A recommended day trip from The Broadmoor: Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods
Yes. From The Broadmoor you can see Garden of the Gods in the morning and reach Pikes Peak the same day via the Pikes Peak Highway or the Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway; each Pikes Peak option takes about three hours round trip, leaving time to explore Garden of the Gods for 1–4 hours.
In this guide
- Start at The Broadmoor: logistics and timing
- Morning: Garden of the Gods — what to see and how long to stay
- Lunch and a detour: Old Colorado City or back to The Broadmoor
- Afternoon: Pikes Peak — choose the Cog Railway or drive the Highway
- Practical transport and parking tips
- What to pack and altitude safety
Start at The Broadmoor: logistics and timing
Plan to leave the resort early to get the most from both stops. Driving to Garden of the Gods from The Broadmoor takes around 15–20 minutes; the cog railway or highway to Pikes Peak adds more travel and about three hours round trip for the summit portion.
Confirm start times the day before: many dining and activity reservations at The Broadmoor are handled by Concierge and some nearby attractions run seasonal schedules.
- Address for The Broadmoor: 1 Lake Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80906, US
- Check-out time at The Broadmoor is 12:00 p.m. and check-in begins after 4:00 p.m.
- If you need transport help, The Broadmoor’s reservations/concierge can advise on shuttles, taxis, and Gray Line services
| On-site Office | Phone / Contact |
|---|---|
| Reservations / Concierge | Contact via The Broadmoor site or main property phone |
| BookResorts agents (24/7) | +1 (888) 605-1350 |
| Dining & Activity Reservations | Call the Broadmoor dining line listed on property pages |
Morning: Garden of the Gods — what to see and how long to stay
Garden of the Gods is a National Natural Landmark with towering red sandstone formations and is about 7 miles (roughly a 16-minute drive) from The Broadmoor. Plan 1–4 hours depending on whether you hike, drive the loop, or use the visitor center exhibits.
Popular short options include the central Trading Post/visitor center area and easy trails that offer close-up views of the major formations; bring layers and water — the park sits at high elevation.
- Drive the 4.2-mile park loop for a quick overview and pullouts for photos
- Walk short trails like the Central Garden Trail for close-up views (flat, paved sections exist)
- Allow extra time for parking during busy summer or weekend periods
| Visit Focus | Suggested Time |
|---|---|
| Drive loop + photo stops | 45–90 minutes |
| Short hikes and visitor center | 1–2 hours |
| Longer hikes or guided tours | 2–4 hours |
Lunch and a detour: Old Colorado City or back to The Broadmoor
After Garden of the Gods you can head to Old Colorado City for local cafés, galleries, and a casual lunch, or return to The Broadmoor and eat at one of the on-site restaurants depending on timing.
If you prefer staying on property, Lake Terrace Dining Room and Natural Epicurean offer morning and lunchtime options; The Penrose Room, Ristorante del Lago, Summit, and La Taverne have set hours in the evening and may require reservations.
- Old Colorado City: short drive from Garden of the Gods, several casual lunch choices
- Back at The Broadmoor: Natural Epicurean (6:00am–2:00pm) for lighter fare or Lake Terrace Dining Room for breakfast/brunch times listed on property pages
- Reserve evening tables in advance for The Penrose Room or La Taverne if you plan to dine back at the resort
| On-site Lunch Option | Typical Hours (subject to change) |
|---|---|
| Natural Epicurean | 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
| Lake Terrace Dining Room (breakfast/brunch) | Wed–Sat 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.; Sun Brunch 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
Afternoon: Pikes Peak — choose the Cog Railway or drive the Highway
There are two common ways to reach Pikes Peak from the Colorado Springs area: the Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway (departs from a station near Manitou Springs) or driving the Pikes Peak Highway. Either option to the summit and back typically occupies about three hours round trip for the Pikes Peak portion.
The cog railway departs from a station roughly 8.7 miles from The Broadmoor; check current schedules and seasonal operating dates. If you drive the highway, build in time for summit parking, short walks at the top, and slower alpine driving.
- Cog Railway: round-trip ride includes summit time — verify departure and return windows when booking
- Pikes Peak Highway: self-drive gives more flexibility but account for summit altitude and variable weather
- Either option: weather can change quickly at high elevation — check forecasts and bring warm layers
| Option | Typical Round-Trip Time |
|---|---|
| Cog Railway (Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak) | About 3–4 hours (including summit time) |
| Pikes Peak Highway (self-drive) | About 3 hours (driving + summit time; varies) |
Practical transport and parking tips
Colorado Springs and the surrounding attractions are spread out and public transit is limited; most visitors use a rental car, taxi, rideshare, or arranged shuttle. The Broadmoor’s transportation partner and concierge can advise on Gray Line shuttles, private sedan/SUV transfers, or local taxis.
If you drive, remember parking at popular sites can fill during summer and weekends; arriving early reduces parking waits. Also plan for higher fuel use and slower speeds when climbing to the summit.
- Nearest airport: Colorado Springs Airport (COS) — about 11–12 miles from The Broadmoor
- Gray Line offers airport shuttle services for Broadmoor guests; private sedan/SUV transfers are available to Denver International Airport
- Rideshare fares from COS to The Broadmoor are typically in the $20–$35 range (prices vary by company and time of day)
| Trip | Approx. Distance / Time from The Broadmoor |
|---|---|
| Garden of the Gods | About 7 miles / ~16 minutes |
| Pikes Peak (summit) | About 21–22 miles (drive time varies considerably) |
| Cog Railway station (Manitou Springs) | About 8.7 miles from The Broadmoor |
What to pack and altitude safety
You’ll go from about 6,200 feet at The Broadmoor up to over 14,000 feet on Pikes Peak; bring layered clothing, sun protection, and plenty of water. Even warm days at lower elevations can be cool and windy on the summit.
If you or travel companions are sensitive to altitude, move more slowly, drink water, and avoid excessive alcohol. If you have medical concerns, consult a physician before high-altitude activities.
- Layers (windproof shell, fleece), sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
- Reusable water bottle and snacks — hydration matters at altitude
- Closed-toe shoes for short hikes and gravel at summit viewpoints
| Concern | Tip |
|---|---|
| Altitude sickness | Stay hydrated; rest if you feel dizzy or unwell |
| Weather changes | Bring warm layers — summit temperatures can be much lower |
| Sun exposure | Use high-SPF sunscreen and sunglasses at higher elevations |
