Not many people heard about Garden of the Gods Colorado, a unique place in the world, located in the US. Well, if you are one of those people, you must know that this park was ranked in 2014 the 1st Park in the US, and the 2nd Park in the World by Trip Advisor. Now that I’ve got your attention, I need to admit I was lucky enough to visit this park in 2013, and to recommend it to you know.
Entering The Garden of The Gods Colorado
The most important thing about Garden of the Gods Colorado, is that the park is very accessible, located very close from the highway, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, it is open to the public, and the access is totally free. The only thing you need to remember is that the park is opened from 5AM till 11PM during the summer, and from 5AM until 9PM, during winter, so plan your trip accordingly.
Once you arrive in the park, you should start your visit with the short film “How Did These Rocks Get There”. Is what I did and I was happy to learn some interesting things about the place, before seeing it; the film helped me to understand better the history of the place. You can watch the video at the Visitor’s Center, every 14 minutes.
The Garden of the Gods Colorado, got their name in the 19th century. They are unique geological formations that are 300 million years old. The area belongs to the Colorado Springs city, after it was donated by Charles Elliot Perkins, a railroad magnate. When he gave the land to the municipality, he stipulated the free access as a condition.
Walking on the main loop
To start the actual visit, I decided to follow the main loop, by walking. I wanted to be able to enjoy every spot and take pictures, but you could also choose jeep tours, bicycle tours, or even riding tours. Also, at the Visitor’s Center you will find even van tours or Segway guided tours. The price for these tours starts from only $10, but it can go up to $65. On the other hand, a free 30-minute walking tour is offered for free, all year long.
The main loop of The Garden of The Gods Colorado, has only three and a half miles (about five and a half kilometers), and it will offer you the possibility to spend a nice day in the park, and to admire all these incredible formations. You can get a map for free from the Visitor’s Center, which will allow you to follow the path, without missing any spot.
Hidden spot found close to the path
The first thing I saw after entering the park was a massive red-rock formation. I have to admit I was quite surprised: I have never seen something like that in my life. The red-rocks are quite tall, and you will be surprised about how proud they stand in front of you. Simply follow the trailhead. It will take you all around the park, allowing you to discover all these beauties.
Shortly after entering The Garden of the Gods Colorado, I arrived at the first view point. Seeing the massive rocks from the trails was impressive, but having the chance to take a look from a higher point is incredible. The tall, spiky, red rocks will conquer you for sure. Admire the view for a few minutes, but make sure you will come back again to this spot right before the sunset, if you want to admire them in a special light.
View point in The Garden of The Gods Colorado
The view point also allowed me to see what is coming next, and I was more than excited to continue our hike. Everywhere you look, there is some interesting and catchy, and you want to admire it and take pictures. At the half of the trail, you can rest for half an hour or an hour, and relax. If you have food with you, it is the perfect time to set a picnic. You will see many tourists doing the same.
After the brake, we continued the hike to the Siamese rocks. As their name says, these rocks are a unique formation, offering great view of the Pike’s Peak. The twins are surrounded by a small loop trail, allowing you to enjoy the rocks from all the viewpoints. This area of the park is famous for horse tours, so do not panic if you see the animals on the trail.
The Siamese Rocks
And this amazing trip to The Garden of The Gods Colorado, doesn’t end here. Our next stop was the Balance Rock, another unique formation that stays in a very weird position. Even if it looks totally unstable, the rock is in a perfect equilibrium, and nothing can overthrow it. You will see many tourists taking pictures under it, so do not be afraid to do the same.
The Balance Rock
You can end your visit at the Souvenir Shop, where you will find a lot of cool things to buy!
Tips for the visitors of The Garden of the Gods Colorado
- Make sure you plan visiting the gardens for an entire day, if you want to enjoy the park. Bring enough water and food, and organize a picnic around lunch time.
- Bring comfortable shoes! The main loop has only 5 miles, but the entire park has more than 15 miles of trails. I am sure you want to enjoy everything!
- If you like bicycles or horse riding, visit the gardens like this! If will be much more fun!
- During the summer, the temperatures are extreme, so make sure you have water, sunscreen, and a cap with you!
- The park also offers a Bird Trail, where you can watch and listen to more than 15 types of birds!
- The Garden of the Gods Colorado, allows rock climbing, so if this is one of your hobbies, bring all your equipment. There are special walls for rock climbers, so do not climb wherever you want.
- Bring your camera; you will need it for sure!
Have fun in The Garden of The Gods Colorado!