Day 4: Day Trip
Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs, and world-class scenery.
The Day at a Glance
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00–8:00 | Early breakfast |
| 8:00 | Depart for Garden of the Gods |
| 9:00 | Arrive at Garden of the Gods |
| 9:00–12:00 | Explore formations, trails, Visitor Center |
| 12:00–1:30 | Lunch in Manitou Springs |
| 1:30–3:30 | Explore Manitou Springs or optional Manitou Incline (fit teens/adults only) |
| 4:00 | Depart for Eleven Mile |
| 5:00 | Arrive back at camp |
| 5:30–7:00 | Easy dinner at camp |
| 7:30+ | Relaxed evening, early bed |
Why This Day Trip
Garden of the Gods is:
- Iconic Colorado (can’t miss it)
- Free admission
- Accessible for all ages
- Stunning scenery
- Midweek break from camp routine
See Garden of the Gods Guide for complete details.
Morning at Garden of the Gods
Getting There
- 1-hour drive from Eleven Mile
- Arrive by 9 AM for best parking
- Start at Visitor Center for orientation
What to Do
All abilities: Walk the paved Perkins Central Garden Trail (1.5 mi) More ambitious: Add the Ridge Trail or Siamese Twins Photography focus: Hit all the major formations
Group Management
If your group has varied interests/abilities:
- Set a meeting point and time
- Let faster hikers do longer trails
- Keep young kids and grandparents on easy paths
- Reunite for lunch
Lunch in Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs is 5 minutes from Garden of the Gods and offers:
- Multiple restaurants (various cuisines)
- Quirky downtown atmosphere
- Natural mineral springs
- Eclectic shops
Take 90 minutes to eat, wander, and enjoy.
Afternoon Options
Option A: More Manitou Springs
- Continue exploring downtown
- Try the mineral springs (each tastes different)
- Browse shops
- Get ice cream
- Relax before the drive back
Option B: Manitou Incline (Fit Participants Only)
If you have teens or adults who want the challenge AND are properly acclimatized:
- Split the group
- Incline climbers: 2–3 hour commitment
- Others: Continue exploring Manitou Springs
- Reunite after descent
See Manitou Incline Guide for details.
Only attempt if:
- 4+ days acclimated
- Physically prepared
- Weather is clear
- No afternoon storms forecast
Option C: Colorado Springs Attractions
Alternatively, visit:
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
- Olympic Training Center
- Cave of the Winds
Return to Camp
Timing
Leave Colorado Springs area by 4 PM to:
- Avoid rush hour
- Return before dinner time
- Beat potential afternoon storms
- Have a relaxed evening
Evening at Camp
After a day trip, keep the evening low-key:
- Simple dinner (pre-planned easy meal)
- Campfire without ambitious activities
- Early bedtime
- Recharge for Day 5
Alternative Day Trip Options
If Garden of the Gods doesn’t appeal, Day 4 could be:
- Florissant Fossil Beds – closer, more educational
- Colorado Wolf Center + Florissant combo
- Leadville – historic, different direction
- Camp day with Eleven Mile Canyon fishing
Midweek Break: Day 4 is strategically placed. By now, everyone’s acclimated but may be tiring of camp routine. A day trip provides variety and new scenery. Tomorrow you’ll appreciate camp again.