Things to do nearby Glen Eyrie: hikes, tours and family outings
Glen Eyrie Castle & Conference Center sits next to Garden of the Gods and offers on-site castle tours, private hiking trails, an afternoon tea in the Castle Music Room, and easy access to family-friendly Colorado Springs attractions. Plan for guided Castle tours and reserve Afternoon Tea in advance; outdoor activities like hiking, picnics, and nearby sightseeing are the most common things to do.
In this guide
- Walk or bike to Garden of the Gods
- Hike the Glen Eyrie private trails and grounds
- Take a Castle Tour and learn the history
- Reserve Afternoon Tea in the Castle Music Room
- Family outings and nearby kid-friendly attractions
- Book guided excursions: jeep, segway and falconry
- Practical tips and hotel services for planning outings
Walk or bike to Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is immediately adjacent to Glen Eyrie and can be reached on foot, by bike, or with a very short drive. The park’s red‑rock formations and paved / unpaved loops make it a flexible half‑day outing for families, photographers, and casual hikers.
Trails in Garden of the Gods vary from short paved viewpoints to longer dirt singletrack; trail difficulty and length depend on where you start and the route you choose.
- Good for: short walks, family photos, easy hikes and scenic viewpoints
- Bring: water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes for rocky stretches
- Note: parking and shuttle info in the park varies seasonally — check Garden of the Gods resources before you go
| Activity | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Short viewpoints / paved loops | 30–60 minutes |
| Longer hikes or looped routes | 1–3 hours |
| Bike rides on paved roads/trails | 1–2 hours |
Hike the Glen Eyrie private trails and grounds
Glen Eyrie maintains private hiking and biking trails across its Queen’s Canyon acreage. These trails pass red‑rock ridges, small waterfalls, picnic spots, and quiet wooded sections suitable for short family walks or longer exploratory hikes.
Since trails are part of the retreat property, check with the front desk or Gatehouse for current trail access, recommended routes, and any seasonal closures before setting out.
- Typical uses: nature walks, birdwatching, picnic stops
- Terrain: dirt singletrack and rocky footing in places
- Safety: carry water and a map/phone; trail conditions can change after storms
| Trail feature | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Rose Garden & small waterfall | Short, scenic stops for photos or a picnic |
| Wooded singletrack | Shaded walking; uneven surface |
| Red‑rock viewpoints | Open, exposed sections with views |
Take a Castle Tour and learn the history
Glen Eyrie offers daily historic Castle Tours that highlight the estate’s 19th‑century history and its links to General William Jackson Palmer and The Navigators ministry. Tours typically run at set times — check the property’s schedule and reserve in advance.
Public access to the Castle requires a reservation for a Tour, Tea, or Overnight Stay; you cannot simply walk through the Castle without booking.
- Tours: daily at scheduled times (confirm current schedule at the front desk)
- Advance booking: required for Castle Tours and Tea
- Visitor access: public hours to the Carriage House bookstore are limited Monday–Thursday 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
| Program | Notes |
|---|---|
| Castle Tours | Offered daily; check times with the hotel |
| Carriage House / bookstore | Public hours limited; see front desk or property site |
| Photography sessions | Photo/video sessions allowed (weddings not hosted on site) |
Reserve Afternoon Tea in the Castle Music Room
Afternoon Tea is served in the historic Castle Music Room — a wood‑paneled space with big windows and a gas fireplace — and includes a soup course, salad, and a tiered selection of sandwiches, scones and desserts with specialty teas. Seating and service schedules vary by season, so reservations are required up to 60 days in advance for groups.
Tea service offers vegan and gluten‑free options (some items may carry an upcharge). Parties larger than eight may be seated at separate tables and the minimums set by the property should be confirmed when booking.
- Reserve: up to 60 days in advance; table limits per booking apply
- Menu notes: vegan and gluten‑free options available (may cost extra)
- Dress: no mandatory dress code — guests are encouraged to 'dress to your own vision'
| Info | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Duration | About 2–2.5 hours (varies by event) |
| Group size | Min and max per property policy — confirm when booking |
| Price | Seasonal; check property for current rates |
Family outings and nearby kid-friendly attractions
Glen Eyrie is family-friendly and Standard Guest Rooms accommodate children; activities on site include hiking, picnic areas, games, and the terrace. The property also lists attractions nearby that suit families, including Cave of the Winds, Manitou Springs attractions, and Red Rock Canyon Open Space.
Many nearby activities require a short drive. If you prefer organized experiences, look into child-friendly guided options such as the Garden of the Gods Segway Tour or family‑oriented nature programs in the region.
- On site: private trails, picnic areas, Rose Garden, outdoor spaces
- Nearby family spots: Cave of the Winds Mountain Park, Red Rock Canyon, Manitou Springs attractions
- Travel tip: some attractions (Incline, Pikes Peak Highway) are strenuous or weather‑dependent — check suitability for children before going
| Nearby attraction | Why families like it |
|---|---|
| Cave of the Winds Mountain Park | Cave tours and above‑ground attractions |
| Red Rock Canyon Open Space | Short hikes and rock features for kids |
| Manitou Springs / Miramont Castle | Small museums and family‑friendly strolls |
Book guided excursions: jeep, segway and falconry
If you want a guided outing, local vendors offer Jeep tours of the foothills and Garden of the Gods, Segway tours through Juniper Loop, and hands‑on falconry demonstrations. These are popular half‑day to multi‑hour options that pick up or meet near the Garden of the Gods area.
Reserve guided experiences in advance, especially in peak season, and confirm meeting points and transport arrangements since a vehicle or rideshare is often the easiest way to get to off‑site tour departures.
- Common guided activities: Foothills/History Jeep Tours, Garden of the Gods Segway Tours, Hands‑On Falconry Class
- Duration: most guided tours run from about 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- Booking: book through local tour operators or the Glen Eyrie concierge
| Tour type | Approx. time |
|---|---|
| Segway tour (Garden of the Gods) | About 1.5 hours |
| Jeep foothills tour | About 2–2.5 hours |
| Falconry demonstration | About 1.5 hours |
Practical tips and hotel services for planning outings
Front desk hours are limited; the desk is typically staffed from early morning to evening and after‑hours check-in takes place at the Gatehouse. Confirm current front desk hours with the property when you arrive.
Glen Eyrie provides free self‑parking and free Wi‑Fi in rooms and public areas. Breakfast is available for a surcharge rather than included with room rates; the on‑site Gift Shop & Cafe offers coffee and snacks for quick breaks.
- Check-in: standard time begins at 4:00 PM; late check-in allowed up to midnight (confirm availability)
- Check-out: before 11:00 AM
- Policies: alcohol and pets are not permitted on the property (service animals allowed); a credit card is required to guarantee reservations
| Service / Policy | Note |
|---|---|
| Parking | Free self‑parking on site |
| Wi‑Fi | Free in guest rooms and public areas |
| Breakfast | Available for a surcharge; not included with standard room rate |
