Garden of the Gods
Red rocks, impossible formations, and one of Colorado’s most iconic landscapes.
Table of Contents
- What It Is
- Getting There
- The Formations
- Trails by Difficulty
- A Sample Visit
- With Different Ages
- Wildlife
- Technical Rock Climbing
- Geology 101
- Practical Information
- Nearby Additions
- Best of Garden of the Gods
What It Is
Garden of the Gods is a 1,300-acre public park in Colorado Springs featuring dramatic red sandstone formations jutting skyward against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. The geological formations—some over 300 million years old—were thrust upward and tilted by the same forces that created the Rocky Mountains.
It’s free, it’s stunning, and it’s accessible to all ages and abilities.
Why Visit
- Iconic Colorado scenery – The red rocks against blue sky are quintessential
- Free admission – City-owned park, no entry fee
- All-ages accessible – Paved paths alongside challenging scrambles
- Geology lesson – 300 million years of Earth history visible
- Wildlife – Bighorn sheep, rock squirrels, birds
- Combines with other attractions – Near Manitou Springs, Colorado Springs
Getting There
From Eleven Mile: ~55 miles, ~1 hour
- Take US-24 east toward Colorado Springs
- At the US-24 / US-25 junction, follow signs for Garden of the Gods
- Enter from the west via Gateway Road or from the north via 30th Street
Parking
Multiple lots throughout the park. Peak season fills early, especially the main lots near the Visitor Center and iconic formations.
Strategy:
- Arrive before 9 AM for best parking
- If lots are full, satellite parking with shuttle service may be available
- Weekday visits are less crowded
Visitor Center
The Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center is an excellent starting point:
- Free admission
- Exhibits on geology and ecology
- Maps and trail information
- Gift shop and cafe
- Ranger programs and guided walks
Hours: Typically 9 AM – 5 PM (verify current hours)
The Formations
Must-See Rock Features
| Formation | What It Looks Like | Trail Access |
|---|---|---|
| Gateway Rocks | Two huge tilted slabs framing road | Drive through |
| Balanced Rock | Impossibly perched boulder | Short paved walk |
| Kissing Camels | Two “camel heads” almost touching | View from road |
| Cathedral Spires | Gothic-looking pointed rocks | Multiple trails |
| Three Graces | Three tall, thin formations | View from road |
| Siamese Twins | Formation with window view of Pikes Peak | Short trail |
The Classic Photo
The iconic Garden of the Gods photo: Red rocks framing snow-capped Pikes Peak in the background. Best shot from:
- Near the Balanced Rock area
- Along the Central Garden Trail
- Early morning light (dramatic shadows)
Trails by Difficulty
Easy (All Ages, Strollers)
| Trail | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Perkins Central Garden Trail | 1.5 mi loop | Paved, accessible, hits main formations |
| Siamese Twins Trail | 1 mi round trip | Easy path to window view |
| Balanced Rock Trail | 0.25 mi | Short paved walk |
Moderate (Most Ages)
| Trail | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Palmer Trail | 2 mi | Unpaved, gentle grade |
| Scotsman Trail | 0.5 mi | Connects to other trails |
| Niobrara Trail | 0.75 mi | Nice connecting path |
Challenging (Fit Hikers)
| Trail | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ridge Trail | 2.5 mi | Climbs above formations |
| Chambers/Bretag/Palmer Loop | 3+ mi | Full park experience |
| Rock scrambling | Varies | Technical, experienced only |
A Sample Visit
Half-Day Itinerary (3–4 hours)
9:00 AM: Arrive at Visitor Center, watch orientation video, grab map
9:30 AM: Drive Gateway Road through the main formations
10:00 AM: Park at Central Garden parking, walk Perkins Central Garden Trail (1.5 hours with stops)
11:30 AM: Drive to Siamese Twins trailhead, walk to window view (30 min)
12:00 PM: Return to Visitor Center for lunch at cafe, browse gift shop
1:00 PM: Depart (or continue exploring)
Full-Day Option
Add:
- Longer trails (Ridge Trail for views)
- Technical rock scrambling (if experienced)
- Combine with Manitou Incline (morning) and Garden (afternoon)
- Explore Manitou Springs for lunch
- Visit other Colorado Springs attractions (Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Olympic Training Center)
With Different Ages
Young Children (Under 6)
Best approaches:
- Paved Perkins Central Garden Trail (stroller-friendly)
- Short walks to Balanced Rock
- Let them touch the rocks (where permitted)
- Focus on colors and shapes, not mileage
Keep them engaged:
- “Find the rock that looks like an animal”
- Bring magnifying glass for rock textures
- Watch for wildlife (squirrels are everywhere)
- Bring snacks and water
Kids (6–12)
Good options:
- Most trails in the park
- Scrambling on lower rock areas (supervised)
- Junior Ranger program (ask at Visitor Center)
- Geology focus (how old are these rocks?)
