High County Old West 4×4 Jeep Tour

High County Old West 4×4 Jeep Tour: A Scenic Ride into Colorado’s Rocky Backcountry

If you’re looking for a way to experience the rugged beauty of Colorado’s Pike National Forest without breaking a sweat, the High County Old West 4×4 Jeep Tour might be just what you need. This guided adventure takes you high above Colorado Springs, offering panoramic views, wildflower-filled meadows, and a chance to spot local wildlife—all from the comfort of a rugged off-road vehicle.

Two things we especially like about this tour are the expert guides, who bring the landscape alive with stories and insights, and the spectacular vistas you’ll enjoy at over 11,000 feet of elevation. The only consideration? It’s a weekday-only tour, which might not suit weekend travelers or those with tight schedules. Still, for anyone craving an authentic mountain experience in a small, intimate group, this tour hits the mark.

This adventure is particularly well-suited to outdoor enthusiasts, photography buffs, and anyone eager to see Colorado’s wild side without the hassle of planning a challenging hike or mountain drive on their own. Now, let’s explore what makes this tour stand out—and what you can expect along the way.

Key Points

• Breathtaking Views: Ascend to over 11,000 feet for sweeping vistas of the Rocky Mountains.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with local history and wildlife spotting tips.
• Small Group: Limited to five participants, ensuring personalized attention and a more authentic experience.
• Comfort and Convenience: Includes bottled water, snacks, and wool blankets to keep you comfortable during the ride.
• Authentic Off-Road Experience: Almost the entire 4-hour tour takes place on rugged dirt roads high in Pike National Forest.
• Weather Preparedness: Dress in layers and bring a light jacket—mountain weather can change rapidly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary and Experience

This tour offers a well-structured journey through some of Colorado’s most scenic high country. Starting at the meeting point in Colorado Springs, the guides from Adventures Out West then take you on a 4×4 adventure along back roads that lead into Pike National Forest. The emphasis is on authentic off-road driving—you’ll be on dirt roads most of the time, making the experience more immersive than a typical sightseeing bus.

What makes this tour memorable is the chance to reach altitudes as high as 11,200 feet. From this vantage point, you’re treated to jaw-dropping views of alpine meadows, sparkling streams, beaver ponds, and the peaks of the Colorado Rockies. You might see eagles soaring overhead, or even deer, cougars, and bears if luck is on your side. The guides are experts at pointing out local flora and fauna, bringing the landscape to life with interesting facts and stories.

A highlight is the ascend above Colorado Springs—a rare perspective that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. The guides will share stories about the area’s history and ecology, making the drive both scenic and educational. The small group size—limited to five—ensures everyone gets personalized attention, and the guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge shine through, making the experience more engaging than a typical commercial tour.

Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy comforts like bottled water and light snacks. Wool blankets are provided, which come in handy when the mountain temperatures dip in the afternoon or evening. Since the tour is conducted on weekdays only, you’ll often find fewer crowds, and the guides have more time to focus on your experience.

What Makes This Tour Special?

Spectacular Views: The views from high above the city are truly a photographer’s dream, with sweeping panoramas that stretch across mountain ranges. The elevation gives you a perspective that’s both humbling and exhilarating. It’s a rare chance to stand in a high-altitude wilderness area and truly appreciate Colorado’s rugged terrain.

Expert Guides: Many reviews highlight how guides like Arrow, Mustang Sally, and Tumbleweed go beyond just driving—they bring histories, wildlife facts, and local lore into the conversation. One guest noted that Mustang Sally was “such a fantastic person,” emphasizing the personal touch that small-group tours can offer.

Authentic Off-Roading: Nearly the entire journey takes place on dirt roads—this isn’t a sightseeing bus stuck on pavement. It’s a true backcountry adventure, allowing you to get closer to nature than most typical tours.

Small Group Atmosphere: Limiting this tour to just five participants means you get a more relaxed, personalized experience. Guides are able to tailor the commentary and games to your interests, making for a more memorable trip.

Weather Flexibility: Colorado’s mountain weather can surprise you. It’s wise to dress in layers, bring a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The tour operators advise waterproof jackets for sudden rain, and the wool blankets add comfort on cooler days.

Midweek Runs: Because it only operates on weekdays, you’ll avoid weekend crowds and have a more intimate experience with nature and your guide.

