Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs

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We have hiked through this area with 300 foot tall sandstone rock formations on several occasions, always bringing someone new along that we can share the beauty of the red stones set against evergreens and Pikes Peak. We typically start at the Visitors Center where there are displays about the wildlife and geology of the area. There is a great relief map of the park where one can get a good feel for the trails and the rock formations. Be sure to stop for group photos on the deck with views of Pikes Peak behind the park!

There is a movie at the Visitors Center entitled “How did those red rocks get there?” The movie runs every 20 minutes. The cost is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children (5-12 years old). There is also a café and gift shop at the Visitors Center.

Be sure to stop by the information desk for a trail map that will show you where the interesting rock formations are located. There are more than 15 miles of trails with many trails paved making them handicapped accessible and easy for strollers. If you are into rock climbing, you can sign up to do this or just watch others as they climb the rocks (you must register before climbing). The information desk can also help you with guided tours and free nature trail walks if you are interested.

The Visitor Center is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Sept-May) and 8:00 am – 8:00 pm in the summer months.

If you only have a couple hours, you can see the highlights on the paved trails; but if you have all day, pick up one of the longer trails that take you away from the more heavily trafficked areas. Either way, you will enjoy the Garden of the Gods.

Garden of the Gods is a gorgeous free public park. You can drive through...but I advise stopping and taking a walk through the park. There's a very nice spacious and paved walkway that will lead you through some amazing towering sandstone rock formations. There are restrooms at the park. And there are free Naturalist-led walks daily. They also have a very nice visitors' center.

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Garden of the Gods is the best park in Colorado Springs for site seeing, picnicking, jogging, and biking. Miles of paved roads, dirt roads, and dirt trails provide excellent routes for all kinds of activities. When I'm in town, I love to run the central loop twice for a beautiful 4-mile run. With over 1.7 million visitors per year, Garden of the Gods is America's 29th most visited city park.

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This is one of the most obvious things to do in the city. You can see the formations from the interstate, beckoning you to take the short drive over. I always do.
The best part about Garden of the Gods is that it's completely free, as this was stipulated in the grant of the land to the non-profit that runs it. It's impressive and certainly unexpected, but also lends itself nicely to the surprises that Colorado Springs, in general, offers to the visitor.
When you go, go early. Later, the parking lots fill up with gawky tourists, screaming kids, and idiot teenagers who try to climb the rocks and get screamed at. It's very easy to get away from the masses on a number of trails away from the rocks though.
Mind the one-way roads (get a map before you go in) and and letting cars behind you pass if you decide to stop in the middle of the road.

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This is one really unique place. It has a visitor center that shows 30 exhibits of the geology and why these rocks are created like they are. The red rocks come in various formations and most are named for some item/thing. You can get pics up close, but not to climb. It also has a show for $5. The gift shop, called trading center is close by. Open from 8-8 during most months, and 9-5 in winter months. Location is right close by the town of Colorado Springs, off Hwy 25.
IF I COULD FIND THE OLD "LOST' PHOTOS YOU WOULD SEE MORE THAN THESE BROCHURES-BUT THE TRIP IS WORTH IT AND THAT IS WHY I AM PRESENTING TODAY, OR MAYBE UNTIL I RETURN.

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The Garden of the God's was once a private holding that has become a county park. It's free to the public, with tours and a movie presentation available from the visitor center at the primary entrance. It offers paved trails and many parking areas from which you can walk through the towering spires. It's a beautiful place of red rocks and white towers. Many have fanciful names. Enjoy the tranquility of the open spaces, the shade of the pines and the sound of the wind.

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This surreal landscape of sculpted rocks stands out even from a great distance. The wind and water have carved them into some very strange shapes.

There are several good hiking trails. The Visitor Center has trail maps and other information about the park.

You may observe rock climbers in the park. They have permission from the park management. You cannot just go out there and do this on your own. This is important to know, because unauthorized rock climbing is dangerous and may get you into trouble.

Garden of the Gods is a free city park in Colorado Springs made up of gargantuan sandstone fins and spires. Nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak, it's truly a geological oddity.

You can drive through the park, or hike trails to strange rock formations like "Siamese Twins" and "Balanced Rock." Horseback riding is available through Academy Riding Stables, and dogs are welcome in the park.

This is a great place to start a vacation in Colorado Springs!

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Your adventure begins at their stables 30 minutes prior to ride time, where you are matched with a horse that will carry you on either a one- or two-hour ride. Whether you’re an experienced rider or just a beginner, their trained cowboys have the knowledge and skill to insure your ride is the best it can be.
As you wind along the scenic trails of historical Garden of the Gods, your eyes will feast on the natural beauty that inspired one of America’s most revered and timeless anthems, “America The Beautiful.”
OPEN YEAR ROUND
Office Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
Must be 8 years old, 250 lb weight limit
Call for Spring, Fall and Winter Schedules
Reservations recommended.

Make sure you will stop on the overview area which is next on the route in the park after main parking lot. You can easily miss it, because it is not large, however, it has fabulous overviews on the Garden of the Gods. It will be on your left and definitely you will see some visitors there already. Try to find a spot to park, because it is worth it, especially if you like photography.