With recent events, many families are scrapping their summer vacation plans in favor of road trips and outdoor adventures. Luckily, we live in a big country with a variety of landscapes to explore. If you find yourself in Colorado, be sure to check out the Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs. With its spectacular rock formations, awe-inspiring vistas, and extensive trail system, there’s something for everyone to see and do.
In the past year, I’ve spent almost five weeks in the Denver area, but due to new babies and broken arms (my daughter’s, not mine), haven’t gotten to explore the way I’d like. However, on my first trip to Colorado, Meghan and Joe did take me on a short road trip to one of the places on my list–The Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs. It was five days after our youngest grandson Oz was born and the day before I was scheduled to drive back to Ohio.
Visiting The Garden of the Gods
How to Get to the Garden of the Gods
It’s easy to get to the Garden of the Gods. The park is located 3.5 miles from Interstate 25 Colorado Spring, Colorado. From 1-25, take exit 146. Go west on Garden of the God Road for 2.5 miles, and then turn left onto North 30th Street. The Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center is located at 1805 N. 30th Street, about a mile after you turn. The entrance to the rock formation loop road is across from the visitor center.
What to Do at the Garden of the Gods
The Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center
Our first stop was at the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center. If you’ve never been to the Garden of the Gods, this is the perfect spot to get an an overview of the park and learn about its history. Don’t forget to pick up a free full-color trail map at the visitor center information desk.
Exhibits
There are several different exhibits inside the Nature and Visitor Center, including exhibits on geology, local wildlife and plants, early peoples, explorers, history, and tourism. The interactive topographic map is a great overview, allowing viewers to gain perspective as they see the entire park at once. At age four, J.R. enjoyed the dinosaur and wildlife exhibits the most.
Bean Sprouts Cafe
If you are hungry, be sure to check out the Bean Sprouts Cafe located inside the Visitor Center. The view alone makes this the perfect place to grab a bite to eat. The cafe offers sandwiches, pizza, soups, salads, and snacks, along with an espresso bar. If you have little ones with you, the Imaginibbles children’s menu has several healthy kid-friendly options that will delight, including the Grilledzilla, the Flutterbite, rocket-inspired Spaceadilla, Crocamole, and the piano shaped Do-Re-For Me. There is also a small breakfast menu available all day.
The Gift Shop
If you are looking for souvenirs or unique gifts, don’t forget to check out the Garden of the Gods Nature and Visitor Center Gift Shop. There’s so much to choose from, including American Indian jewelry and pottery, books, toys, rocks, and other souvenir items.
“How Did Those Red Rocks Get There?” Film
While most of the exhibits at the Nature and Visitor Center are free, there is an informative film available for an extra cost. The show runs every 20 minutes and is less than 15 minutes long. Prices in 2020 are $6.00 for adults, and $4.00 for children ages 5-12.
Park Trails
The Garden of the Gods Park has 21 miles of trails, many of which are short and easy enough for beginners. We chose the Perkins Central Garden Trail this trip because it was easy to navigate with a preschooler and newborn. This was baby Oz’s very first outing. The path is paved and is wheel-chair and stroller accessible. Handicap parking is available at Parking Lot 4. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash. Many of the trails cross one another, so be sure to use a map and watch for trail markings.
Perkins Central Garden Trail
The Perkins Central Garden Trail is a must for any visitor. The path is 1 1/2 miles round trip with less than at 30 foot rise. It skirts the base of the highest formations in the park.
Other Popular Trails
Other popular trails include the Ridge Trail, the Siamese Twins Trail, the Chambers/Bretag/Palmer Trail, and the Scotsman/Buckskin Charlie Trail. In addition to these trails, there are many others. Check out this park map for more options.
The Ridge Trail
This trail is a 1/2 mile loop that you explore outside the main garden area. The Ridge trail is considered moderate because it has stairs and rocks. However, it rises less than 100 feet in elevation. It’s a great place for kids to climb.
The Siamese Twins Trail
The Siamese Twins Trail is an easy one mile loop with amazing views. The hike has less than 150 foot rise. Don’t miss the view of Pikes Peak through the window rock formation of the twins.
