Self Guided Driving and Walking Tour in Garden of the Gods
Active
2h - 3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the natural wonders of Garden of the Gods with this self-guided driving and walking tour. Discover red rock formations which rival Sedona—just an hour’s drive from Denver! Marvel at Balanced Rock as it seems to defy the laws of physics. Gaze up at Montezuma Tower and the Three Graces. And find out how all these geologic marvels formed in the first place! This self-guided audio tour of Garden of the Gods is sure to enhance your visit.
Enjoy free access to the stunning Garden of the Gods Park, open to the public year-round. Check opening hours before your visit.
After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.
Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
Available options
Self Guided Driving and Walking Tour in Garden of the Gods
What's included
Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.
Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
Detailed itinerary
1
The Central Gardens is an easy, two-mile trail through the heart of the Garden of the Gods. It’s an excellent introduction into this fantastic place, giving us a chance to see some of the most famous formations in the park. Note: This 6.5-mile-long tour covers the essentials of Garden of the Gods in 1-2 hours.
2
The first thing to know is that the two camels aren’t actually two different rocks. At one time, they looked no different than the rest of this rock face. But there was a small crack within one layer of the sandstone. A crack so small it was practically invisible.
3
Stop 3
Pass by
Garden of the Gods is a popular tourist attraction in Colorado Springs, Colorado, known for its stunning red rock formations that resemble ancient castles and spires. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, including the popular Balanced Rock Trail, and is a great place for rock climbing, photography, and simply enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
"It is free to visit."
Note: The tour is over 6.5 miles long, with more than 31 audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours per tour to complete.
Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
4
The Siamese Twins Trail is ahead on our right. This mile-long trail takes about 20 minutes, and features two amazing rocky spires. Turn into the parking lot on the right if you’d like to hike the trail.
5
It’s impossible to miss Balanced Rock from here. This huge formation appears to balance impossibly on a red sandstone platform. So how does it do it? Despite the name and appearance, this rock is actually not balancing. It’s all part of one formation!
6
The Giant Footprints looks like another rock formation, but something’s a little off-kilter. Literally! Ordinarily the strata of rock are horizontal, like a lasagna. But here, they’re diagonal, pointing at a 45-degree angle. It's like a giant stepped on a loose floorboard.
7
South Gateway Rock, which we passed earlier. Notice all the little pockmarks in the face of it? Those actually point to one of the more challenging features of climbing this kind of sandstone.
What's not included
Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
3.3
18 reviews
5★
8
4★
3
3★
0
2★
0
1★
7
Tripadvisor
4.2
12 reviews
5★
9
4★
0
3★
0
2★
2
1★
1
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
For the best experience, bring headphones/earbuds for your walking tour.
Audio Setup: Connect your phone to your car's stereo system using Bluetooth, USB, or AUX. For the best experience, consider using headphones for walking tours. Audio playback is compatible with Apple CarPlay, with navigation features coming soon. Support for Android Auto is also on the way.
For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.
Savings tips: Walking tours: couples can share one tour by splitting headphones
Enjoy free access to the stunning Garden of the Gods Park, open to the public year-round.
Your password can be used on the same number of devices as travelers booked. Enter the same password on each device.
Meeting point
Begin from 3032 Gateway Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, USA. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Important notes
1. Find The Setup Instructions NOW:
• Download the App: actiontourguide.com/app
• Find Your Password: Search your email or text messages for "Action Tour Guide"
• Enter Password: Open the app and enter your 8-digit password
• Download the Tour NOW while you have WiFi or cell service
• Offline Ready: Once downloaded, the tour works without internet
• Need Help? Visit: actiontourguide.com/redeem
2. Download The Tour NOW:
• Download NOW over WiFi or cellular data ahead of your trip.
• Don't wait until travel day - your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR from purchase.
• Your password redemption is limited to the number of travelers booked. Please enter the same password on each device.
3. Audio Tour Tips:
• This is a self-guided audio tour - no one will meet you at the starting point.
• Entrance and attraction tickets are not included. Please book those separately.
• Curious how it works? Watch a quick video here: actiontourguide.com/tutorial
• For the best audio experience, connect to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or AUX, or listen through your phone's speaker.
• CarPlay and Android Auto aren't supported yet.
• Bring headphones for the best experience on your walking tour.
