reach the visitors center.

Guided tour to the Garden of the Gods from Denver

For a hassle-free day trip to the Garden of the Gods, book a guided excursion. Your tour operator will take care of all the logistics and you can sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery without worrying about navigation and an itinerary.

What is the typical itinerary?

An excursion to the Garden of the Gods takes you to several scenic spots and every moment of your 8-hour tour will be filled with beautiful scenery and endearing locations. The tour generally starts around 9:30 AM with pickup from Union Station or from your hotel if you book a private tour.

You will set off southwards to the Garden and enjoy a little over an hour of free time to walk around the garden, take pictures at the Balanced Rock and explore the visitors center to learn about the unique geological features of the park.

When hunger starts to set in you will head off to the historic town of Manitou Springs to enjoy lunch at one of the charming restaurants in the town center. Next, you head back into nature on the Pikes Peak Highway to stand on the highest summit of the southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains.

This iconic pass has several hairpin bends and a lookout point where you can see to the edge of the earth and beyond. You will have plenty of time to take pictures at the summit and soak in the never-ending beauty before heading back to Denver.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Garden of the Gods?

Choose a tour that suits your traveling style and budget for an unforgettable day trip to the Garden of the Gods.

Guided tours to the Garden of the Gods from Denver

A guided day tour to the Garden of the Gods is an affordable and fun way to experience this wonder of nature along with other marvelous locations in the area. Group sizes are kept small to ensure a comfortable experience with individual attention from your guide.

Private tour to the Garden of the Gods from Denver

Take a private day tour to the Garden of the Gods for an unparalleled experience. You have the luxury of a customizable itinerary, hotel pick-up and drop-off and a vehicle all to yourself for an intimate tour experience.

How much does a day trip to the Garden of the Gods from Denver cost?

A small group day trip to the Garden of the Gods costs US$150 per person or you can upgrade to a US$200 per person tour which includes lunch.

Private tours are priced based on your group size. If you are traveling alone or with a partner or a small group you can book a car for 5 people at US$680. You can also book a minivan for up to 8 people for US$1,450 or a larger one for 14 people for US$2,100.

What will you see and do?

Your jaunt to the Garden of the Gods is a jam-packed one with several stops along the way. At the Garden of the Gods, you will have plenty of free time to roam around and admire the magnificent geological features. You can also snap some photos at the balancing rock, a gravity-defying attraction at the park.

Over lunchtime, you will visit Manitou Springs, a charming resort town just outside of Colorado Springs. Here you can enjoy a bite to eat and take a walk down the main street to admire the quaint shops and storefronts.

The last leg of the trip takes you to one of the highest points in Colorado, Pikes Peak. The 4,300-meter summit is accessible by car and from here you are spoiled with magnificent views that continue for days.

What are the opening times?

The Garden of the Gods is open daily from 5 AM to 9 PM between November and the end of April. From 1 May the opening hours are extended to 10 PM until the end of October.

The visitors center is open from 9 AM to 5 PM in the winter and to 6 PM in the summer.

When is the best time to visit the Garden of the Gods?

The shoulder seasons like Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit the Garden of the Gods. Temperatures are pleasant and mild while summer can be very hot and possible snow in the winter could put a damper on your experience.

What are the other day trips from Denver?

• Day trips to Pikes Peak from Denver
• Breckenridge day tours from Denver
• Day tours to Mount Evans from Denver

Travel tips

• You will be walking a lot so wear comfortable shoes.
• Bring a refillable water bottle as tour operators offer free water refills.
• Dress appropriately for the weather and bring along something warm for your visit to Pikes Peak.