Spotlight: Colorado Springs - Garden of the Gods

Spotlight: The Garden of the Gods is spectacular! When I did my Top 10 list of city parks I've been to, I ranked it #1. Why did it rank so high? First, it is one of the most beautiful parks I've been to. Second, it offers a plethora of activities including: hiking, biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, etc. Third, it has some fascinating rock formations.
     The land known as the Garden of the Gods was purchased in 1879 by Charles Elliott Perkins. Before his death, Perkins expressed his desire for the land to be donated to the city of Colorado Springs to be used as a park. In 1909, after his death, Perkins' children donated the land to the city of Colorado Springs with the stipulation that it "remain free to the entire world." Although it isn't run by the National Parks Service, it carries the designation of National Natural Landmark. The 1,367 acre park attracts about 2 million visitors annually from all 50 states and 60 countries.

Location: The Garden of the Gods is located at 1805 N 30th Street on the outskirts of Colorado Springs.

Cost: The park and Visitor Center are both free. Guided jeep, segway and trolley tours are available for a price. Check out the official website for prices.

Time: Open 5:00 am - 11:00 pm (May - October) or 5 am - 9 pm (November - April); Visitor Center hours are: 8 am - 7 pm (Memorial Day - Labor Day), 9-5 the rest of the year. Plan on spending 2-6 hours.

Description: The Garden of the Gods has 15 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate. Many are paved and are designed to provide access to the parks most beautiful rock formations including the Kissing Camels, Siamese Twins, Steamboat Rock, Balanced Rock, the Scotsman, and more. The park can also be explored by bicycle, segway, jeep, trolley and horse.

Kissing Camels

Siamese Twins

Balanced Rock

Steamboat Rock

rock climbing

Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - Pets are allowed (with a leash) throughout the park; but owners are responsible for cleaning up their waste.
- Rock climbing permit and safety gear are required for any rock climbing activites.
- Camping is not permitted in the park, but there are several official campsites nearby.
- The speed limit throughout the park is 20 MPH.
- A free 30 minute guided nature walk departs from the North Main parking lot daily at 10 am and 2 pm (weather permitting).
- In 2018, the Visitor and Nature Center presented their Gateway Adventure Series - a variety of monthly presentations, classes and guided hikes led by naturalists and historians for $5 per person.

Nearby: Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, Red Rock Canyon, US Air Force Academy Airfield, Pike's Peak Cog Railway