{#
#}

Garden of the Gods & Manitou Springs Driving Tour

5 (5)
Denver, US
5 (5)
Denver, US
Share
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
/ Vehicle
1

Your Product

Select participants
Participant (0-120)
Min: 0 Max: 6
You should select a minimum of and a total maximum of
At least one participant is required. Please adjust and try again.

Free cancellation up to before the experience starts (local time)

Book Now, Pay Later - Secure your spot while staying flexible

Please wait, fetching options!
Embark on a six-hour driving tour of the mesmerizing Garden of the Gods and charming Manitou Springs. Starting at Denver's Union Station, you'll enjoy a scenic 90-minute drive with breathtaking views on either side. At the Garden of the Gods, witness gravity-defying rock formations that reveal the area's geological past. Look out for wildlife like bighorn sheep and mule deer as you explore the park's even paths. Then, indulge in the history, cuisine, and shopping of Manitou Springs, a historic mining and spa town. Capture spectacular photos and immerse yourself in the picturesque downtown nestled in the hills. After a day of exploration, savor a relaxing drive back to Denver. This tour also focuses on supporting local businesses and preserving the natural habitat. Experience the beauty of Colorado and create lasting memories on this unforgettable journey.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Not Included
  • 6 hours
  • Suitable for 1-6 Participants
  • Private Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Gravity-defying rock formations at Garden of the Gods
  • Spotting wildlife like bighorn sheep and deer
  • Exploring the historic mining and spa town, Manitou Springs
  • Opportunity to support local businesses
  • Relaxing drive back to Denver with scenic views.
  • Local english speaking guide.
  • Learn about and possibly spot some of Colorado’s iconic wildlife
  • Marvel at the unique and colorful rock formations at Garden of the Gods
  • Explore Manitou Springs and learn about its spa resort and recreational history
  • Enjoy a beautiful ride alongside the Rocky Mountains and its foothills
  • Private Transportation
  • Additional food and drink, souvenirs, tips/gratuities for your guide

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

Discover the wonders of the Private Garden of the Gods & Manitou Springs on this captivating 6-hour driving tour. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring gravity-defying rock formations that have stood for millennia and explore the charming mountain towns that offer a glimpse into the early pioneer days. Starting and ending at Denver's Union Station, embark on a scenic 90-minute drive with breathtaking views on both sides of the highway.

What to expect?

Prepare to be amazed as you embark on a Garden of the Gods tour, where ancient rock formations tilt at 90-degree angles, revealing the fascinating geological history of the area. Follow the well-maintained paths that wind through the park, leading you to the most extraordinary formations. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings, including bighorn sheep, mule deer, and even elks! Afterward, you'll be chauffeured to the enchanting historic mining and spa town of Manitou Springs. Here, you can delve into the town's rich history, indulge in delicious local cuisine, shop for unique travel trinkets, and capture stunning photos that will be the envy of your friends.

Who is this for?

This unforgettable driving tour is perfect for anyone seeking an adventurous and educational experience. Whether you're a nature lover, history enthusiast, or simply looking to explore the beauty of Colorado, this tour caters to a wide range of interests. From families to solo travelers, this tour is designed to be enjoyed by all.

Why book this?

Embark on this tour to uncover the unique selling points and advantages that make the Private Garden of the Gods & Manitou Springs tour a must-book experience. Discover the natural wonders of the Garden of the Gods, where ancient rock formations transport you back in time. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Manitou Springs, a town that seamlessly blends its mining past with modern delights. With a knowledgeable local English-speaking guide leading the way, you'll gain insights and stories that will enhance your understanding and appreciation of these extraordinary destinations.

Good to know

During the tour, your experienced guide will provide valuable tips and information to make the most of your experience. Remember to bring additional funds for food, drinks, and souvenirs. Gratuities for your guide are not included, so feel free to show your appreciation for their excellent service. The tour concludes back at Denver's Union Station, allowing you to relax and reflect on the day's adventures.

