Garden Of The Gods, Colorado Springs: The Complete Guide
The Garden of the Gods is one of Colorado’s most incredible natural attractions. Massive red rock formations pierce upward from the ground, balancing in a way that seems impossible, creating a unique and beautiful landscape.
It is also one of the most popular. It is located less than two hours south of Denver in Colorado Springs, and is the most visited attraction in the Pikes Peak area, even in the middle of major Colorado Springs attractions such as the Cave of the Winds and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. (where you can see giraffes). in the mountains).
Best of all, these 1,367-acre views and hikes are free and open to the public year-round. Here is everything you need to know to plan your visit to the Garden of the Gods.
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Background
The Garden of the Gods was established in 1909, but its history dates back millions of years. The crazy rock formations you see were created along a fault line and were uprooted and tilted vertically during the formation of Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountains. These formations are as old as mountains.
Humans have been drawn to these rocks since ancient times. Native American artifacts dating back to 250 BC have been discovered in this area. C.
But it was in the 1870s, during the gold rush and railroad days, that the rocks hit the Western radar. The area was bought by the Burlington Railroad chief for his summer home, but he left it relatively intact and welcomed the public to enjoy it. After his death, his sons gave the land to the city.
As legend has it, a surveyor wanted to build a beer garden there, but another man said it was more suitable “for the gods to assemble.” He coined the name and stayed.
Hiking
One of the most popular ways to experience the Garden of the Gods is on your own two feet. The Garden of the Gods offers 15 miles of trails that wind their way through the formations. There are several hiking options, including super easy options on family-friendly paved walkways. The best way to approach this is through the Self- Guided Hiking Program. Pick up a free map at the information desk in the visitor center. Take your time and enjoy the scenery. You want to set aside at least half a day to explore, although a full day will allow you to detour onto some of the smaller trails that are less crowded.
For more structure, you can sign up to find free guided nature walks.
Great hiking trails include:
Perkins Center Garden Trail – This is an easy 1.5-mile round trip, a concrete path with little elevation gain. It is accessible for the disabled and family.
The Siamese Twins Trail: Here’s another single that’s a bit shorter – just a mile round trip. There is a bit more elevation gain (150 feet), but the views from Pikes Peak are worth it.
The Ridge Trail – This one is a little more difficult (moderate rating), but shorter (only half a mile round trip). Expect an elevation gain of approximately 100 feet.
The Chambers / Bretag / Palmer Trail: This trail is even more difficult, but still rated moderate. It stretches for three miles with a gain of about 250 feet. This is a great trail if you want to see a lot of the park. You get to see almost everything.
Before heading out for more than casual hikes at this altitude (it’s about 6,400 feet above sea level, thus over a mile high), make sure you acclimatize and stay well hydrated. Altitude sickness can derail your entire journey and be dangerous when climbing rocks.
Other activities
The Garden of the Gods is much more than just rock formations. The entire area is full of adventure, including rock climbing, biking, photography (this is one of the most photographed sights in Colorado), and hiking. These are some of the activities you can experience in the Garden of the Gods:
Rock Climbing – Front Range Climbing trips depart every 30 minutes. You can even boulder inside the park, but you need a climbing permit to do it (and there is a steep fine if you don’t have one).
Cycling: You can rent bikes on-site, from standard to mountain bikes and even electric bikes. Stay on designated bike trails. You can also sign up for The Starlight Spectacular annual night bike ride.
Horseback Riding: Go through the Academy and Riding, on specific horse-friendly trails only.
Classes and educational activities: hiking or camping are popular.
Jeep tours – a fun way to see the park. Also, ask about Segway tours.
The Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site – This ranch, across the street from the visitor center, is a living history experience with tickets starting at $ 8 for adults.
Race Races – The Race Grand Prix has an annual 5K / 5M race, and there is the Garden of the Gods 10 Mile Race.
Facilities and Logistics
The first stop before visiting the park is to visit the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center. It’s free and has interactive exhibits, shops, and a movie theater. The gift shop was voted “Best in Colorado Springs” and features local souvenirs and products such as jewelry, American Indian art, clothing, books, food, toys, and more. The sweet made on site is very popular.
The entrance to the park is free. The visitor center is open from 8 am to 7 pm in summer and from 9 am to 5 pm in winter. The cafe closes at 4:30 pm The park itself is open much longer: from 5 am to 9 pm
Parking is one of the most difficult parts of visiting the Garden of the Gods, especially if you visit in high season (during the summer). Parking lots fill up quickly, so the best option is to get as soon as possible or park nearby and take the shuttle free which runs from early June to late August, over the weekend of the Day Work. It departs every 15 minutes from 9 am to 4 pm The transfers will make three stops on their circuit. Park near the intersection of 30th Street and Gateway Drive at Red Ledge Ranch.
Where to stay
You can’t camp in the park, but there are plenty of camping spots nearby. Get a complete list from the visitor center. One highlight is the Cheyenne Mountain State Park, which offers full-service campgrounds (including showers and laundry) from mid-April to mid-October. This popular campground fills up quickly, so reserve your spot well in advance.
While Colorado Springs is known for its great accommodations (the Broadmoor Hotel, Great Wolf Lodge, the Colorado Country Club), when you visit the Garden of the Gods, the best place to stay is right across the street in the Garden of the Gods Club. This is a private club and luxury resort, with views of the rock formations from your bed.
Beyond its convenient proximity to the park, this hotel is also packed with activities: golf, tennis, multiple pools, and more. Relax in the adults-only infinity pool overlooking the red rocks and mountains and experience the Garden of the Gods from a different and serene perspective.
This club is also home to the Strata Integrated Wellness Spa, where you can meet health and fitness professionals with training in Eastern and Western medicine. At the spa, relax in the halotherapy room, herbal sauna, and unique Austrian non-ambient bed, where you can get a spa treatment while floating, waterbed style.
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Where to eat
If you’re staying at the Garden of the Gods Club, there are several on-site restaurants, including the Grand View Dining Room with mountain views.
Bean Sprouts is a healthy option with an award-winning children’s menu.
In town, a local favorite and hidden gem restaurant is Shuga’s, a casual eatery in a historic building. Take a seat on the patio and try the popular spicy Brazilian shrimp soup.
Other tips
Here are some other things to keep in mind when visiting the Garden of the Gods:
- Stay on the trails, both for your safety and for the preservation of the natural habitat.
- Keep dogs on a leash at all times.
- Don’t smash the rocks. That includes carving them or taking pieces with you.
