TRAIL GEMS
GEOLOGY TOURS
Where adventure meets science!

Garden of the Gods Private Geology Hiking Tours

We offer two different private hiking tours for you to explore the amazing geology on display in the Garden of the Gods National Natural Landmark. Join us to discover the story behind the rocks in this truly incredible park.

Ancient Landscapes Hike

Garden of the Gods Full Experience

 Private Geology Tours of the Pikes Peak Region

Our private, small group, full day hiking tours are the perfect way to get immersed in the amazing geology found in the Pikes Peak region.

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Your Guide

Investigating metamorphic rocks (metaquartzites) along Diamond Hill, Ireland

Eric Billmeyer

Eric is an award winning  instructor of geology and physical geography with over 15 years of teaching experience at the university level. Eric has led field courses throughout Colorado, Utah, and Ireland and is excited to share his knowledge with you as we explore Colorado's amazing geology!

Plaster jacketing dinosaur bone at the Nail Quarry, Como Bluffs, WY

Susan 
Sept 29th, 2022

“We booked the Garden of the Gods Full Experience Tour with Eric for September 24th. Based on the ease of booking the tour, directions to the meeting point, and final confirmation of the tour, we had a great experience before the tour even began! We were impressed by Eric’s ability to share his vast geologic knowledge in an organized, logical manner that did not overwhelm. The almost 4-hour tour kept all of us engaged, including our 11yo son. Eric took us on a journey across time that educated us on the formation of the Rocky Mountains, Pike’s Peak, Garden of the Gods, and much more. His ability to explain all this to three (enthusiastic) novices was just extraordinary. We loved learning about the various rock formations and seeing a variety of fossils along the way. We would have missed out on many of these fossil sightings if we had hiked the Garden of the Gods on our own. We highly recommend the Garden of the Gods Full Experience tour with Eric; you will not be disappointed!”

Sean
July 11, 2022

“Trail Gem Geology Tours was fantastic! The Garden of the Gods park is already beautiful, but the geology tour is a definite recommend. From the beginning to the end, it was like walking through millions of years of history over a two hour hike, and let me tell you, it didn’t feel like two hours at all. The structure of the hike going through the different geological time periods, stopping to look at different formations and how and when they were formed, and seeing local minerals and fossils were all highlights. His professorship showed as it felt like a really entertaining geology class wrapped in a scenic hike. The stops along the hike were also well timed to get snacks and water and shade, and also highlighted different minerals, rocks, or formations so the stops were restful, but never boring. I’d do this hike again and again. Very well done.”

Rick 
July 3, 2022

We highly recommend taking a guided tour with Trail Gems Geology Tours. Our family loved our geological tour through Garden of the Gods! We were all amazed with not only the beautiful views on our hike but the abundance of information and knowledge shared with us. We would have missed seeing the coolest things if we had walked the trail on our own. I think our favorite part was seeing the fossils. The mid-hike snacks were much appreciated too! Thank you again Eric for a fun, memorable morning during our vacation in Colorado! Wish we could have you in our back pocket on all of our hikes 🙂