Reviews

Previous travelers have raved about the Private Garden of the Gods & Manitou Springs tour. They were captivated by the stunning rock formations and the chance to witness wildlife in their natural habitat. The historical charm of Manitou Springs left a lasting impression, with visitors praising the town's unique atmosphere and delightful eateries. Overall, travelers expressed their satisfaction with the tour, describing it as a perfect blend of nature, history, and culinary delights. Don't miss out on the opportunity to create your own unforgettable memories on this remarkable driving tour.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Your Itinerary

Denver

(Pass by)

Community Impact: -This tour focuses on prioritizing “supporting local”, which is vital to positively impacting the Colorado Springs community and its economy. -This experience provides guests with the opportunity to contribute to the preservation of a one-of-a-kind natural habitat. -During our visit to Garden of the Gods and Colorado Springs, we will provide recommendations and offer opportunities to patronize small and local businesses. -We mindfully design our tours to explore areas on foot, thus doing our part to lessen our environmental impact.

Denver Union Station

You’ll begin your guided tour at Denver Union Station. This gorgeously renovated train station takes you back in time to the golden age of the railroad, emphasizing its importance in building the capitol of Colorado we know today. Your guide will meet you outside the station for your excursion out of Denver.

Admission Not Included

Garden of the Gods

We’ll set aside plenty of time for our Garden of the Gods tour. Here, monolithic rock structures studded into the ground at 90-degree angles tell the ancient history of this awe-inspiring park. Easily accessible trails make it possible to see the colorful formations up close, and wildlife can often be seen throughout the area.

Admission Not Included

Downtown Manitou Springs

The town of Manitou Springs, as its name suggests, is home to natural springs and a picturesque downtown nestled in the hills and small mountains leading up to the Rockies and famed Pikes Peak. The former mining town now offers an abundance of shops, restaurants, and historic points of interest.

Admission Not Included

Reviews

(5)

5 (5)

nicolewX2714NC

We had an incredible day with Kristina at Garden of the Gods and Manitou. Kristina drove a very comfy SUV/Truck and drove us to Garden of the Gods from Denver. She was very nice and friendly and made us feel very welcome to the area. She had such a vast knowledge of the area and the history of everything we saw. She could easily be a history professor. She was a perfect guide and companion walking us through the park, happily taking our photo and giving us background and info on everything we saw. After our mini hike, she drove us to Manitou, which is a neat little mountain town. We got sandwiches at a place she recommended, and they did not disappoint. She then drove us back to Denver and we drove through a pretty intense thunder and hail storm. What was really impressive was that she continued to drive so well and act calm, despite the rough conditions. We had a 10/10 experience and would recommend her to anyone looking to see the area. We would def do another tour with her!

H3549NYdannyw

We thoroughly enjoyed the sites we got to see, but the guided tour made it significantly better. Our tour guide, Christina, made us feel comfortable right from the start. She was pleasant and enjoyable to listen to, and also made us feel comfortable asking questions and making comments. She picked us up right at our hotel in a very comfortable vehicle, and supplied us with water to drink along the way. My wife needed to use a wheelchair, and she was able to accommodate that, even tailoring our stops so that they would be handicapped accessible. As we were driving, she filled us in on some of the history of the Denver area, the locations we were passing, and the sites we were going to be visiting. Her knowledge of the history, geography, geology, etc, was excellent. When we saw things along the way that seemed to be of particular interest to us (such as the Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs), she stopped to let us get out at take pictures. The Garden of the Gods was amazing! We were able to spend as much time as we needed at the visitor's center, and then drove through the park. We also had time to get out and walk or take photos as much as needed. Next we enjoyed visiting the town of Manitou Springs at the foot of Pikes Peak. We had a nice lunch there at the Mate Factor Cafe. Afterwards we walked through the town, and then enjoyed delicious ice cream at the Colorado City Creamery. If you're going to be in the Denver area, I would highly recommend checking out the tours offered by WeVenture Denver to facilitate your site-seeing while there.