Activities:
- Photography challenge
- Nature scavenger hunt
- Rock type identification
- Pikes Peak spotting
Teens
Appeal to:
- Instagram-worthy photo locations
- Rock climbing areas (technical climbing permitted in designated zones with proper equipment)
- Longer trail challenges
- The “hidden” viewpoints
- Combine with Manitou Incline for an epic day
Grandparents
Comfortable options:
- Paved Central Garden Trail (flat, accessible)
- Scenic driving loop
- Visitor Center exhibits
- Shaded viewing areas
- Cafe for rest breaks
Wildlife
What You Might See
| Animal | Where | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bighorn sheep | Rocky outcrops | Present year-round, often seen |
| Mule deer | Forest edges | Morning/evening |
| Rock squirrels | Everywhere | Very bold, do not feed |
| Prairie dogs | North end of park | Active during day |
| Cottontail rabbits | Throughout | Dawn/dusk |
| Raptors | Overhead | Red-tailed hawks, golden eagles |
| Scrub jay | Throughout | Noisy, blue |
| Magpie | Throughout | Unmistakable |
Wildlife Rules
- Do not feed any animals
- Maintain distance from bighorn sheep
- Keep dogs on leash
- Report injured wildlife to Visitor Center
Technical Rock Climbing
Garden of the Gods is a climbing destination with routes for various skill levels. However:
- Permit required for technical climbing
- Registration required at Visitor Center
- Proper equipment required (rope, harness, helmet, etc.)
- Not for beginners without professional instruction/guide
Designated climbing areas only. Many formations are closed to climbing to protect rock and wildlife.
If interested in climbing, contact the park in advance or arrange a guided climb through local outfitters.
Geology 101
The Short Version
300 million years ago: Sediments deposited in ancient seas and along coastlines
65 million years ago: Rocky Mountain uplift pushed and tilted these layers
Present: Erosion revealed the dramatic tilted formations we see today
Rock Types
| Color | Rock Type | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Lyons Sandstone | 280 million years |
| Red/orange | Fountain Formation | 300 million years |
| Gray | Niobrara Limestone | 80 million years |
The dramatic red color comes from iron oxide (rust) in the sandstone.
Teaching Moment
This is Earth’s history written in stone. The layers tell stories of ancient beaches, seas, and mountain-building forces. For kids fascinated by dinosaurs and deep time, Garden of the Gods makes it visible and tangible.
Practical Information
Weather Considerations
- Summer afternoons: Hot against the rock, thunderstorms possible
- Best times: Morning (cooler, better light, fewer crowds)
- Lightning: Get off exposed trails and rock if storms approach
- Sun: Very little shade; bring hats, sunscreen, water
What to Bring
- Water (at least 1 liter per person)
- Sunscreen and hats
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera
- Cash for gift shop/cafe
- Snacks
- Binoculars (for wildlife and distant views)
Rules
- No collecting rocks, plants, or wildlife
- Drones prohibited
- Pets on leash (max 6 feet)
- Stay on designated trails
- No feeding wildlife
Nearby Additions
Manitou Springs (5 minutes)
- Quirky downtown shopping
- Restaurants and cafes
- Natural mineral springs
- Penny arcade
Colorado Springs Attractions
| Attraction | Drive Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cheyenne Mountain Zoo | 15 min | One of America’s best mountain zoos |
| Olympic Training Center | 20 min | Tours available |
| Cave of the Winds | 10 min | Cave tours, adventure park |
| Pikes Peak Highway | 30 min | Drive to 14,115 feet |
| Rock Ledge Ranch | Adjacent | Living history site |
Best of Garden of the Gods
Best photo spot: Gateway Rocks at sunrise
Best easy walk: Perkins Central Garden Trail
Best moderate hike: Ridge Trail for views
Best for kids: Balanced Rock area + wildlife watching
Best quiet moment: Early morning before crowds arrive
Best picnic spot: Parking areas with tables overlooking formations
Free and Accessible: Unlike many spectacular natural areas, Garden of the Gods is completely free and has options for all mobility levels. This makes it a rare gem worth including in any Colorado trip, even if time is limited.