Fun Things to Do at Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs
Planning a visit to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs? This post is packed with information about what to do when you visit Garden of the Gods park!
Garden of the Gods is one of the most popular destinations in Colorado Springs—and for good reason!
A free public park, Garden of the Gods is known for its incredible rock formations and stunning views of Pikes Peaks.
Garden of the Gods is one of the best places for anyone visiting Colorado to learn more about the history and geology of the region.
The striking red rocks at the heart of the park are breathtaking natural wonders!
There’s so much for visitors to do at Garden of the Gods, it can be a little overwhelming to know where to start.
Whether you love hiking, photography, rock climbing, or just being in the great outdoors, this guide to Garden of the Gods has all the information you need to have a great experience at Garden of the Gods!
Best things to do at Garden of the Gods
See the Rock Formations
Garden of the Gods is home to some of the most spectacular rock formations in Colorado. Here are the ones you shouldn’t miss:
- Balanced Rock – A massive red rock that looks like it’s defying gravity. Great for fun photos!
- Kissing Camels – A rock formation that resembles two camels touching noses.
- Siamese Twins – A pair of connected rock spires with an amazing view of Pikes Peak through the opening.
- Cathedral Spires – Towering rock formations that are popular with climbers.
Hiking
With more than 21 miles of trails in this gorgeous city park, Garden of the Gods is the perfect place for a hike!
The best way to see the park’s incredible red sandstone rock formations is on foot on these popular trails:
Perkins Central Garden trail
This easy, paved trail is only 1.5 miles, so it’s perfect for first-time visitors to the park. This flat loop will take you right into the center of the park and offers amazing views of the rock formations. It’s a short hike that the whole family can do!
Siamese Twins trail
This moderate hike is only one mile, and it leads to a unique rock formation with a framed view of Pikes Peak.
Ridge Trail
This half-mile hike is an easy climb to panoramic views of the park
Chambers/Bretag/Palmer Trail Loop
On this moderate, 3 mile trail, you’ll escape the park’s crowds and see more of the park
Nature Walks
Park naturalists lead 45-minutes nature walks on different topics related to the park’s history geology, flora, and fauna.
For a more customized experience, book a private nature tour with at guide! This educational hiking tour will teach you how to identify local minerals, introduce you to fossils, and explain the geological formations around you. Kids on the tour will receive a goody bag!
Rock climbing
Garden of the Gods is a world-class rock climbing destination.
If you’re a beginner, consider booking a guided climbing experience with a local outfitter.
You must get a free climbing permit at the Visitor & Nature Center before attempting any climbs.
Unless you have a rock climbing permit and are either an experienced rock climber or with a group, stay off the rocks! When we were there, we spotted a child climbing on the rocks who was unable to climb down! Emergency services had to be called to rescue the child.
E-Bike Tours
The designated bike lane makes it easy to take a bike ride through the park.
Take an e-bike tour through the park with a local guide. You’ll avoid having to search for a parking space, travel sustainably, and learn about the history, culture, and geography of the park. (This 5⭐️ tour is the best!)
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is allowed on certain trails. Check at the Visitor Center for a map.
Segway Tours
See Garden of the Gods the fun and easy way! On this Segway tour of Garden of the Gods, you’ll learn about the parks’ red rock formations and their history. You’ll be able to see the park more quickly than you could on foot.
Horseback riding
Horseback riding is allowed on designated trails.
Scenic drive
You can drive a scenic route through the park that allows you to see many amazing red-rock formations that the park is famous for. If mobility is an issue and you’re unable to hike, definitely take the scenic drive through the park.
This drive will take you on two one-way roads that loop around. From the entrance, you can drive the Juniper Way Loop until the intersection that will lead you to the Balanced Rock Area.
After you reach the Balanced Rock Area, continue on that loop, back to the two-way road that will return you to the Juniper Way loop.
Jeep tours
Take this fun open air Jeep tour so you don’t have to bother with parking or finding your way around the park.
You’ll get to see the park’s popular landmarks and explore more secluded areas of the park via dirt roads. Your guide will explain the history and geology of the area and provide water and snacks!
Special Events
Garden of the Gods often offers special events throughout the year, such as stargazing parties, informative talks, birdwatching, art lessons, yoga sessions, and more
Where to go in Garden of the Gods
Visitor and Nature Center
Either before or after you explore the park, stop by the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center.
At the Visitor and Nature Center, you’ll be able to learn about the history and geology of the area. There are free interactive exhibits about the park’s geology, plants, animals, people, and history. You can also learn about the fossil of a previously unknown dinosaur species found at the Garden of the Gods park.
You can watch a short film that explains the origin of the park’s impressive red rock formations.
Grab lunch or snacks from the cafe. Fare includes burgers, sandwiches, pretzels, and ice cream, as well as coffee and other drinks. The center also has water bottle refill stations and restrooms.
There’s also a gift shop with Native American jewelry and art work, geology-inspired gifts, books, clothing, and more.
Before leaving, be sure to grab a free full-color trail map from the information desk. Staff there are happy to answer questions and give advice on which trails are best for your group.
The Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center is located at 1805 N. 30th Street, Colorado Springs, at the park’s main entrance.
There’s a fairly small main parking lot and a large overflow parking lot that has space for oversized vehicles.
You can walk between the Visitor Center and the park, or you can also take a shuttle during the summer months.
Garden of the Gods Trading Post
The Garden of the Gods Trading Post is the oldest and largest souvenir shop in Colorado! Visitors will find a huge array of fantastic Colorado souvenirs, including clothing, Native American art work, handmade items, local foods, and more!
You can buy sandwiches, wraps, and burgers, as well as ice cream, fudge, and other snacks. There’s coffee and cold drinks too.
The Garden of the Gods Trading Post is located at 324 Beckers Lane, Manitou Springs, not at the the main entrance to the park.
When to visit Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is open year-round, with the exceptions of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Park hours are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the Visitor and Nature Center is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
If you’re a photographer, visit early in the morning or around sunset for the best lighting and fewer people.
Best times to visit Garden of the Gods
In summer, expect the park to be hot, especially mid-day. Since summer is peak tourist season, expect the park to be crowded as well.
If you must visit during the summer months, the best time of day to visit is either early in the morning or late in the afternoon, before or after the crowds are at their peak.
Also try to visit the park on weekdays, as more people are there on the weekends.
If you can visit in the spring, fall, or winter months, you’ll share the park with fewer visitors enjoy lower temperatures.
How long to spend at Garden of the Gods
I would expect to spend a half day at Garden of the Gods park.
Of course, exactly how long you’ll want to stay there depends on what you’ll do, and for how long.
A half day is plenty of time to do some hiking and visit the welcome center. If you want to take a tour or hike more extensively, you should allow extra time.
Getting to Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is located in the city of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
From Denver, it takes about a hour and a half to drive to Garden of the Gods. If you don’t want to drive, you can book a day trip from Denver to see Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak.
To navigate to the park’s entrance, use the Visitor and Nature Center address: 1805 N. 30th Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Garden of the Gods tips and rules
With many visitors each year to Garden of the Gods, these tips will help preserve the park’s natural state and make visits pleasant for future visitors.
Altitude and climate
If are vacationing in Colorado, know that it might take you a few days to adjust to the altitude. If Garden of the Gods is one of your first stops, you might feel winded even on easy hikes.
The Colorado climate is quite dry, so expect to drink more water than you normally do, if you’re from a more humid climate. If you have children with you, be sure they’re hydrating!
Park Rules
Here are some essential rules at Garden of the Gods park:
- Stay on established trails. Don’t wander off the hiking paths.
- Do not carve the rocks.
- A rock climbing permit and safety gear are required for any rock climbing activities. Rock scrambling is not allowed.
- Absolutely no fires in the park!
- Take only pictures! Don’t remove anything from the park. Leave all plants, rocks, animals, and dirt where you found it.
- Always yield to horseback riders—they always have the right of way.
- Cyclists must yield to horseback riders and pedestrians.
- Never approach, feed, or touch wildlife. Wild animals can behave in unpredictable ways when they feel threatened. Give them plenty of space.
- Camping is not allowed in the park.
Dogs at Garden of the Gods
Dogs are allowed in Garden of the Gods park. Here are the rules you need to know before bringing your dog to Garden of the Gods:
- Keep pets on a leash. Dogs must be on a leash (max length: 6 ft.) at all times.
- Pet owners must pick up and dispose of pet waste in the bear-resistant trash cans throughout the park.
- Well-behaved, leashed pets are allowed in most areas of the Visitor and Nature Center.
- There is an off-leash dog park area in Garden of the Gods. It’s a large, unfenced open field, so be sure your dog is well-trained to not run away!
History of Garden of the Gods
The striking geological features of the Garden of the Gods park began to form during the Pleistocene Ice Age.
As ancient mountain ranges eroded, oceans and seas retreated, and sand dunes blew across the land. Over the thousands of year since, the sediment left behind formed horizontal layers. Mountiain-building events lifted the layers to the surface, where erosion shaped them into the dramatic shapes you can see today.
From prehistoric times on, Native American people lived in the area now known as Garden of the Gods.
The Ute people’s oral history recounts their creation at the Garden of the Gods.
The park got its name when two surveyors explored the site. One, Melanchthon Beach (clearly thirsty) announced it would be a great place for a beer garden.
The second, Rufus Cable, exclaimed that it was a place worthy of the Gods, and gave it the name Garden of the Gods.
In 1879, Charles Elliott Perkins purchased land that included a portion of today’s park. In 1909, after Charles Perkins’ death, his family gave the land to the City of Colorado Springs so that it could be a free public park.
His friend, General William Jackson Palmer, owned the adjoiningRock Ledge Ranch, and after his death, and after his death it was also donated to the city.
In 1971, Garden of the Gods was designated a National Natural Landmark by the United States Parks Service.
Today, Garden of the Gods contains 1,341 acres of land. The park is home to many species native to the Rocky Mountains, such as mule deer, bighorn sheep, and foxes, as well as swifts, swallows,a nd canyon wrens.
Final thoughts on visiting Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs
There’s so much to do in Colorado Springs and the entire Pikes Peak region, but Garden of the Gods park is one place you shouldn’t miss! (Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is another!)
This park is beautiful enough to charm seasoned out door adventurers and accessible enough for families visiting Colorado Springs, whether traveling with teenagers or just starting to hike with a little one.
Colorado is a wonderful place for outdoor adventures, and Garden of the Gods is a great place to start.
With gorgeous scenery, easy hiking trails and unique rock formations, the Garden of the Gods Park is a perfect first stop in Colorado Springs!