• Valid for 12 months - listen to your tour on any day without changing your travel date or rebooking!
4. Help & Support:
• Visit our FAQs: actiontourguide.com/faq
• Chat online: actiontourguide.com
• Call: 1-401-380-3997
• Email: support@actiontourguide.com
Enjoy free access to the stunning Garden of the Gods Park, open to the public year-round.
About Colorado Springs
Nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs offers a breathtaking blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and rich history. Home to iconic landmarks like Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods, this city is a paradise for nature lovers and history buffs alike. With its vibrant cultural scene and numerous attractions, Colorado Springs is a destination that captivates the senses and inspires the soul.
Top Attractions
Garden of the Gods
A public park featuring stunning red rock formations, hiking trails, and scenic views. The park is free to enter and offers a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, and rock climbing.
Nature
2-4 hours
Free
Pikes Peak
One of Colorado's most famous mountains, Pikes Peak offers breathtaking views and numerous outdoor activities. Visitors can drive to the summit, hike, or take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway.
Nature
Half-day to full day
Free to drive to the summit, $40-$60 for the Cog Railway
United States Air Force Academy
The United States Air Force Academy is a prestigious military academy that offers guided tours of its campus and facilities. Visitors can learn about the history and mission of the Air Force Academy.
Historical
2-3 hours
Free
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a unique zoo that offers close-up encounters with a variety of animals, including giraffes, lions, and bears. The zoo is known for its interactive exhibits and beautiful mountain setting.
Wildlife
3-4 hours
$25-$35 per adult, discounts for children and seniors
Old Colorado City
Old Colorado City is a historic district with a charming, small-town feel. Visitors can explore antique shops, art galleries, and historic buildings, as well as enjoy local dining and shopping.
Historical
2-3 hours
Free to explore, costs vary for shopping and dining
Must-Try Local Dishes
Green Chile
A spicy, flavorful sauce made from green chile peppers, often served over burritos, enchiladas, or other Mexican dishes.
Main Dish
Vegetarian (if made without meat)
Rocky Mountain Oysters
A local delicacy made from deep-fried calf testicles, often served with a side of sauce.
Appetizer
Contains meat
Bison Burger
A burger made from ground bison meat, often served with local toppings and condiments.
Main Dish
Contains meat
Popular Activities
Hiking
Rock climbing
Mountain biking
Whitewater rafting
Zip-lining
Spa treatments
Scenic drives
Picnicking in the park
Best Time to Visit
June to August
The peak season in Colorado Springs is during the summer months when the weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities. This is the best time to explore the city's numerous parks, hiking trails, and other outdoor attractions.
15-30°C
60-85°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Mountain Time Zone (MT) (GMT-7)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Colorado Springs is generally a safe city for visitors, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, as with any destination, it's important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash
- • Use reputable taxi and ride-share services
Getting there
By air
- Colorado Springs Airport • 10 miles (16 km) from downtown
By bus
Greyhound Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
MMT operates a fleet of buses that serve the entire Colorado Springs area. The system is affordable and convenient for getting around the city.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Colorado Springs
Old Colorado City
Manitou Springs
Day trips
Denver
70 miles (113 km) • 1.5 to 2 hours by car
Denver, the capital of Colorado, offers a variety of attractions and activities, including museums, parks, and sports events. The city is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as its outdoor recreation opportunities.
Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center
4 miles (6.4 km) • 10-15 minutes by car
The Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center is a great starting point for exploring the Garden of the Gods park. The center offers exhibits, a gift shop, and information about the park's geology, history, and wildlife.
Manitou Springs
4 miles (6.4 km) • 10-15 minutes by car
Manitou Springs is a charming and historic town located just outside of Colorado Springs. The town is known for its mineral springs, quirky shops, and street performers, as well as its proximity to the Pikes Peak Cog Railway and the Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway.
Festivals
Colorado Springs PrideFest • June
Manitou Springs Jazz Festival • July
Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift-Off • Labor Day Weekend
Pro tips
- Visit the Garden of the Gods early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos
- Take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the summit of Pikes Peak for breathtaking views and a unique experience
- Explore Old Colorado City for a charming and historic shopping and dining experience
- Try local specialties like green chile and Rocky Mountain oysters for a taste of Colorado cuisine
- Visit the U.S. Air Force Academy for a glimpse into the history and mission of the Air Force
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
