Scenic Pikes Peak Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

If you’re considering a trip to Colorado Springs and want an experience that combines breathtaking mountain views with a flexible, self-paced adventure, the Scenic Pikes Peak Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour might catch your eye. This tour offers a chance to ascend one of America’s most iconic peaks with the freedom to explore at your own pace, accompanied by engaging storytelling.

While it’s not an all-in-one package with park entries or guided group tours—so you’ll need separate tickets if you want to access the actual attractions—many travelers find the value in the detailed narration and the ability to set their own schedule. We like that it’s budget-friendly at just over $15 per car, making it accessible for small groups or families.

However, some potential visitors have run into confusion regarding what’s included, particularly about park entrance fees. That’s something to keep in mind if you’re expecting this tour to cover entry cost or if you’re unfamiliar with how self-guided audio tours work.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy scenic drives, want to learn about local history and geology, and prefer the flexibility of exploring on their own without a guided group. It’s especially handy for those who want to revisit or extend their visit over several days without additional costs.

Key Points

• Great value for groups: One purchase covers up to four people, making it cost-effective.
• Flexible pacing: Start anytime, pause, and enjoy side stops without pressure.
• Rich storytelling: Learn about the mountain’s history, ecosystems, and the famous Race to the Clouds.
• Offline usability: Download once and enjoy the tour without cell service.
• Not inclusive of park entry: Separate admission tickets are needed to access the summit and other attractions.
• Ideal for repeat visits: Purchase is valid for a year, perfect for multiple trips.

An Honest Look at the Tour Experience

When considering a tour like this, the first thing that stands out is value. For about $15, you get a self-guided audio experience covering multiple points of interest along the scenic route—perfect for small groups or families traveling together. Instead of paying for a guided bus or group tour, you’re paying for the narration and the freedom to explore at your own pace, making it a budget-friendly choice.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour’s stops are scattered along Pikes Peak Highway, with each offering its own unique perspective on the mountain’s natural beauty and historical significance.

• Stop 1: Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain
  This is the star of the show. The drive itself offers spectacular vistas and the chance to get a sense of why this mountain has captured imaginations for generations. Note that admission to the summit is not included; you’ll need separate tickets if you want to go all the way to the top. The drive is about 15 minutes just to reach the start of the route from the parking area.

• Stop 2: Cascade
  This observation point dates back to 1890, once a stop along the cog railway. It’s a place that history buffs and casual travelers alike will enjoy. The stop is free, making it a nice quick break to take in the mountain air and imagine the old railway days. Some reviewers have expressed surprise that this tour doesn’t include the actual railway ticket, but that’s still worth a visit if you’re interested in local transportation history.

• Stop 3: Crystal Creek Reservoir
  Here you’ll see the reservoir that supplies water to Colorado Springs. It’s a reminder of how human ingenuity works alongside nature—an important story for anyone interested in regional infrastructure. The stop is free of charge and offers a chance for some peaceful photography.

• Stop 4: North Catamount Reservoir
  Another water supply point, this reservoir continues the theme of the mountain’s significance in regional water management. It’s a straightforward stop with no entrance fee, making it perfect for a quick visit.

• Stop 5: Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway
  Despite the name, this isn’t quite halfway up the mountain but still offers a good spot for a quick break. Some travelers appreciate the railway’s history, but again, the tour doesn’t include the railway ticket—just the scenic stop.

• Stop 6: Glen Cove – PPIHC
  This stop marks the halfway point and features the Glen Cove Visitor Center, a familiar spot for travelers for decades. It’s a good place to stretch your legs and learn about the Peak’s racing history, especially if you’re a motorsport fan.

• Stops 7-9: Devil’s Playground, Bottomless Pit, Barr Trail
  These stops explore more rugged and geological features of the mountain. Devil’s Playground is a stark, lightning-prone landscape, while the Bottomless Pit offers some whimsical rocks and lore. The Barr Trail is a historic route dating back to the gold rush, appealing to those interested in hiking or mountain lore. Remember, these stops are primarily scenic or educational—no tickets are required.

The Experience of the Audio Tour

The narration, provided through the app, is often described as engaging and well-produced. Many reviewers highlight that the storytelling makes the drive more meaningful, turning a simple mountain road into a living history lesson. The app works offline, meaning you can enjoy the tour even in areas with limited reception—an important feature given the remote high-altitude environment.