Chambers/Bretag/Palmer Trail
This is another loop trail. The trail is about 3 miles and circles much of the park. along the forested edge. It’s considered moderate because of the nearly 250 foot rise in elevation.
Scotsman/Buckskin Charlie Trail
Another moderate trail, the Scotsman/Buckskin Charlie Trail loops through the park giving you distant views of the Central Garden formations. This loop is approximately 2 miles.
Guided Tours
Our trip was a short afternoon trip, and I can’t wait to come back and explore more with Dennis. The Garden of the Gods offers several tours, including Jeep, Segway, Trolley, rock climbing, bicycle (and electric bike), and walking tours.
The Trolley
Tours on the 1909 trolley depart every hour from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. The open air, 45 minute trolley tour holds 14 people and costs $17 a person.
Jeep Tours
There are two different jeep tours. One is a 90 minute tour of the balanced rock area that discusses the history of the area. This narrated tour departs every hour and is $40 per person. The other jeep tour is a 120 minute narrated tour of the Garden of Cheyenne Canyon. This longer tour visits waterfalls and a railroad tunnel and is said to have incredible views. This tour costs $70. I’m hoping to do it on our next visit.
Segway Tours
Segway tours are $92 and last 90-120 minutes. This includes Segway training time.
Free Guided Walks
If you are interested in a free walking tour, meet at the flagpole near the Visitor and Nature Center at either 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. The guides will discuss different topics related to the park.
Bicycle and Electric Bike Tours and Rentals
There are paved bike and pedestrian lanes on all of the one-way roads inside the Garden of the Gods Park. The Garden Drive/Juniper Way loop is approximately six miles and is great for cyclists.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing tours are available in the park and cost $69 for 1.5 hours. If you would prefer to climb on your own, you must have a permit and the proper safety equipment.
Know Before You Go
Hours
The Garden of the Gods Park is open from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily year round. However, the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center is only open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. in the winter months and from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. in the summer (Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend). If the Visitor and Nature Center is critical to your trip, please check and make sure they are open before planning your visit.
Cost
Visiting the Garden of the Gods Park and the Visitor and Nature Center is free.
Rules
Because the Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark, guests are asked to be careful to leave the park the same as it was when they arrived. In order to do that, visitors must stay on official trails, keep pets on leashes, and clean up after pets. Obviously, you are not allowed to mark or carve on the rocks or remove any rocks, plants, or animals from the parks. No overnight camping is permitted in the park; however, there are other camping areas nearby.
Visitors who would like to participate in rock climbing or bouldering activities, must have a climbing permit and appropriate safety equipment. Permits are available online.
The speed limit in the park is 20 miles per hour. At peak times, parking spaces can be difficult to find. We drove around the loop twice and stalked a parking lot before finding one of the 336 spots. Arrive early or prepare to be patient.
Final Thoughts
My first taste of the Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs was just enough to whet my appetite for more. I can’t wait to go back again for a more in-depth visit. The gorgeous scenery and fantastic rock formations are unparalleled. It’s a gorgeous place that everyone should experience at least once in his or her lifetime.
Great info and it’s on my bucket list to visit!
This place looks beautiful and lives to the name “Garden of the Gods” haha love it!
The first time that I’ve seen a picture of the Garden of the Gods was when I did the ‘Love Notes’ project for my boyfriend. I was so awestrucked and I promised myself I would definitely visit this park someday. Reading about it today, I’m glad that aside from it’s breathtaking view/hike there are other activities that travelers can do. Would love to try rock climbing!! 😍😍😍
This is a new place for me and it sounds like the place is very sacred. This is a great family bonding. I’m glad the kids enjoyed the trip, too! 🙂
Your photos are awesome. Garden of Gods looks like such a lovely place to go on a weekend trip. Will visit it for sure in future.
This is so cool! I know I have been wanting to visit Colorado for years now, but I had never heard of the Garden of Gods. Now I have more reasons to visit 🙂
thanks for sharing this place as I have yet to heard about it. Really enjoyed my read & your detailed guide. cheers, siennylovesdrawing
This article is such an awesome find.You explained everything with really great point. Great read.