Deep Dive: What You’ll See and Feel

Starting your adventure in Colorado Springs, the guides set the tone with friendly introductions and safety instructions. Once on the trail, the ride is exhilarating—bouncing over uneven terrain, navigating twists and turns, and climbing higher into the mountains. You’ll appreciate the stability and comfort of the Jeep, which is designed for rugged terrain but keeps you safe and secure.

As you climb above the treeline, the landscape transforms. The lush green forests give way to alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers—a photographer’s paradise. The air smells fresh and piney, and the views keep getting better. From the top at 11,200 feet, the horizon extends for miles, giving you an almost 360-degree panorama of Colorado’s rugged peaks.

On clear days, you’ll see the rugged outlines of distant summits, and the silence up here is profound—only broken by the occasional call of a bird or the rustle of the wind. Guides will point out beaver ponds, streams, and flora unique to Colorado’s high elevations, making the landscape both beautiful and educational.

It’s quite common to see wildlife, especially eagles soaring overhead or deer grazing in the meadows. If you’re lucky, you might glimpse a mountain lion or a bear, but even if not, the scenic beauty and the sense of remoteness make up for it.

The guides’ storytelling keeps the experience engaging, weaving in local history and ecology, which adds depth to the journey. After about four hours, you’ll descend back to Colorado Springs, feeling refreshed and inspired—if a bit tired from all that mountain air.

Pricing and Value

At $195 per person, this tour offers a concentrated dose of Colorado’s high country, with expert guides, personalized attention, and access to spectacular views. When you consider the inclusion of bottled water, snacks, wool blankets, and the small group size, the value becomes clearer. It’s a far cry from crowded bus tours—this is about quality, intimacy, and an authentic outdoor experience.

Compared to other tours that might only offer scenic drives on pavement, this off-road adventure provides a real sense of exploration. For those interested in photography, wildlife, or simply getting away from the city, the cost is justified by the quality of the scenery and the professionalism of the guides.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re an outdoor lover eager to see Colorado’s wilderness with knowledgeable guides, this tour is a perfect fit. It suits those who prefer small groups over large buses, and it’s ideal for travelers who want an exhilarating, yet comfortable, way to see the high Rockies. It’s also suitable for photography enthusiasts, wildlife watchers, and anyone interested in learning more about Colorado’s ecology and history.

However, it’s not for those who dislike getting a bit dusty or who have mobility issues—most of the tour is on rugged dirt roads, and the altitude might be challenging for some. Since it’s a weekday-only tour, it’s best for flexible travelers or those willing to plan around the schedule.

The Sum Up

The High County Old West 4×4 Jeep Tour offers a genuinely scenic and educational journey into Colorado’s high country. Small groups and expert guides create an authentic experience that’s both fun and informative. You’ll enjoy panoramic mountain views, the chance to spot local wildlife, and the satisfaction of exploring remote backroads that few travelers get to experience.

This tour is best suited for travelers who crave adventure and natural beauty without the strenuous effort of hiking or mountain climbing. It’s ideal for those who want a personal touch, with guides sharing stories and insights along the way. Priced at $195, it offers excellent value for a 4-hour, small-group, off-road adventure that leaves you with lasting memories of Colorado’s wild side.

If you’re visiting Colorado Springs and want an escape into the mountains that combines comfort, scenery, and expert storytelling, this tour is well worth considering.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts about four hours, usually scheduled in the morning.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to five participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

What should I bring?
Dress in layers, bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and closed-toe shoes. A light jacket or sweatshirt is also recommended.

Is any food included?
Yes, light snacks and bottled water are provided during the tour.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour generally requires a minimum of two participants, but specific age restrictions are not stated.

What kind of vehicle is used?
A rugged 4×4 Jeep designed for off-road terrain handles the adventure.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the small group and off-road nature suggest it’s best suited for older children or teens comfortable with outdoor adventures.

Will I get to see wildlife?
Wildlife sightings like eagles, deer, and possibly larger predators are possible, but not guaranteed.

Where do I meet for the tour?
Meet at Adventures Out West, next door to Rudy’s Hideaway Restaurant, and look for the tour sign.

In summary, the High County Old West 4×4 Jeep Tour offers a memorable way to experience Colorado’s Rockies—combining scenic beauty, expert guides, and a touch of adventure. Whether you’re a photographer, wildlife enthusiast, or simply someone who loves mountain landscapes, this tour delivers a genuine taste of Colorado’s wild heart.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby