A day trip from the lodge: Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak outline
From Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs you can do a full day trip that pairs a morning or late-afternoon visit to Garden of the Gods with a drive up (or option to ride) to Pikes Peak. Plan on about 2–4 hours at Garden of the Gods and 3–5 hours if you include the Pikes Peak Highway or the cog railway trip plus driving time; return to the lodge for dinner at Barnwood or a casual meal at Loose Moose Family Kitchen.
In this guide
At-a-glance logistics
Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs is at 9494 Federal Drive and includes free daily water park access with your stay; front desk service is 24 hours. Check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is before 11:00 AM.
You’ll need a car or rideshare to reach Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. Rental cars and rideshare services operate in Colorado Springs; public transit is limited for these specific drives.
- Hotel phone (BookResorts agents, 24/7): +1 (888) 605-1350
- Water park access is included with a stay; day-pass reservations are required for non-guests
- Minimum check-in age is 21; photo ID and credit card required
| What to expect | Hotel fact |
|---|---|
| Water park passes | Included with stay |
| On-site restaurants | Barnwood, Loose Moose Family Kitchen, Hungry As A Wolf, Buckets Burgers & Bites |
| Parking | Self-parking and valet available for a surcharge |
Getting to Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is a free city park and National Natural Landmark with red sandstone formations and multi-use trails. Drive times from the lodge vary by source, typically around 20–35 minutes depending on traffic.
The park is open early to late depending on season (many sources list roughly 5:00 AM to 9:00–10:00 PM). There is no admission fee, but some activities or guided services inside the park may charge.
- Arrive early to avoid midday crowds and to get parking near the Visitor & Nature Center
- Bring sturdy shoes for the trails; several easy, family-friendly routes are available
- Picnics are allowed in many areas, but follow posted rules and pack out trash
| Activity | Suggested time |
|---|---|
| Short walk / viewpoints | 30–60 minutes |
| Longer hike or photography | 2–3 hours |
| Visitor Center + short trail | 1–2 hours |
Options for visiting Pikes Peak
Pikes Peak (about 14,110 ft) can be reached by driving the Pikes Peak Highway or by visiting Manitou Springs to connect with the historic Pikes Peak Cog Railway (services vary seasonally). Travel time from the lodge can be longer than to Garden of the Gods; plan accordingly.
If you choose the Highway, expect mountain driving with elevation gain — weather and road conditions can change quickly. The cog railway departs from Manitou Springs and provides a different, more relaxed ascent when operating.
- Allow extra time for stops, photo opportunities, and altitude adjustment
- Check seasonal opening status and reservations for Pikes Peak Highway or cog railway before you go
- Bring layers; temperatures drop with elevation and weather can shift quickly
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Pikes Peak Highway (drive) | Self-drive; check road conditions and fees with operator |
| Pikes Peak Cog Railway | Departs from Manitou Springs; service availability varies seasonally |
| Guided tours | Local tour operators may offer guided trips with pickup; check availability |
Suggested day-trip timing (sample itinerary)
Two sample itineraries below give family-friendly timing depending on whether you want to prioritize Garden of the Gods first or save it for later in the day.
Adjust times based on season (daylight hours) and whether you include a Pikes Peak ascent.
- Start early for cooler temps and fewer crowds
- Leave slack time for parking, restroom breaks, and altitude acclimation
- Return to the lodge in time for dinner reservations if you plan to dine at Barnwood
| Plan A — Garden of the Gods + Pikes Peak (full day) | Plan B — Garden of the Gods + lodge afternoon |
|---|---|
| 7:30–9:30 AM | Drive to Garden of the Gods; short hikes and viewpoints |
| 10:00 AM–1:30 PM | Drive to Pikes Peak area; ascend via Highway or cog railway (timing varies) |
| 2:00–4:30 PM | Return to Great Wolf Lodge; swim or arcade time |
| 5:30–8:00 PM | Dinner at Barnwood or Loose Moose Family Kitchen |
| 8:30 PM | Evening activities at the lodge (character meet-and-greets, arcade) |
Practical tips and safety
Altitude and weather: Pikes Peak reaches high elevation; if you include it, monitor symptoms of altitude sickness, stay hydrated, and expect cooler temperatures. Garden of the Gods sits at lower elevation but still can be windy and sunny.
Parking and access: Parking at both Garden of the Gods and popular Pikes Peak access points can fill during peak season — arrive early or mid-afternoon for better availability.
- Carry water, sunscreen, hats, and layers for changing conditions
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes for uneven trails and viewpoints
- Confirm hours and reservations for any paid services (Pikes Peak Highway, cog railway) before you travel
| Concern | Advice |
|---|---|
| Crowds | Visit early or later in the afternoon |
| Cell service | Can be limited on higher elevations; download maps if needed |
| Restrooms | Available at visitor centers and some trailheads; plan ahead |
Returning to the lodge: dining and evening options
After a day outdoors, families commonly return to Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs for dinner and the water park. On-site choices include Barnwood (a la carte dinner and bar), Loose Moose Family Kitchen (buffet for breakfast and dinner), Hungry As A Wolf (pizza), and Buckets Burgers & Bites inside the water park.
If you have children with extra energy, the lodge offers evening activities, the Northern Lights Arcade, MagiQuest (paid), and character meet-and-greets; plan reservations for Scooops Kid Spa or MagiQuest in advance if desired.
- Barnwood: dinner-focused a la carte restaurant and bar on Level 1 — reservations may help for dinner service
- Loose Moose Family Kitchen: buffet-style breakfast and dinner (hours posted at the lodge)
- Buckets Burgers & Bites: quick casual option inside the water park for a late lunch or snack
| Restaurant | Best for |
|---|---|
| Barnwood | Dinner and cocktails |
| Loose Moose Family Kitchen | Family buffet breakfast or dinner |
| Hungry As A Wolf | Pizza and quick pickup |
Room selection tip for families
Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs has several themed room types designed for families. Choose a suite size that fits your group — KidCabin Suite, Family Suite, or a Majestic Wolf Suite w/ Balcony are options for larger families.
If you plan late-night water-park returns and want quieter sleeping spaces, consider suites with separate sleeping areas so children can rest while adults relax.
- Junior Gray Wolf Suite w/Balcony: sleeps multiple guests (room descriptions list precise bed configurations)
- KidCabin Suite and Wolf Pup Den Suite types include themed bunk or den areas designed for children
- No rollaway beds or cribs are provided, so book a larger suite if you need more fixed beds
| Room tip | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Book a family-oriented suite | Extra beds/den areas give kids space to sleep and play |
| Request a balcony room if available | Extra fresh air and views for adults |
| Confirm bed configuration | Great Wolf room types list exact bed mixes; pick the one that matches your group |
