Garden of the Gods Colorado – Iconic Natural Beauty

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Garden of the Gods Colorado is one of the state’s largest yearly draws. This iconic destination is a major tourist draw for the state, offering unmatched views, unique red rock formations, and a wide variety of outdoor activities. With its rich history, varied geographical formations, and wildlife, the area is one that will make a lasting impression on any visitor. 

I will admit I didn’t plan on enough time for our visit, so the next time we are in Colorado, it will be at the top of my list to visit again.  We were on a schedule for a tour of Pikes Peak – read about this later.

Although it says to keep moving in your car, you do find some slow downs as many take photos from their cars – guilty as well.  When you do find parking areas, it can be limited.

 About Garden of the Gods Colorado

A short drive Northwest on Highway 24 will take you from Colorado Springs to one of the most iconic spots in the entire state – Garden of the Gods. This 1,341-acre public park is one of the most beautiful spots in the entire state. So much so, in fact, that in 1971, 862 acres of the park were designated a National Natural Landmark. 

Although the park features a range of flora, fauna, and geographical beauty, it’s best known for its massive red rock formations towering high above the trees and hills surrounding them. People come from around the world to get a glimpse of formations like Steamboat Rock, the Three Graces, a formation that has the appearance of three tall, lithe bodies standing next to one another, and Balanced Rock, an improbable formation of a massive boulder that somehow manages to balance atop another sloping boulder. Along with its imposing rock formations, Garden of the Gods also boasts miles of trails, making it a popular destination for horseback riding, hiking, and sightseeing, in addition to the droves of rock climbers that come to the park yearly to test their mettle. 

 

In addition to its natural beauty, Garden of the Gods also boasts a rich history encompassing Native American settlers and, later, American settlers who came to the area to establish farms, trade, and other forms of commerce. As you can imagine, that story played out like so many other tragic ones involving settlers and Native Americans. For history lovers, though, all of it, the good and the bad, can be explored at the visitor center as well as the Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site. 

PLEASE NOTE – I have a lot of photos in this post because I just couldn’t choose which ones to share with you.  I hope you enjoy them.  I did leave a few from my view so you can tell how tall some of the formations really are.

Things to do at the Park

With so much natural beauty and history, it should come at no surprise that there’s plenty to do at this park. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, tours, and even exhibits. 

Recreation

Garden of the Gods features 21 miles of trails, offering opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, biking, birding, and spotting wildlife. Of course, the impressive rock formations attract hundreds of climbers. Climbing is allowed in the park with proper permits and within certain areas. 

To ensure that everyone can enjoy the park, the 1.5-mile main trail, Perkins Central Garden Trail, is paved and wheelchair-accessible. Running directly through the heart of the park’s largest and most iconic red rocks. the trail offers access to the area’s natural beauty with fantastic views for everyone to enjoy. 

Visitors can also enjoy a variety of tours by vehicle, Segway, or bike. Commercial group tours and self-guided audio tours are also available. 

In addition to its year-round offerings, Garden of the Gods Colorado also hosts yearly and special events such as summer running races, recreational bike rides, and the Pro Cycling Challenge Prologue. 

History and Education

History lovers will want to visit The Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center. The center offers great views of the park and a wide variety of information about its historical and geographical history.

See the arrow?  That’s the top of Pikes Peak we visited later that day.

The center features 30 educational exhibits covering everything from the rock formations to the local flora and fauna, the park’s impact on history, and history’s impact on the park. The Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site is also a must-visit for those who want to learn more about the park and its history. 

For younger visitors, the Visitor and Nature Center offers a Junior Ranger Program. Kids get an activity booklet filled with a variety of tasks designed to promote interactivity and learning within the park. Their names are even announced over the PA system as an official Junior Ranger after completion. 

Again, plan for more time.  Plus we were there the day after the 4^th of July, so it was more crowded than usual on a Friday.

Hours

Garden of the Gods Colorado is open daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM from November 1st through April 30th and from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM from May 1st through October 31st. The Visitor and Nature Center is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM during the winter and from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM during the summer.  You can always check the WEBSITE for all details.

Visit Garden of the Gods Colorado

If you’ll be in Colorado Springs or the surrounding area, make a point of visiting Garden of the Gods. Its impressive red rock formations, foliage, and resident animals make for some of the most iconic views and exciting natural exploration you’ll ever experience. Because its so close to the city, it’s also a convenient park to reach, making it perfect for any trip to the area. 

Watch soon for more of our trip to Colorado and Wyoming.

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