Garden of the Gods

Garden 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.

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.


Taking a hiking trail can get you some very unique views as you make your way through scrub oak, past dry riverbeds, or over stone paths.

The flora and fauna can make for great photographs. Some of the weirdest rocks can only be reached by hiking there—like Siamese Twins (photo on left).

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

Technical rock climbing is also allowed at the park. People come from all over the world to climb the famous sandstone walls and towers. In the summer, you will almost certainly see rock climbers in action. Climbers register at the Visitor & Nature Center.

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:

• See a short movie about how the rocks formed
• Study a scale model of the park
• Observe animal displays: mountain lion, rattlesnake, birds of prey
• Buy souvenirs, eat food, use restrooms

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. Food is also available at their Balanced Rock Cafe.

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:

• This city park has 1350 acres.
• It’s a Registered Natural Landmark.
• Some rock formations are over 300 million years old.
• Strange sandstone shapes were created by erosion.

Here is a look at some winter images of the park. Covered in snow, the orange rocks not only look surreal, but the muted sound effect makes for an especially peaceful visit.

Visitor & Nature Center
1805 N 30th Street (at Gateway Rd.)
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
(719)634-6666

Trading Post
South edge of the park.
(800) 874-4515 or (719) 685-9045

Academy Riding Stables
4 El Paso Blvd
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
(719) 633-5667




<< Back HOME