What stand out in this Colorado nature park are large red sandstone rock formations, which are spread out across the land and provide a particular contrast to the surrounding vegetation. Some of them have peculiar shapes and are particularly striking to photograph. Moreover, the panoramas and the points of interest are reachable through easily accessible paths and within everyone’s reach.
The Garden of the Gods has also the advantage of being practically an offshoot of Colorado Springs, which makes it easy to reach and to include as a stop on a West Coast itinerary. Let’s discover together how to visit the Garden of the Gods.
Contents
Useful info
How to Get to the Garden of the Gods
The Garden of the Gods is located on the outskirts of Colorado Springs. The easiest way to get there is to drive along I-25 and take exit 146 following the signs for Garden of the Gods Road. Drive west until you reach the intersection with N 30th St. Turn left and after about a 5 minute drive you will arrive at the visitor center parking lot.
Garden of the Gods Hours
Garden of the Gods Park hours vary depending on the time of year you visit.
- from May to October (included): from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm
- from November to April (inclusive): from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm
As for the Visitor & Nature Center, the opening hours are as follows:
- during the summer months from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m
- during the winter months from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
Tickets and entry rules
Entrance to the park and the visitor center is totally free. If you are an experienced climber and would like to try one of the many possible climbs, you must first obtain a permit which can be obtained either at the Visitor Center or by filling out an online form. If you decide to use your car (or rental car) inside the park, be aware that the maximum speed allowed is 20 mph.
What to Do at the Garden of the Gods
Once you arrive at the Garden of the Gods, nature lovers and photographers will find that there are many trails that offer priceless and easily accessible views.
Visitor & Nature Center
The Garden of the Gods Visitor Center is not only a place where you can find useful information to visit the park, but it also houses a real museum. Here you will find permanent exhibits that will allow you to discover all the secrets of the flora and fauna that have inhabited this part of Colorado over the centuries (with a large section dedicated to dinosaurs).
Garden of the Gods Hikes
Inside the park, as you might expect, there are numerous trails that all offer very scenic views. You can also visit the park by car, stopping in the many parking lots and walking some of the trails on foot.
On this page you will find a handy map showing all the paths (paved and unpaved) parking lots, viewpoints and main points of interest within the park. You can find a similar map where the paths that can be used as cycling paths are indicated. Here we highlight some of the most popular and recommended.
Perkins Central Garden Trail
This is a 1.1-mile trail that takes you into the heart of the park and takes you through two of the tallest and most impressive rock formations. There is a convenient parking lot at the beginning of the trail, making it a recommended choice for those who are short on time and can only afford short hikes. On top of one of the two formations you can also see the famous Kissing Camels, a part of the rock that has taken the particular shape as indicated by the name.
Ridge Trail
Very short trail, only 1600 feet, near a small parking area, which will take you to admire the rock formations up close and that, thanks to a difference in height of about 330 feet, will allow you to observe the surrounding landscape from an elevated position.
Siamese Twins
A trail that will take you close to two other particularly curious rock formations. It is very popular with tourists because it allows you to photograph Pikes Peak (one of Colorado’s highest peaks) in the background as well, as if it were framed by red rocks.
For those who are physically prepared and want to undertake a more challenging route, Rocks and Vistas and the Garden of the Gods loop trail are two routes that, in different ways, will take you on a full tour around the park and its natural attractions.
Garden of the Gods Tours
For those who prefer not to explore the park on their own, there are tours available of both the Garden of the Gods and the surrounding attractions.
- Jeep Tour: this tour is particularly suited to those who want to get an idea of the natural beauties that surround the city of Colorado Springs, including the North Cheyenne Canyon, Helen Hunt Falls and obviously the Garden of the Gods.
- Segway tour: a very original and easy way to explore the trails of the park.
- Climbing with a guide: a private half-day tour for a small group of people (1 to maximum 4) who want to try the experience of climbing these particular rock formations.
- Trolley Tour: if you want to visit the park on a decidedly unconventional means of transportation, you can do so on a reproduction of a streetcar from the early 1900s. You can book this tour at the Visitor Center counter.
Photo gallery of the main attractions
Balanced Rock
Kissing Camels
Siamese Twins
Places to Eat near Garden of the Gods
If you want to refreshments without straying too far from the park’s attractions, the Garden of the Gods has a convenient restaurant, called Café at the Garden, with a rooftop terrace offering a view of the surrounding area, where you can relax and recover your energy while observing the view around you.
Where to Stay near Garden of the Gods
As mentioned, the park is practically an offshoot of Colorado Springs, so the suggestion is to look for accommodation in one of the many hotels in the area.
I love hiking at Garden of the Gods! The trails are well-maintained and the views are amazing. I highly recommend a hike on one of the trails!