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Garden of the GodsGarden of the Gods is an extremely popular park on the west side of Colorado Springs featuring sandstone fins and towers that raise to heights of several hundred feet. It’s an awesome spectacle of geological wonders. And it’s free! 
Red rock oddities like Siamese Twins and Balanced Rock also decorate the landscape, offering much to experience and photograph. The Kissing Camels formation at the top of the main rock wall is a big favorite. Pikes Peak dominates the horizon, and the rolling foothills are easily viewed from just about everywhere in the park. You can explore Garden of the Gods by car, horse, bike, hiking trails, or rock climbing. Each approach offers a unique experience of the park... Driving around the loop gives you the big-picture view. There are several pull-over areas for you to get out of your car, take pictures, or just gaze at the scenery. While driving, you’ll often come across deer or other wildlife. 
Walking or biking along the paved trails gets you closer to the massive red rocks and allows you to read about their formation via the park’s informative sign-age and maps.Free naturalist-led walks are available at 10am and 2pm if you’d like to learn about the wildlife and history of the area. Stop in to the Visitor & Nature Center to take part in those.
The flora and fauna can make for great photographs. Some of the weirdest rocks can only be reached by hiking there—like Siamese Twins. 
Horseback riding is an especially unique way to take in the views. Sit back, relax, and let the horse do the work. Guided rides are available through special trails in the park, giving you a perspective you can’t get by car, bike or hike. Academy Riding Stables:719-633-5667
However you decide to visit the park, the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center is a great way to begin. Located directly across from the park’s entrance on 30th Street, the Visitors Center offers the best start if you’re new to the park. Here you can:
***INSIDER TIP: One place that we think offers an even better panoramic view is on Mesa Road just east of the park. From the Visitors Center, go north on 30th Street, and take a right on Mesa Road. A short distance on your right you’ll find a parking lot that sits much higher than the Visitors Center. This is an excellent place for photos or videos of Garden of the Gods, and the entire Pikes Peak area. And it’s usually a lot less crowded*** On the southern edge of the park is the Garden of the Gods Trading Post--Colorado’s largest gift shop and southwest art gallery. Endless souvenirs, art, apparel, cowboy hats, and well, just about everything you can imagine. Food, snacks, and restrooms available here too. This building was designed after the Pueblo Indians architecture. The Trading Post often plays Native American flute music inside. So it’s a nice, relaxing place to take a break from all your sightseeing, and/or get in the shade for a little while. There are several Picnic Areas throughout the park, so bring a picnic lunch, kick back, and hang out for a while. And bring your dog! Dogs love Garden of the Gods. Other Facts:
MAPS are available at both the Visitors Center and the Trading Post.
GETTING THERE: From I-25, take Garden of the Gods Road west to 30th Street. Turn left (south) on 30th Street to Gateway Road into the park. Look for 300 foot tall sandstone slabs, and you’ll be there. Hard to miss. ;) CONTACT INFORMATION Visitor & Nature Center Trading Post Academy Riding Stables
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