Pikes Peak & Garden of the Gods: Colorado's Must-See Natural Wonders

If you only have time for two stops in Colorado, make them Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. These two natural wonders sit just minutes apart near Colorado Springs, and together they offer one of the most visually stunning days you can have anywhere in the American West. From 300-million-year-old red rock formations jutting out of the earth to the summit of a 14,115-foot peak that inspired one of America's most beloved songs, this is Colorado at its most dramatic.

Garden of the Gods: Nature's Masterpiece

Garden of the Gods is a 1,367-acre public park that is completely free to visit — and it's worth every second of your time. Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1971, the park features massive red sandstone formations that were pushed up from the earth by the same geological forces that created the Rocky Mountains, then sculpted by millions of years of wind and water erosion into the extraordinary shapes you see today.

### The Geology

The rocks in Garden of the Gods are approximately 300 million years old, formed from sediment deposited during the Pennsylvanian period when the area was covered by a shallow sea. Over millions of years, layers of sand and sediment were compressed into sandstone, then tilted nearly vertical by the uplift of the Rocky Mountains about 65 million years ago. The red color comes from iron oxide — essentially rust — that coats the sand grains.

The result is a landscape that looks almost alien: towering fins and spires of red, pink, and white rock reaching hundreds of feet into the sky, set against a backdrop of Pikes Peak and the snow-capped Rockies.

### Iconic Formations

• Balanced Rock — Perhaps the park's most photographed feature, this massive red sandstone boulder appears to defy gravity, perched precariously on a narrow pedestal. Geologists estimate it weighs about 700 tons. How it got there is a fascinating story of differential erosion — the softer rock beneath eroded faster than the harder capstone above.
• Kissing Camels — Two sandstone formations that, from the right angle, look remarkably like two camels touching noses. This formation sits atop the park's North Gateway Rock and is best viewed from the Garden of the Gods Trading Post area.
• Cathedral Spires — A dramatic cluster of tall, thin rock fins that resemble the spires of a Gothic cathedral. These formations are popular with rock climbers (with a permit) and stunning to photograph in the golden light of early morning or late afternoon.
• Steamboat Rock — A massive formation that resembles the profile of a steamship. It's one of the largest individual formations in the park.
• Three Graces — Three slender spires standing side by side, named for the three daughters of Zeus in Greek mythology.

### Visiting Tips

Garden of the Gods is open year-round from 5 AM to 9 PM (summer) or 5 AM to 7 PM (winter). The park is free, but parking can fill up quickly during peak season. We recommend visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best light and smallest crowds. The Visitor and Nature Center offers excellent exhibits, a cafe, and a gift shop.

Pikes Peak: America's Mountain

Towering over the landscape at 14,115 feet, Pikes Peak is one of Colorado's 58 fourteeners and arguably the most famous mountain in America. It earned the nickname "America's Mountain" after Katharine Lee Bates visited the summit in 1893 and was so moved by the panoramic views that she wrote the poem "America the Beautiful," which later became one of the nation's most cherished patriotic songs.

### The History

Pikes Peak was named for explorer Zebulon Pike, who spotted the mountain during his 1806 expedition but never actually reached the summit (he declared it unclimbable — he was wrong). The first recorded ascent came in 1820 by members of the Stephen Long expedition. During the Colorado Gold Rush of 1858-1861, the phrase "Pikes Peak or Bust" became the rallying cry of prospectors heading west, as the mountain was visible from the Great Plains and served as a landmark guiding them toward the goldfields.

### Getting to the Top

There are several ways to reach the summit:

• Pikes Peak Highway — A 19-mile toll road that winds from the base to the summit. The drive takes about 45 minutes each way and offers incredible views at every turn. Our car tour includes this route with expert narration at every stop.
• The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway — The highest cog railway in the world, carrying passengers to the summit since 1891. Recently renovated with brand-new Swiss-made trains, it's a spectacular ride.
• Barr Trail — A 13-mile hiking trail from Manitou Springs to the summit. It's a serious undertaking (26 miles round trip with 7,400 feet of elevation gain) but incredibly rewarding for experienced hikers.

### At the Summit

The summit of Pikes Peak offers 360-degree views that stretch across the Great Plains to the east and deep into the Rockies to the west. On a clear day, you can see Denver, 75 miles to the north. The Summit House, rebuilt in 2021, features a visitor center, a cafe, and — most importantly — the famous Pikes Peak high-altitude doughnuts. Made at 14,115 feet, the lower air pressure gives them a unique, extra-fluffy texture that has made them legendary.

Manitou Springs: The Gateway Town

Sitting at the base of Pikes Peak between the mountain and Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs is a destination in its own right. This quirky, artistic mountain town is famous for its natural mineral springs — there are eight public springs throughout the town, each with a different mineral composition and flavor. The Ute people considered these waters sacred and healing, and visitors still come from around the world to taste them.

Manitou Springs is also home to the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, excellent restaurants and shops, and the base of the famous Manitou Incline — a nearly vertical hiking trail that climbs 2,000 feet in less than a mile.

Experience Both on Our Tours

We offer two incredible ways to experience Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak:

### Manitou Springs eBike Tour

Our guided eBike tour takes you through Garden of the Gods and around Manitou Springs on premium pedal-assist electric bikes. You'll ride past Balanced Rock, Kissing Camels, and Cathedral Spires, with stops for photos and commentary from your expert guide. The tour also covers Manitou Springs' historic landmarks, mineral springs, and charming downtown. It's approximately 2 hours and suitable for riders of all skill levels.

### Private Car Tour

For guests who want to see both Garden of the Gods and the summit of Pikes Peak in a single outing, our private car tour is the way to go. Your guide will drive you through the park, up the Pikes Peak Highway to the summit, and through Manitou Springs — all in the comfort of a private vehicle with expert narration throughout. This tour is ideal for families, seniors, and anyone who wants to maximize their sightseeing without the physical demands of cycling.

Plan Your Visit

Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak are located near Colorado Springs, about 70 miles south of Denver and 45 miles south of our home base. Both can be visited in a single day, and we highly recommend doing so — the contrast between the red rocks at 6,400 feet and the alpine tundra at 14,115 feet is extraordinary.

Ready to see Colorado's most iconic natural wonders with a local expert? Visit iridecolorado.com to book your guided eBike or car tour today. Whether you're riding through red rocks on an eBike or standing on the summit of America's Mountain, these are experiences you'll never forget.