A key perk is the ability to start, pause, and resume without losing your place, allowing for spontaneous stops or breaks. If you’re traveling with children or a group that appreciates flexibility, this format works well.

Practical Details and Considerations

Booking is straightforward, and the tour is for one vehicle only, making it an economical choice for groups of up to four people. The cost, at just over $15, is quite reasonable considering the content and flexibility it offers. However, it’s vital to clarify that the tour does not include entrance tickets to the summit or attractions, which many travelers have initially misunderstood.

The tour is available from April to October, with operating hours from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. You can start anytime within these hours, making it suitable for early risers or sunset chasers.

What about the reviews? Some travelers have run into confusion. For example, one reviewer noted that they paid for a carload admission but found they still had to pay separately at the gate. Others were under the misconception that this tour included park access, which it does not. Clear communication about what’s included and what isn’t will help set expectations.

The Balance of Pros and Cons

On the plus side, the storytelling quality and offline accessibility are often praised. The ability to explore at your own pace is a big plus for families or those who want to customize their experience. The cost per group makes it a better deal than guided tours or single tickets if you’re traveling with multiple people.

On the downside, the lack of included park entry can be a frustrating surprise if you aren’t prepared. Several reviews mention that visitors had to pay additional entrance fees—sometimes quite steep—so be sure to budget for this if you plan to reach the summit. Also, since it’s a self-guided tour, there’s no guide to answer questions or provide real-time insights, which might matter to some travelers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This self-guided audio experience is best suited for travelers who value flexibility and autonomy. If you enjoy scenic drives, appreciate local history, and want to avoid the crowds of guided tours, you’ll find this tour gives you a lot of control. It’s also ideal for repeat visitors who want to explore the route multiple times without paying each time.

However, if you’re expecting an all-inclusive experience that covers entrance fees and guided commentary, you might feel disappointed. Make sure you understand that the cost covers only the narration and route—not the actual park admission.

Final Thoughts

The Scenic Pikes Peak Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour offers a budget-friendly, flexible way to experience one of Colorado’s most famous landmarks. While it doesn’t include the summit’s entrance fee or attractions like the cog railway, it compensates with engaging storytelling, offline usability, and the freedom to explore on your own terms.

If you’re comfortable managing your own logistics and want a personal, educational journey up the mountain, this tour serves as an excellent companion. It’s perfect for travel groups seeking value and independence, especially for those planning multiple trips or extended stays.

Remember to clarify what’s included before you set out, and plan for additional costs if you want to reach the summit or visit specific attractions. With careful planning, this audio tour can turn a scenic drive into a memorable adventure on Colorado’s most iconic mountain.

FAQ

Does this tour include park entrance fees?
No, the tour does not include any attraction passes or entrance tickets. You’ll need to buy those separately if you want access to the summit or attractions.

Can I use this tour multiple times?
Yes, you can purchase it once and enjoy it for up to a year, making it perfect for repeat visits or multiple trips.

How do I access the audio tour?
After booking, you’ll receive an email and text with setup instructions and a password. Download the Action app while connected to WiFi or mobile data, then enter the password to access the tour offline.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Absolutely, especially since everyone in the vehicle can listen together on one device. It offers a flexible, hands-free experience.

What about the duration?
The tour is designed to last between 1 and 2 hours, but you can take longer if you wish to explore stops more leisurely.

Is there any guided assistance during the tour?
No, this is a self-guided experience, so there’s no guide present. It relies on your device and the narration to guide your journey.

Can I start the tour at any time?
Yes, you can begin whenever the park is open, between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM, and pause or restart as you like.

Are there any recommended devices?
For optimal experience, use an iPhone with iOS 15 or later, an Android device with version 9 or later, or a GPS-enabled tablet. Connecting to your car’s stereo system enhances the experience, but headphones work fine too.

To sum it up, if you’re looking for a budget-conscious way to explore Pikes Peak at your own pace, enjoy storytelling, and don’t mind managing your own tickets, this self-guided audio tour offers good value. Just be prepared to handle entrance fees separately and understand that the tour itself is just the narration and route. For independent-minded travelers eager to see this Colorado icon without the fuss of guided tours, it’s a practical and enjoyable choice.