Pikes Peak & Garden of the Gods Jeep Tour: An Honest Review

If you’re thinking about seeing Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods, a Jeep tour might just be the ticket! That sounds pretty exciting, right? Colorado’s got some truly wonderful landscapes, yet trying to cram everything into one visit can, arguably, feel a bit overwhelming. So, the idea of hopping into an open-air Jeep and letting a guide show you around? It sounds pretty appealing to a lot of folks. I went on one of these tours myself not that long ago, and I thought I would, you know, pass along my own experience. I will talk about what I enjoyed, some potential drawbacks, and a few things to think about before you decide if it’s, actually, a good fit for your trip. Very important, this isn’t just, like, a sales pitch; it’s my real, unfiltered thoughts about it, you know?

What You Should Expect From Your Tour

Alright, let’s talk about what these Jeep tours, usually, involve. A lot of times, the tours take about four hours, although sometimes they could be shorter, and they cover, basically, both Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. That is a pretty packed itinerary. Now, one thing that you will find pretty convenient is that many tours actually pick you up right from your hotel or, at least, a spot that is pretty close to where you are staying. So that will save you from the hassle of trying to find a meeting spot or, arguably, worrying about parking. It’s always nice when a little convenience gets thrown into the mix. When it comes to the Jeeps themselves, they’re generally open-air vehicles, and I think that adds something special. That is perfect for taking in the breathtaking views and snapping photos. Keep in mind though that means you will be exposed to the elements! During the ride, the guides often, in fact, share stories about the area’s history, geology, and wildlife. Honestly, some of the tour guides are quite entertaining, yet you’re really there for those unbelievable sights and vistas. It would almost be hard for that scenery not to leave an impact.

Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods? Yeah, that is, for sure, a showstopper. The massive red rock formations reaching up to the sky create an absolutely incredible, awe-inspiring landscape, too, it’s almost otherworldly. During the tour, you, usually, get the chance to stop at several key viewpoints. I am thinking of places like Balanced Rock and the Kissing Camels – you have to keep your camera ready there. Arguably, one of the coolest things is, you know, hearing the stories behind these rocks; the Native American history and folklore really add something pretty special, just that layer of context, too, it’s almost, indescribable. Plus, the guides often know about some secret spots and hidden gems that you, might, not find if you are just visiting by yourself. That is one of those instances where having a knowledgeable local with you just is extremely valuable.

The Ascent to Pikes Peak

Alright, after you, likely, spend some time in Garden of the Gods, it is off to Pikes Peak! Now, getting to the summit is really a big part of the fun! Driving up the Pikes Peak Highway is, clearly, an adventure in itself. This scenic road winds and twists, giving you constant, stunning views every moment. Just when you think you’ve seen the best, the vistas actually keep getting even more grand. Remember to have your camera fully charged, because, in some respects, you will be taking photos nonstop! Along the drive, the tour guides, often, stop at a few scenic overlooks. This is where you can, basically, stretch your legs, breathe in the mountain air, and of course, capture those amazing pictures. Plus, many tours now actually include a visit to the new Pikes Peak Summit Complex. At the top, besides taking in those crazy-good views, it will be easier to find all kinds of neat exhibits, and a gift shop, too, of course! I really remember seeing some long drop offs on the way up and that new visitor center at the top made it much easier for those, that are a little anxious like myself, to enjoy the, generally, great day.

Consider This Before You Book

Okay, here are a couple of things to chew over, just before you reserve a spot. Remember I spoke about the open-air Jeeps earlier? As you can probably imagine, weather is something that is arguably quite important. In Colorado, the weather can change surprisingly rapidly. You need to check the forecast. Bring layers of clothing no matter when you are going. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen? Arguably, they are all pretty essential. Another thing you should, maybe, think about is the altitude. Pikes Peak’s summit is over 14,000 feet high! If you are not used to high elevations, that could have an impact. Some folks get altitude sickness. Take it easy on yourself. Hydrate lots, and listen to your body. Lastly, consider the type of tour group. Some are really small and intimate, that makes it feel more personal. Larger tours are also lots of fun, yet they’re a bit less flexible.

Why You, Possibly, Want to Book a Jeep Tour

So, alright, why should you choose a Jeep tour, as opposed to just doing everything yourself? I feel that one of the main benefits of these Jeep tours is that someone else deals with, arguably, all the planning, driving, and logistics. Very relaxing, huh? Especially, if you are on vacation, you, almost, probably don’t want to spend all your time trying to plan. The guides usually are another advantage. A really good guide transforms a trip from just sight-seeing into something much more enriching, like your, know, understanding local insights. They, for sure, know a thing or two about the area’s history, geology, and all those cool, obscure stories that you just simply, would not, come across on your own. If you don’t know much about those things already, then that is just another advantage of an experienced guide.

Wrap-up

I hope this little rundown has assisted you get a little bit of a clearer look at what to expect. I went over what to anticipate on these tours. Whether that makes you take your hiking shoes and hop in the car yourself or, maybe, makes you want to sign up to be taken along on a guided tour. If you enjoy feeling the wind on your face, or learning neat stuff from enthusiastic, and personable locals. Then I suggest it will almost certainly add value to your memory books.