Unwind In The Majestic Garden Of The Gods

Unwind In The Majestic Garden Of The Gods

 

No trip to Colorado would be complete without visiting the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. When you see its awe-inspiring red rock sandstone formations, you will agree it lives up to its name. In reality, you won’t believe Garden of the Gods is a city park. Truly, you will forever remember your visit here and always long to go back. You will feel inspired, like the world’s most renowned artists created this park for you to enjoy.

 

Why You Should Visit Garden of the Gods

 

Simply because the views are incredibly beautiful and you’ll never forget your experience. Besides, we don’t think you will find many more places more captivating to enjoy the outdoors. 

In particular, Garden of the Gods has been voted America’s Number One City Park, and we understand why. Its jagged red sandstone formations thrust from the earth form amazing views not seen in many places around the world.  

Some of the most notable red rock sandstone formations in Garden of the Gods include the Siamese Twins, Kissing Camels, and Balanced Rock, where everyone seems to need a photo holding up the rock.  

Yes, us too. In one of our most fun photos, we wore Mario and Luigi mustaches, just like Mario Bros.

 

What To Do In Garden of the Gods

You will find plenty to do in the Garden of the Gods, so use this guide as a starting point.

Take A Scenic Drive Through The Park.

 

Visiting the Garden of the Gods can easily become the favorite activity of your visit to Colorado Springs. Even if you find yourself short on time, you must at least drive through the park to see its unbelievable natural beauty. Driving the seven-mile loop is easy, with incredible views the entire distance. Plan on about thirty minutes for a quick drive through the park but about an hour if you include a few quick stops.  Of course, you can easily spend all day exploring the park.

Tip: Drive behind Balanced Rock on Rampart Range Road for a view of the park from a higher elevation.  

Photography In Garden of the Gods

 

Take our word, visiting the Garden of the Gods without taking photos would be impossible. Whether a professional photographer or a novice, you will want to take memories home. Plan on visiting early mornings or before the sun goes down for outstanding golden hour photos. Keep in mind no drones are allowed to fly within the park’s boundaries.

 

Hiking In Garden of the Gods

Most visitors at the park stay on the roads; even so, you will see plenty of people everywhere on the trails. Most of the fifteen miles of hiking trails are easy with smooth and even tracks. Some trails are paved, making the park accessible for everyone to enjoy. Hiking in the Garden of the Gods promises to be a breathtaking experience you will remember forever.

 

For an easy wheelchair and stroller route, take the one-and-a-half-mile paved Perkins Central Garden Trail for outstanding views.  

 

Tip: Pick up your free trail map in the Garden of the Gods Visitor’s Center.

 

The Garden of the Gods Loop Trail is the best hike to start with. Here you will have beautiful views around every turn. The scenery makes relaxing easy since it’s like walking through a photo album. This easy trail is suitable for all skill levels as it flows through the entire Garden of the Gods park.

 

Rock Climbing

 

Make sure to look upon the rocks too. Rock climbers love climbing its sandstone formations, so look for them on the tops of the rock formations.  

Tip: If you want to rock climb in the Garden of the Gods, you need a free registration permit.

 

Take A Bike Ride In The Garden of the Gods

 

The Garden of the Gods has paved bike-friendly lanes for visitors to enjoy its natural beauty on each one-way road. The posted speed limit for traffic is 20 mph, so you can enjoy the spectacular scenery safely along the road from your bike. You can also rent a bike or an e-bike. Likewise, take your mountain bike for specially designed trails.

Other ways to experience Garden of the Gods would be by a Jeep tour, Segway tour, or a Horseback trail tour.

 

Gift Shop And Visitors Center

Eventually, you must check out the Garden of the Gods Trading Post for fun gifts. Don’t leave without a visit! It is jam-packed with anything you can imagine for all ages. We have visited here for over twenty-five years, and it never gets old.

 

Furthermore, don’t miss the Garden of the Gods Visitor And Nature Center for exciting information and exhibits for the whole family. Most people go here first to get free information about the park.

 

Wildlife To Look For At Garden of the Gods

 

Mammals to look for include:

• Bighorn sheep

• Bobcat

• Elk

• Black bears

• Coyotes

• Mule deer

 

Reptiles Include:

• Rattlesnakes

• Garter Snakes

• Bull snakes

• Fence lizards

See how to stay safe when snakes might be around.

What You Need To Know About Garden of the Gods

Above all, Garden of the Gods, along with the Visitor and Nature Center, is free.

The park opens early each morning at 5 am year-round with a closing time of 9 pm November – April and 10 pm May – October.

The Visitor and Nature Center is open each day from 8 am to 9 pm.  

The Garden of the Gods Trading post opens from 8 am to 8:30 pm in the summer and 9 am to 5 pm during the winter.

It would be best to remember that the Garden of the Gods lies in a desert climate. Summers will be hot, especially in direct sunlight at high altitudes, making the sun more intense. That said, bring a hat, sunscreen, plenty of water, and cool clothing in warmer months. On the contrary, in cooler months, wear layers for cool mornings before the temperature warms up, a warm hat, gloves, and water.  

Dogs are allowed but need to be leashed. However, one exception is south of Gateway Road, next to the main entrance and Rock Ledge Ranch. You must also pick up their waste. With this in mind, look for several dog station locations around the park.

Everyone can enjoy Garden of the Gods because it is an easy park to get around. Ramps to exhibits and observation decks, some paved walking trails, and smooth dirt trails make it comfortable for visitors to get around.

 

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Final Thoughts

 

Garden of the Gods has always been one of our favorite parks to visit. Even though crowds of people have discovered it more over the years. Now, the best times to enjoy the park can be early mornings and before dark to avoid crowds.

To point out, everyone can enjoy Garden of the Gods because it is such an easy park to get around. Ramps to exhibits and observation decks, some paved walking trails, and smooth dirt trails make it comfortable for visitors to get around.

No trip to Colorado would be complete without visiting the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. It’s hard to believe Garden of the Gods is a city park. Stay for the day and bring a picnic to enjoy along with the scenery. A visit to the Garden of the Gods makes our Colorado road trip special each time. We hope it is for you, too.

 

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Thanks for reading Unwind In The Majestic Garden Of The Gods.

Tom and Kristi

 

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