Pikes Peak Region Trifecta Jeep Tour

This tour combines the must do attractions in Colorado Springs....Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Manitou Springs. It excludes Old Stage
Road from our normal Garden of the Gods tour, but there's plenty mountain views on Pikes Peak. While we do offer private offerings of our

other tours, this one is automatically private for your group.

There is an additional hour on this tour that is customizable. We like to spend more time in the Garden doing some hiking of the central

Garden than our normal Garden tour and also some extra time on Pikes Peak for some hiking at the Devil's Playground. However, we can

spend more time doing other things such as a brunch, spending more time at the summit of Pikes Peak or spending more time at the

gift shops. The options are up to you.

The central concept to the tour begins early at the Garden of the Gods to beat the crowds and find parking. Then spend some time at the Garden

of the Gods Trading Post which is a nice gift shop.

We then go to Manitou Springs and explore that town and try some of the mineral waters. At the time we are at Manitou Springs, many of

the shops will not be open yet, but this is a place you'll want to come on your own as you can walk around for hours.

We then head to Pikes Peak. We make stops on the way to the summit at some of the more interesting picture spots. We spend some time at the

summit and visitor center. You can have lunch here, if desired. We then make some stops on the way back down the mountain for pictures.

We like to spend more time at the Garden and Pikes Peak doing some hiking we don't normally do, but you don't have to opt for this. If

you're not into hiking, we can stop somewhere for brunch and spend some more time at the gift shops. This will be your choice.

In any case, there are incredible views of the main attractions in Colorado Springs

How long do we get in Garden of the Gods?

Typically we'll spend about an hour driving through the park and making the most scenic stops. However, one option is to make a stop and do

some hiking in the Central Garden. This is paved side walks and an easy hike (outside of the altitude). This adds an additional 30 minutes or so.

We then go to the Garden of the Gods Trading Post.  This is the largest souvenir shop in Colorado. Mainly for a restroom break, but we

typically spend 15-20 minutes there.  However, if you are big shopper, you can opt to spend more time there.

How long do we get at the summit on the Pikes Peak?

We typically spend about 40 minutes at the summit. We get your pictures at the Pikes Peak Summit sign. We then walk around the summit

for about 15-20 minutes. There are things to see and information you won't know otherwise. Then we allow the remainder of the time

(typically 20-25 minutes) for you to explore the Visitor Center or walk around the summit on your own. More if we are ahead of schedule.

However, if you choose not to do more hiking in the Garden or Pikes Peak, we can spend more time at the summit. Lunch and donuts!

The summer can get very busy with long lines at the gate. We might have to cut out some stops in order to give you adequate time at the

summit. That is the priority.

Will we see wildlife?

It is possible to see some wildlife anywhere on this tour. Bears, mountain lions, elk, bobcats, porcupines, moose...just to name a few. These are somewha rare to see, though. A little more common are big horn sheep, marmots, mule deer, and chipmunks. Many bird species doing

bird things. And you never know, Big Foot may be lurking about!

Summer is filled with wild flowers of rich color, and the fall is dominated by the beautiful colors of the Aspen trees.

Is the Pikes Peak Highway safe? 

We get asked this a lot.  Yes,  Pikes Peak Highway is safe.  The rangers and road crew will close areas if they feel it is not safe.

That said, your safety is our first priority.  Our guides know this mountain and have driven in all weather conditions.  They know when weather

 is turning bad and when to be leaving.  Our  Jeeps are outfitted with the tires for the worst of conditions.  Our guides also

"mother hen" our guests all along the way.  The high altitude affects people differently and we watch guests closely to see if anyone is having issues. 

Can we always make it to the summit? 

Most of the time, but it is possible the Pikes Peak Rangers will close parts of the road for weather....mainly in the winter and spring,

but can close in the summer

Snow, lightning, high winds, fog, and graupel (a soft hail which behaves much like snow on the road) can close the summit on any given day,

even in the summer. Read more below in the "what about the weather" question.

Unfortunately there is never a guarantee to reach the summit regardless of the time of year.

Will the altitude of the Garden of the Gods or Pikes Peak affect me?

People typically don't have too much issue with the altitude of the Garden, but Pikes Peak may affect you. It affects different people in different

ways. There is not really a way to know until you're there. It is common for people to be a little light headed or even dizzy at the summit.

 Slow, deep inhales into the belly, hold it for a beat, and exhale. This helps.

The single best thing to do to mitigate ill effects of the altitude is to hydrate...both before you arrive in Colorado and while you're here. Drink

lots of water or hydration drinks. Be careful with drinks that have additional electrolytes. Too much can cause an electrolyte imbalance

which can have negative side effects.

Can I bring food and water?

Absolutely! You can bring your own but we do have water and snacks available in the Jeeps.



What should I wear?

As a general rule, it can be 30-40 degrees colder at the summit of Pikes Peak than in Colorado Springs. It seldom gets above 60 degress in the

summer. Add in some wind and it can be chilly.

We recommend layers. A light jacket in the summer with heavier clothing in Spring, Winter and Fall. You can put extra clothing in the back

of the Jeeps until you need them (if you need them). It's best to be prepared.

It is recommended to wear shoes or boots and avoid sandals and crocs as the terrain is rocky.

Okay, so I'm drinking lots of water, what about restroom breaks?

There are several places along the tour for restroom breaks. All the visitor centers and souvenir shops have proper restrooms and there are

vaults on Pikes Peak Highway as well. Vaults are basically an outhouse. Not ideal but they work in a pinch.

Why Mountain Jeep LLC?

Not only is your safety our first priority, we care deeply about Colorado and giving you an experience you won't forget.  You will learn much

history and legend of the area, as well as insights into our favorite places to eat and things to do in Colorado Springs.  We take you on

this journey so you can relax, knowing you are in good hands, and enjoy the views and conversation. 

We engage with our guests on a personal level.  This is a much more engaging adventure than the Cog Railway or other outfitters. This isn't just

a Jeep tour, it's an experience, and one we look forward to sharing with you.

You might come away with new friends. 

Is it for locals as well?

Absolutely!  Whether you've never been up, or a little leery of driving it yourself, or you have been but never had a guided tour, this is still

fantastic.  You can relax and see the views as opposed to white knuckling the drive, gain new knowledge of the area and mountain, stop at

places you might not have known was there, and maybe get some insights on some local places of interest you might not have been aware of. 

Let us take you!

What about the weather?

Mountains make their own weather, and they don't much care for weather forecasters. 

Sometimes we can't get to the summit, and that's not too bad.  There are a few areas in which they can close the highway.  Typically we feel

anything less than Glen Cove (mile 13 of the 19) is not worth it and will suggest cancelling.  Anything above Glen Cove gets above the treeline

and is still worth the experience.

Glen Cove itself is where we'll typically give people the choice to cancel or to go for it.  Glen Cove is at 11,450 above sea level.  It is not on top

of the mountain, but at the base.  There are still great views to be had here and along the way.  Especially in the winter time when you see

the towering walls of the mountain covered in snow.  There is a gift shop here, restrooms, and concessions.  We feel this is worth it on

a nice day, but we understand some may not want to embark on the journey if they cannot reach the summit.  We've taken many people

to this point and they still enjoyed the experience.

Bad weather days aren't necessarily bad, either.  Some of our most memorable experiences has been on the mountain when the weather

 is doing interesting things.   Watching lightning happen below you, a thunderstorm off in the distance, being above cloud layer, or a freak

snow storm out of nowhere.  Sometimes this is just exciting to see. 

On the days it is very cloudy and there's just no views to be had, we will cancel the tour or try and reschedule. 

We'll be in touch on weather days when it might affect your tour, and you can decide what you want to do.