Stay51984905864

On Friday, March 31, I was privileged to go with a group of four on a tour of the Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs area with Kristina as our tour guide. The tour took about six hours, and Kristina drove us in a very comfortable SUV. A driving tour is wonderful for cold, windy days like this one was. Kristina drove safely; she kept conversation going with ease as she drove. A driving tour also is wonderful for people like myself who have mobility issues. We took my wheelchair along and used it as needed at stops. It was nice being in a small group because we could ask questions easily. All of these things made the trip pleasant and enjoyable. We began our tour in Denver and went south. Kristina gave us bits of history of the area as we traveled. I appreciate the fact that she began with and included much about Native American history, including the Ute, Arapaho, and Cheyenne Nations. She discussed early Colorado history from the Louisiana Purchase and the men who came to check out the land (Pike, Long, Fremont, James, etc.) through the days when gold was discovered in Denver and at Pikes Peak. She talked about the gold, silver, and coal mining and the railroad that transported people and minerals. At Palmer Lake, Kristina explained why the area is an ideal location for the Olympic Training Center and training for various professionals. Because the air is so thin and the elevation so high, practicing there strengthens competitors’ lungs. We stopped at a pulloff to see the Colorado Air Force Base with Pike’s Peak in the background, and Kristina explained why the location is beneficial. The highlight of the tour was the amazing rock sculptures we saw at Garden of the Gods. Kristina explained the fact that the area used to be under water, and she talked about the fossils that have been found there. She explained the geologic processes that gave rise to the fantastic formations we can see today and the composition of the rocks. She explained the more recent history of the area, who owned the land, how it got its name, and how it came to belong to the city of Colorado Springs. From Garden of the Gods, we traveled to Manitou Springs. There are many small shops and restaurants in this quaint little town at the base of Pikes Peak. Visitors are able to taste water from the hot springs. We enjoyed a delicious and healthy lunch in a relaxing atmosphere at the Mate Factor Cafe. We got soft serve ice cream at the Colorado Custard Company - also delicious, even in the cold weather! Kristina described the rail car that used to carry supplies from the town up to the top of Pikes Peak. When the rail car was no longer used, the rails were removed and the crossties became steps for hikers to use if they choose to attempt climbing the one mile Manitou Incline. If it’s too much, there is a four mile winding path as an alternative.

philwrightt

The structure of our tour was perfect for my family, and we loved it! We had wanted to see Garden of the Gods while my parents were visiting from out of state, but my mother has mobility issues and uses a wheelchair, and we weren’t confident that we could put together a good visit to the Garden on our own. When we arranged the tour, we let the guide know about our special needs, so she tailored it to us so that we could see and do as much as possible without much walking. Kristina drove us from Denver to Garden of the Gods and shared history with us of the Garden, the surrounding cities and towns, and the process of exploration of Colorado by pioneers that lead to the naming of Pike’s Peak. It started with some stunning views and great photo ops from the Visitor Center, accompanied by Kristina pointing out some interesting highlights from the information on display there. We then drove through the park, stopping in spots that gave us views of some of the most interesting formations and plants. After the Garden, we drove up to Manitou Springs, where we had lunch and ice cream, and we walked through the town by shops and attractions while we chatted about the highway up Pike’s Peak, the cog railroad, and the incline. (We had to be back early, or we would've tried to visit Pike's Peak, too.) We got some great information about the history of the areas we visited and some helpful recommendations for more places to visit our next time in Manitou and Colorado Springs. Kristina knew all the accessible spots, and we wouldn't have gotten any of the history, many of the great views, or any of the recommendations had we not done the WeVenture tour. I would go on the tour on my own, but it was a perfect way to show the area to my parents. Thanks for the great tour, Kristina!

TR2021patl

Great way to spend a day in Colorado! Plus you can walk or hike if you choose while at Garden of the Gods. So glad we chose this trip.
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-05-15 20:28