This trip looks fantastic!
I have never heard of this place before. I have to share this with my Uncle as he loves scenerios like this one. He loves the Grand Canyon!
Garden of Gods in Colorado seems like the place which I would love. I love your explicit details here.
This is amazing place. I would love to visit this place and check everything. I think with everything and a sky with clouds and little bit of sun showing, makes a perfect photo there haha
My husband and I were just discussing a trip to Colorado. This will have to be added to the itinerary.
This looks amazing and the film would be a must, I did wonder about the red rocks.
21 miles of trails sounds like a dream for someone who loves hiking as much as I do.
Wow I would love to visit this place. A visit to the Garden of the Gods seems a great way to spend a day. Thanks for the perfect guide.
I love your photos, it looks like such a fun place to visit, saving it for a future trip!
Wow, Colorado seems like the perfect place to visit for people who love the outdoors! I’ll definitely add Garden of the Gods in our itinerary if ever we visit Colorado. Love all the photos!
I never been to this place however, it looks like a nice place for a day walk. I like the views that my eyes could enjoy 🙂
I want to go to Colorado for vacation. I will be adding this to our bucket list.
Wowsers. Your blog is amazing! Great to see the sights when we are trapped on our own wee Island right now!
I’ve never been to Colorado before, but this looks like exactly the kind of location that my husband and I would love. We are both big into outdoor travel, in particular camping and hiking, and are always on the search for locations where we can hit the trails and enjoy the great outdoors. Being Canadian, we have to wait until the borders are opened again to visit any locations in the US, but this will definitely be on our ‘must see’ list!
This place looks amazing! Hopefully I’ll get to visit someday in the future.Looks like a fun trip for the entire family, so much to see and experience!
I’ve never been to Colorado before, or heard of this place. It sounds like a lot of fun, though, and great for kids!
I love this place. Great trails and even dinosaur bones
the place looks fantastic, I would enjoy my time here a lot as well! Thanks for letting me travel through your photos
This looks like a place I’d like to go. I’ve been to Colorado once in my life && I got to see the Seven Waterfalls, I don’t know if that’s what it’s called – but I remember it so clearly!
I have heard and read about the Garden of the Gods as a worthwhile natural attractions from a few different sources and this post makes me want to make the trip even more. Love the variety of trails and the educational element within the visitor centre. The natural formations look quite fascinating and I would also be drawn in by the jeep tour to get out to see most of the area.
This place looks really interesting i am sure you had fun
Amazing! I learned something new about the Garden of Gods from your post. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
I’d love to visit! It looks absolutely beautiful!
This place looks beautiful and lives to the name “Garden of the Gods” haha love it!
Tracy, thanks for all of the important details! This area looks beautiful. We have friends who live in Colorado …we may need to plan a road trip!
We’ve always wanted to go to Colorado and this is another reason to visit. The views are stunning. Would love to go biking there too, good to know there are dedicated bike lanes.
I went to Garden of the Gods when I was in college (many, many years ago!) It was beautiful and I’ve always wanted to return. Going to have to add it to my travel list. Great post! 🙂
I’ve never been to Colorado but it’s on the bucket list for me and the husband. Now I know where to go! This was a great guide and kudos to you for going on an outing 5 days after giving birth, you’re amazing!!!
Lol, Maria. I’m the grandma. My daughter’s the one with the baby.
You have beautiful family and it looks like you guys had a great time there.
Great post
The beauty of our world is to know our fauna and to be learn its fortitude and persistence.
I’d love to visit Garden of The Gods. It reminded me a lot of Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas. It’s what I imagine Mars must look like. It would be hard to decide between the Trolley, Jeep or Segway tour. I’ve done Segway tours in the past and it really is a great way to see an area but in this case how do you pass up the trolley or Jeep tour. The views must be amazing on both. I’ll have to check this place out on my next trip to Colorado.
I never had an interest in going to Colorado until I read your post! This place sounds awesome!! I definitely have to add this to my travel bucket list! Thanks for sharing with us!