Discover two of Colorado's most iconic natural wonders on a single excursion. Explore the striking red rock formations of the Garden of the Gods, a National Natural Landmark, during a picnic lunch. Then, ascend to the highest summit in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, reaching an elevation of 14,115 feet via the Cog Railway.
Please be aware that the train seating is communal and conversational, with rows facing each other, typical of train travel. Taller guests might find their knees touching. For a more comfortable ride, consider sitting across from a shorter individual. While conversation is not mandatory, you might find opportunities to connect with fellow travelers.
✓ Reserved Pikes Peak Cog Railway admission to the 14,115-foot summit.✓ A fresh picnic lunch sourced from a local store, perfect for enjoying amidst Colorado's scenic beauty.✓ An intimate Small Group Tour Experience with upscale 14-passenger vans.✓ A genuine Colorado Experience featuring thoughtfully selected stops showcasing the state's landscapes, towns, and landmarks.✓ An Expert Local Guide to enrich your journey with stories, history, geology, and insider knowledge of Colorado.✕ Gratuities for the guide.1 Denver Union Station
10 minutes
Meet your guide at Denver Union Station, located at 1701 Wynkoop Street, near the large American Flagpole, to check in for your tour.
· 10 min
2 Garden of the Gods
1 hour, entrance included
Wander through the renowned Garden of the Gods Park and admire its unique geological features.
· 1 h · Admission included
3 Discover Manitou Springs
30 minutes
If time allows, we will visit the charming town of Manitou Springs, known for its shops and local treats.
· 30 min
4 Pikes Peak - America's Mountain
3 hours, entrance included
Experience a scenic ride on the iconic COG railway to the summit of Pikes Peak, one of America's most famous and tallest mountains.
· 3 h · Admission included
5 Denver Union Station
5 minutes
The tour concludes back at the original pickup location.
· 5 min
Your mobile or paper ticket is accepted. One ticket is required per booking.
We will meet our groups at the base of the American flagpole on the south side of the train station. The flagpole is at the pedestrian crosswalk intersection at 17th and Wynkoop St.
We will meet our groups at the base of the American flagpole on the south side of the train station. The flagpole is at the pedestrian crosswalk intersection at 17th and Wynkoop St.
Please present your reservation ticket to your guide upon arrival at the check-in location.
Guests requiring an assistive device such as a scooter or walker should contact our office at 720-583-0654 to confirm vehicle accommodation space.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Public transportation options are conveniently located nearby. This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers. Travelers with poor cardiovascular health are advised against this tour. The tour is suitable for individuals of all physical fitness levels. Wearing sunglasses is highly recommended. Cancellations must be made at least 3 days before the tour to qualify for a full refund. Please contact us directly for any cancellation or amendment requests. Due to the train ticketing process, this timeframe is strictly enforced. This tour originates from Denver, not Colorado Springs. The COG railway reserves the right to modify or delay train schedules due to weather, track conditions, or mechanical issues. In such cases, participants will receive a partial refund. Children under the age of 8 are not permitted on this tour. Please contact the operator for potential exceptions. Guests who use assistive devices like scooters or walkers should call our office to ensure the vehicle can accommodate them. The summit of Pikes Peak is considerably colder than other locations; please bring a jacket or coat for the train journey. For potentially more flexible cancellation policies, consider booking directly with the tour operator. Lunch is included. Please inform the local operator of any dietary restrictions. For bookings made within 24 hours of the tour start time, lunch may not be included as sandwich orders are placed 24 hours in advance. Last-minute bookers are advised to bring their own lunch or plan to purchase food during the tour if feasible. This tour is not recommended for travelers with cardiovascular issues, including asthma. Pikes Peak COG Railway & Garden of Gods Tour - Lunch Included
Dress in layers, as the summit of Pikes Peak is significantly colder. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen for sun protection. Confirm any dietary restrictions with the operator in advance. Arrive at the meeting point on time to ensure a smooth check-in. Be prepared for shared seating on the Cog Railway. Consider booking directly with the operator for potentially easier cancellation adjustments. To receive a full refund, please cancel your booking at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 8950P44
Activity offered by Aspire Tours via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Nature enthusiasts Sightseers Train lovers Families Ride the historic Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the summit. Explore the stunning red rock formations of Garden of the Gods. Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch with mountain views. Discover the charming town of Manitou Springs. Benefit from an intimate small-group experience.
Population 715,522 (2020)
Elevation 1,609 m
Currency United States dollar
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 120 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Washington, D.C. Average temperatures -2° Jan -1° Feb 3° Mar 7° Apr 12° May 19° Jun 22° Jul 21° Aug 16° Sept 9° Oct 3° Nov -2° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the meeting point for the tour? + We will meet our groups at the base of the American flagpole on the south side of Denver Union Station, at the pedestrian crosswalk intersection of 17th and Wynkoop St.
Is lunch included in the tour? + Yes, a picnic lunch from a local store is included. Please call the local operator if you have dietary restrictions. For bookings made within 24 hours of the tour, lunch may not be included.
What should I wear for the Pikes Peak portion of the tour? + It will be significantly cooler on the summit of Pikes Peak than at our other stops. Please bring along a jacket or coat with you for the train ride to the summit.
Are there any age restrictions for this tour? + Children under the age of 8 are NOT permitted on this tour. Please call the operator for exceptions.
What is the cancellation policy? + For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. Due to the ticketing process with the train, we must strictly adhere to this time constraint.
Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.
★★★★★ Viator review
Wonderful,except for weather
Sandy_H, October 2026
If bad weather, you may want to reschedule. We couldn't go to summit. I wish train windows were nonreflective so photos could be taken without glare.
★★★★★ Viator review
Great variety of experiences
Ming_A, October 2026
This trip was a great time, but you should know that weather can affect the running of the Cog Railway. The tour group is not in control of that. The day we were there, we could only go partway up. It was still a fantastic journey, but if reaching the peak is important to you, be aware that once summer is over, mountain weather can change your plans. They Cog Railway will give partial refunds if they cannot reach the peak. The rest of the day was phenomenal. Garden of the Gods was beautiful, and Jeff was an informative and fun guide for the drives.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Quick responses when I had a question.
857darrella, October 2026
Excellent accommodations. Great place to stay.
★★★★★ Viator review
Suggestion to improve the experience
Peter_B, October 2026
Be prepared for temperature change at the top.
I suggest that you would make the meeting place BOLDER in the confirmation instructions. This would make easer to find. The tour guide was difficult to recognize as there was no uniform or flag to mark the spot.
★★★★★ Viator review
COG Railroad
Pamela_H, October 2026
Interesting beautiful ride on the train, informative conductor the weather does get much cooler, so be prepared
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