Come Conquer America’s Mountain with Us
Ready to experience the crown jewel of the Rocky Mountains without any of the driving stress in a specially built AOW Adventure Jeep? Reaching the 14,115-foot summit of America’s Mountain is usually a white-knuckle experience, with navigating the 19 miles of steep drop-offs and tight hairpin turns intimidating even seasoned drivers. Adventures Outwest’s Pikes Peak Guided Jeep Tour is the ultimate way to enjoy the climb safely and comfortably.
From Mule Carriages to the “Race to the Clouds”
The road beneath our Jeep wheels is steeped in history. Long before it became a paved engineering marvel, it began in 1888 as a rugged, pioneer-era wagon road built by the Cascade Town Company and traveled exclusively by horses and mules. In 1893, while visiting the summit, Katharine Lee Bates was so inspired by the vast view she wrote the poem “America the Beautiful” on the spot. By the early 1900s, the road had fallen into disrepair and needed help fast! 
In 1915, local philanthropist and mining magnate Spencer Penrose 
envisioned a grander future. He bought the old carriage franchise and spent roughly $250,000 of his own fortune to build the modern Pikes Peak Auto Highway, completely transforming it into a premier route to showcase early automotive technology.
Just a year later, in 1916, Penrose created the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
Known worldwide as the “Race to the Clouds,” this wild racing heritage is built into the mountain’s DNA. AOW’s expert guides bring these thrilling historical eras to life with fascinating stories throughout your journey.
Closer look at your journey to the clouds: cruising the Foothills and Lakes
Watch for moose when you enter the aspen areas.
Your adventure kicks off smoothly as your professional driver handles the tollgate entry at Cascade. The first major milestone of the drive is a stop at the pristine Crystal Creek Reservoir.
Here, you can stretch your legs, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and take stunning shoreline photos. Keep your eyes completely peeled for native bighorn sheep and mule deer along the water’s edge and to the skies for eagles and hawks.
Conquering the Famous Switchbacks
As the vehicle climbs higher, the dense pine forests give way to dramatic, jagged sub-alpine landscapes. You will pass Glen Cove at 11,440 feet before facing the most thrilling segment of the entire highway: the infamous W-Bottom Switchbacks. 
These steep, sweeping corners offer towering, panoramic views of the entire region. Your guide will point out the exact dirt corners where race drivers drift sideways at blistering speeds. Rest assured, your driver has specialized mountain training to ensure absolute peace of mind through every sharp curve.
The Summit Triumph
Pika
Marmot
Crossing the tree line brings you into a rugged alpine desert where only the hardiest wildlife survives: the marmots and pikas.
Soon, you will stand victoriously at the 14,115-foot peak and step into the Summit Visitor Center. 
From the top, you will savor the exact expansive vistas that famously inspired the song “America the Beautiful”. Best of all, you can celebrate your high-altitude triumph by treating yourself to the world-famous, fresh-fried Pikes Peak donuts.
Pikes Peak Tour Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can “altitude sickness” affect me? I’m physically fit…
The summit features roughly half the oxygen available at sea level, which can cause minor symptoms such as headaches or fatigue. The best defense is consistent hydration. We highly recommend drinking twice as much water as usual, starting a couple of days before your tour. It is also wise to avoid alcohol the night before, eat a light meal before ascending, and acclimate in town for 24 to 48 hours before heading to the peak.
What clothing should I wear for a Pikes Peak tour?
The golden rule for mountain travel is to always dress in layers. The summit is typically 20 to 30 degrees colder than the base in town and frequently experiences high winds. Even in the middle of summer, you should pack a warm jacket, long pants, a hat, and gloves. Sunscreen and polarized sunglasses are also essential due to the intense UV rays at high altitudes.
Are park entry fees included in the tour price?
Yes! When you book AOW’s Pikes Peak Guided Jeep Tours, all highway tolls and timed-entry permits are fully covered and arranged by us. You just get to hop in, relax, and enjoy the ride.
Ready to stand on top of the world? Check our seasonal tour schedules, explore custom group rates, and book your seats online today to secure your high-altitude Rocky Mountain adventure!
Introducing visitors to the soul of Colorado for over 50 years!
Sassafras/Tammila K. Wright
