The Foothills Jeep Tour
In short: Colorado Springs: Garden of the Gods and Foothills Jeep Tour lasts 2.5 hours in English, in open-air jeeps limited to 6 participants. According to its listing, it starts at the operator's base next door to Rudy's Hideaway Restaurant and loops through North Cheyenne Canyon to Helen Hunt Falls, along the Shortline Railroad grade, through Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs, and into Garden of the Gods, on roads about 70% paved and 30% dirt.
What it is
A guided jeep loop through the foothills of Colorado Springs, with Garden of the Gods as one of its places rather than the whole tour. The listing describes "cowboy guides" and open-air jeeps, and it also lists hotel pickup and drop-off among the inclusions; the arrangement is worth confirming when booking.
The route, as the listing gives it
The listing names these places on the loop:
- North Cheyenne Canyon and Helen Hunt Falls: the falls are in North Cheyenne Canon Park, a city-owned park.
- The Shortline Railroad grade: an old rail line with 100-year-old tunnels, per the listing.
- Old Colorado City: Colorado City was organised on 13 August 1859.
- Manitou Springs: the town next to the park's south-west side.
- Garden of the Gods: the red rock park.
What it adds to a free park
Garden of the Gods is a free city park, owned by the City of Colorado Springs since 1909, and a National Natural Landmark since 1971. Entry needs no ticket, parking is free, and anyone with a car can drive the park's one-way loop of about 6 miles at 20 mph; is it free covers the details. This tour adds a driver and commentary, and it adds places that a drive through the park alone does not include: Helen Hunt Falls, the railroad grade and its tunnels, Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs. The listing does not say how long the jeep spends inside Garden of the Gods.
Who it suits, and who should look elsewhere
Suits
- Visitors who want the park plus the canyon, the falls and the old towns in one outing of 2.5 hours.
- Small parties: the listing limits the jeep to 6 participants.
- Visitors in winter: the listing states that the tour is offered year-round and runs in most weather.
Look elsewhere if
- Anyone who wants time on foot among the rocks: the listing does not mention a walk. The luxury jeep tour includes one.
- Solo travellers: the listing sets a minimum of 2 people.
- Wheelchair users: the listing does not state wheelchair access, so it is worth asking before booking.
Included, and not stated
Included
- Live guide
- Jeep tour in an open-air jeep
- Bottled water
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (confirm the arrangement when booking)
- Sodas, light snacks and wool blankets, per the description
Not included or not stated
- Gratuity: at the traveller's discretion, per the listing
- Time inside Garden of the Gods: not stated in the listing
- Wheelchair access: not stated in the listing
What travellers mention
Barbara from the United States mentions the history and geology and calls the guide entertaining. Julie from the United States says there was plenty of time to get out for views and photos. Rich from the United States mentions the history and information about each place, and Jessica from the United States describes a knowledgeable, kind guide.
Practical notes
Start times: check the calendar in the booking widget. The listing asks travellers to dress in layers and wear closed-toe shoes, states that smoking is not allowed, and gives no refunds for late arrivals. About 30% of the route is on dirt roads, per the listing. Summer afternoon storms can form within minutes in the park, and temperatures can drop 20 degrees or more, according to the park.
The listing mentions wool blankets for the open-air jeep; layers help on a cool morning or after an afternoon storm.
Two alternatives
Private optionColorado Springs: Garden of the Gods Luxury Jeep Tour
Pikes PeakPikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Jeep Tour
Frequently asked questions
Where does the foothills jeep tour start?
At the operator's base next door to Rudy's Hideaway Restaurant, according to the listing. The listing also lists hotel pickup and drop-off among its inclusions, so confirm the arrangement when booking.
Does the foothills jeep tour go to Helen Hunt Falls?
Yes. The listing names North Cheyenne Canyon and Helen Hunt Falls, along with the Shortline Railroad grade, Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs and Garden of the Gods.
Is the foothills jeep tour on paved roads?
Mostly. The listing gives the route as about 70% paved and 30% dirt roads, in open-air jeeps.
Does the foothills tour run in winter?
The listing states that it is offered year-round and runs in most weather. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before applies, per the listing.