A recommended day trip from Glen Eyrie: Pikes Peak or Seven Falls
Both Pikes Peak and Seven Falls are doable day trips from Glen Eyrie Castle & Conference Center. Pikes Peak (summit drive) is roughly a one-hour drive each way from the property; Seven Falls and Cheyenne Cañon are closer and work well for a shorter half-day outing.
In this guide
Which to pick: Pikes Peak or Seven Falls?
Choose Pikes Peak if you want a mountain summit experience and broad high-country views that require a longer drive and more time. Choose Seven Falls if you prefer a shorter outing focused on waterfalls, a canyon walk, and an easier logistics footprint.
Both are listed as recommended things to do from Glen Eyrie on the property's own 'Things to Do' material, so either fits a typical stay here.
- Pikes Peak: longer drive (about 1 hour each way); summit views and alpine environment.
- Seven Falls / Cheyenne Cañon: shorter excursion; waterfall, canyon walk, and scenic viewpoints.
- Timing: plan at least a half day for Seven Falls, most of the day for Pikes Peak.
| Destination | Typical Time Needed | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|
| Pikes Peak (summit drive) | Most of the day | Summit views / high-elevation scenery |
| Seven Falls (Cheyenne Cañon) | Half day | Waterfalls / canyon walks / easier logistics |
| Garden of the Gods | 1–3 hours | Quick scenic stop (very near Glen Eyrie) |
Getting there from Glen Eyrie
Glen Eyrie Castle & Conference Center sits on N 30th St near Garden of the Gods. The property lists Garden of the Gods as about a 10-minute walk and notes Pikes Peak among local recommended attractions.
Driving is the most practical way to reach both Pikes Peak and Seven Falls from Glen Eyrie; public transit requires multiple transfers and is generally impractical for these outlying natural sites.
- Pikes Peak: roughly a 1-hour drive to the summit area (travel time depends on route and traffic).
- Seven Falls / Cheyenne Cañon: a shorter drive from Glen Eyrie (minutes rather than a full-hour trip).
- Car recommended; rideshare or guided tours are alternatives if you prefer not to drive.
| From | To | Approx. travel time |
|---|---|---|
| Glen Eyrie Castle & Conference Center | Pikes Peak (summit area) | About 1 hour (one way) |
| Glen Eyrie Castle & Conference Center | Seven Falls / Cheyenne Cañon | Shorter drive (town-to-canyon minutes) |
| Glen Eyrie Castle & Conference Center | Garden of the Gods | 10-minute walk or 2–4 minute drive |
Pikes Peak: what to expect
A trip to Pikes Peak is primarily about high-elevation mountain scenery and broad viewpoint stops. Expect mountain weather changes, cooler temperatures at elevation, and potential traffic delays on popular days.
Because Glen Eyrie recommends Pikes Peak among local attractions, many guests use the castle as a base for a day that includes the summit drive plus a few stops back in town.
- Allow most of the day for driving, stops, and time at the top.
- Bring layered clothing for cooler, windier conditions at higher elevations.
- Check road conditions and any seasonal closures before you go.
| Consideration | Note |
|---|---|
| Time required | Most of the day |
| Weather | Can change rapidly with elevation |
| Transport | Car or guided tour recommended |
Seven Falls and Cheyenne Cañon: what to expect
Seven Falls, in Cheyenne Cañon, is a canyon and waterfall experience listed among nearby attractions on Glen Eyrie’s 'Things to Do' guide. It makes a good half-day outing for families or guests seeking a shorter nature walk.
Expect canyon trails, viewpoints, and a more sheltered, lower-elevation environment than Pikes Peak. This is a good option if you want less driving and more time exploring on foot.
- Plan for walking and some steps or elevation changes along canyon paths.
- Half-day visit is typical, leaving time to return to Glen Eyrie for tea or a late lunch.
- Check seasonal access and hours for attractions inside Cheyenne Cañon.
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Waterfalls & canyon | Scenic viewpoints and relatively short walks |
| Shorter drive | Easier logistics than a summit trip |
| Family-friendly | Good for shorter excursions with children |
Suggested sample itineraries
Half-day: Morning at Garden of the Gods or Seven Falls, lunch back at Glen Eyrie, afternoon on property trails or Castle Tour. This is useful if you want a relaxed pace and to use Glen Eyrie’s on-site services like the Gift Shop & Cafe or a Castle Tour.
Full day: Early departure for Pikes Peak (allow most of the day), with a stop at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum or Manitou Springs on the way back. Return to Glen Eyrie for Afternoon Tea in the Castle Music Room or dinner in the Castle Dining Room.
- If planning Afternoon Tea on return, check the tea reservation policy and hours first.
- Allow flexibility for mountain traffic and weather when scheduling Pikes Peak.
- Bring water, sun protection, comfortable shoes, and layers for both outings.
| Itinerary | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Half-day | Seven Falls + Glen Eyrie trails + Gift Shop & Cafe |
| Full day | Pikes Peak summit drive + stops in Manitou Springs + Afternoon Tea |
| Evening | Return to Castle Dining Room or relax on the terrace |
Practical tips from Glen Eyrie
Glen Eyrie offers on-site Afternoon Tea in the Castle Music Room and a Gift Shop & Cafe for quick snacks; both are convenient if you prefer to return to the property midday or after a trip. Afternoon tea has advance-reservation rules, so check availability before planning around it.
The property also runs daily Castle Tours and maintains private hiking trails on the grounds, which can be paired with any half- or full-day outside excursion.
- Afternoon Tea: reservations required; check the Glen Eyrie schedule and reservation policy before planning.
- Food options on-site: Castle Dining Room (group meals), Afternoon Tea in the Castle Music Room, and Gift Shop & Cafe for snacks.
- Front desk hours and check-in/out: standard check-in begins at 4:00 PM, check-out before 11:00 AM; front desk staffing hours vary by listing.
| On-site option | When to use it |
|---|---|
| Gift Shop & Cafe | Quick coffee or snack before or after a trip |
| Afternoon Tea in the Castle Music Room | Reserve in advance for a return-from-trip treat |
| Castle Tours / private trails | Combine with an afternoon on the grounds |
