Everything to know before your Colorado mountain tour
Your Summit Tours experience is designed to be comfortable, scenic, and easy to enjoy. Whether you’re heading to the Continental Divide, exploring Rocky Mountain National Park, taking in fall colors, or joining an evening ghost and legends tour, a little preparation can help you make the most of your day.
Our tours are thoughtfully paced, with professional transportation, local insight, scenic stops, and short walking opportunities depending on the experience you book. Summit Tours focuses on small-group sightseeing, seamless travel, and stress-free mountain exploration.
Before Your Tour: Confirm the Basics
Before your departure day, review your booking confirmation carefully for:
- Your pickup or meeting location
- Your confirmed pickup time
- Your tour duration
- Whether lunch, snacks, or food stops are included
- Any weather or seasonal updates
- Any accessibility considerations for your group
Some tours begin and end at the Frisco Transportation Center, including the Continental Divide Scenic Tour. Other experiences may offer door-to-door pickup options in select Summit County towns, depending on the tour.
For the Breckenridge Ghost & Haunted History Driving Tour, pickup may be available in Frisco and Breckenridge, with door-to-door service options.
What to Wear
Colorado mountain weather can change quickly, especially at higher elevations. Dressing in layers is strongly recommended.
For daytime scenic tours, bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm layers or a jacket
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- A hat or light gloves, depending on the season
- A reusable water bottle
- A camera or smartphone for photos
These items are recommended for the Continental Divide and Rocky Mountain National Park tours, where guests may travel to high elevations and make short scenic stops.
For fall color tours, layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes are also advised because the weather can shift quickly at higher elevations, and short walks may be part of the experience.
For evening ghost tours, bring warm layers or a jacket, since mountain evenings can be cool. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended for short stops. A flashlight or phone light is optional.
Expect High Elevation
Many Summit Tours experiences travel into Colorado’s high country. Some tours visit elevations near or above 12,000 feet.
Examples include:
- Loveland Pass / Continental Divide: 11,990 feet
- Independence Pass: 12,095 feet
- Rocky Mountain National Park: Guests should be comfortable traveling above 12,000 feet
Because of the elevation, guests should drink water, pace themselves during stops, and be prepared for cooler temperatures and stronger sun exposure. Guests with medical conditions affected by altitude should consult a physician before booking or traveling.
Walking, Stops, and Activity Level
Most Summit Tours are designed as comfortable sightseeing experiences rather than strenuous hikes. However, guests should expect to enter and exit the vehicle multiple times and may walk short distances at scenic viewpoints.
For the Continental Divide tour, short scenic stops may include optional walking on established paths.
For Rocky Mountain National Park, the tour is described as an easy, sightseeing-focused experience with light activity, scenic stops, and short walks to viewpoints and overlooks.
For the Ghost & Haunted History Driving Tour, most of the experience takes place in the vehicle, with a few short stops for brief walks and exploration. Guests should be comfortable with low-light conditions and short walks at night.
Accessibility Notes
Several tours require guests to enter and exit the vehicle multiple times. Short walks may take place on uneven, natural, or low-light terrain, depending on the tour.
- Guests should be comfortable walking short distances and standing for brief periods.
- Restroom breaks are planned during some tours, though availability may vary by location.
- Some tours are not wheelchair accessible.
- Guests with specific accessibility needs are encouraged to contact Summit Tours in advance to determine whether the experience is a good fit.
Food, Drinks, and Snacks
Food inclusions vary by tour.
Make sure to review your specific trip details to see what food/snack options will be available so you can plan accordingly.
What to Bring
- For most scenic tours, we recommend bringing:
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm layers or a jacket
- Camera or smartphone
- Any personal items you may need during the tour
For evening tours, consider bringing:
- Warm layers
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Flashlight or phone light
- Camera or smartphone
- Optional water or light snacks
Weather and Seasonal Conditions
Colorado mountain conditions can shift quickly. Tours may be adjusted based on weather, traffic, or safety conditions.
Seasonal roads and routes may also affect the experience. For example, Independence Pass is typically open from late May through October and may close earlier due to snow.
For fall color tours, peak timing varies each year depending on weather and elevation. Breckenridge-area fall colors typically peak from mid-September to late September, while broader Colorado fall color routes may peak from mid-September to early October.
Day-of Tour Tips
To help your tour start smoothly:
Arrive at your confirmed pickup or meeting point on time. Wear comfortable shoes and layers. Bring water, sunscreen, and anything you’ll want during the drive. Be prepared for short walks, scenic stops, and changing weather. Stay with your guide during all stops, especially on evening tours or in low-light conditions.
Most importantly, come ready to relax. Summit Tours is designed to help guests experience Colorado’s mountain scenery without the stress of planning, driving, or navigating high-altitude conditions.
