Scenic Pikes Peak Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Colorado Springs , United States

Scenic Pikes Peak Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Active

(10 reviews)

1h - 2h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.

Ascend to the summit of the legendary Pikes Peak on this self-guided driving tour up one of America’s most iconic mountain roads. On this winding road to the top of the mountain, visitors are treated to soaring vistas, unique ecosystems, and historical remnants of the mountain’s past. Along the way, hear stories of gold miners, ancient Ute paths, and the death-defying Race to the Clouds. This alpine drive is a true Colorado classic that can’t be missed.

Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together!

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

Scenic Pikes Peak Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

What's included

Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!

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

Stop 1

. This iconic road will take us up toward the summit of a 14,000-foot mountain that has captured Colorado’s imagination for decades. Along the way, we’ll have plenty of opportunities for great mountain views, as well as a couple of hiking trails for more advanced hikers.

Note: The tour is over 18 miles long, with more than 29 audio stories, and takes about 1-2 hours to complete.

Travelers have been stopping at this spot since 1890!

This observation site was once a stop along the cog railway line. We’ll get to the railway’s history a little later in the tour, but back in 1890 this ride allowed tourists to enjoy the view and adjust to the high altitude.

That’s Crystal Creek Reservoir, supplying a reliable source of drinking water to all the residents of Colorado Springs.
It’s not just mother nature though that helps supply all that water. Human innovation helps too.

There are two other big reservoirs around here supplying water for folks in this region. The other two are the North Catamount and the South Catamount Reservoir.

The name is a bit misleading, as we’re not quite halfway up the mountain yet. There’s a small parking area if we want to stop here for a quick break.

we’re halfway to the top of the peak! We know that ‘cos the Glen Cove Visitor Center is coming up soon. It’s been a key stop and halfway marker for travelers for decades.

At just over 10 miles, this difficult trail can take several hours. But here’s a tip: You don’t have to hike the whole thing to get some great views of the north face of Pikes Peak.

There are no slides and swings here. Instead, this barren landscape is a place where lightning bolts hop and dance across the terrain during thunderstorms.

Throw some rocks over the ledge and some claim they never make a sound. But scientists assure us that there is a bottom in the bottomless pit.

One of the most popular walking trails remains to this day. It’s called the Barr Trail. The origins for it date back to the days of the gold rush, although it wasn’t the well-maintained trail that it is today.

What's not included

Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

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.

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.

Meeting point

Begin from 5099 Pikes Peak Hwy, Cascade, CO 80809, 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 on-site.

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.
• 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

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