Welcome to the Pikes Peak Highway Tour
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.
This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.
About the Tour
Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map all in one. As you drive the legendary Pikes Peak Highway, the app will bring this storied mountain to life with tales of exploration, geology, and high-altitude adventure.
Your route kicks off near Cascade, Colorado, not far from Colorado Springs. From there, you’ll follow the Pikes Peak Highway up to the mountain’s summit.
Stop for a selfie at the famous Bigfoot Crossing sign, then continue on toward Crystal Creek Reservoir. Along the way, you’ll hear how this mountain formed and get a glimpse into the history of explorers who put it on the map, like Zebulon Pike himself.
Further up, you’ll hear about the iconic Pikes Peak Cog Railway, one of the oldest railways of its kind in the world. Then you’ll pause by an overlook that was once an ambitious ski destination.
At Glen Cove Inn, you’re over halfway to the summit. Here, you’ll learn about the hardy flora and fauna that survive in this high altitude zone. The next stop is Elk Park Trail, where sweeping meadows give way to pockets of dense forest—prime wildlife viewing territory if you’re lucky.
From here, it’s on to Devil’s Playground, named for the strange way lightning bounces around the rocks here during storms. This dramatic, windswept area offers incredible views and unique rock formations—it’s a favorite for photographers and hikers alike.
Then, you’ll pass the Bottomless Pit, a deep chasm that’s sure to give you vertigo. At last, you’ll reach the summit, boasting some of the best views in all of Colorado. Your tour concludes here, on top of the world.
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Tour Map
Starting Point
You can begin the tour at the suggested starting locations provided below.
5051 Pikes Peak Hwy, Cascade, CO 80809, USA
Begin from 5051 Pikes Peak Hwy, Cascade, CO 80809, United States
How Does It Work?
- Access your tour: Download the Action Tour Guide app and sign in with the same email used for your website purchase. Your tour will appear under My Tours.
- Download your tour: Download it before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
- Start your tour: Open My Tours, select your tour, and tap Start Touring when you reach a starting point.
- Listen your way: Use your phone’s speaker or headphones, or connect to your car’s audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not currently supported, compatibility is in development.
- GPS-triggered audio: Stories play automatically as you reach each location along the route.
- Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day. Tours are valid forever (one year for Action+).
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
Pikes Peak Highway is a 19-mile scenic toll road ascends to the summit of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain – offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and the surrounding landscape. It’s also famous for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, an annual motorsport race.
Generally, late spring through early fall offers the most favorable and predictable conditions. However, the highway is open year-round, weather permitting.
Our Pikes Peak Highway Self-Guided Tour begins just west of Colorado Springs, near Cascade, Colorado. Once you start, GPS-triggered audio will guide you seamlessly along this famous route to the summit.
With our Self-Guided Driving Tour, you’ll discover key highlights like scenic overlooks, the beautiful Crystal Reservoir, Glen Cove Historic Site, Devil’s Playground’s dramatic rock formations, and of course, the breathtaking Pikes Peak Summit at 14,115 feet. Along the way, the audio narration shares fascinating stories about local history, wildlife, geology, and where to find the famous summit donuts. You’ll also pass trailheads, perfect for short hikes or photo stops.
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times. They are not permitted inside buildings. Be mindful of the extreme temperature differences between the base and the summit, and never leave pets unattended in vehicles.
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Inclusions and Exclusions
Action Tour Guide app: Download the app to access your purchased tour.
GPS-triggered audio: Stories and directions play automatically as you reach each location.
Tour anytime: Single tours and bundles never expire and can be used anytime. Action+ is an annual subscription that automatically renews each year unless canceled.
Narrated stories: Hear local history, culture, and stories from experienced narrators.
Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day.
Offline access: Download your tour before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
Stories, stops, and directions: Follow the route to key attractions with automatic directions and stories at each location.
Transportation: Transportation, parking fees, and tolls are not included.
Admission: Entry tickets and reservations are not included.
Food and drinks: Meals and drinks are not included.
Rental car: A rental car is not included and may be required for driving tours.
