Colorado is renown worldwide for its outstanding geological features. With over 50 peaks whose elevations exceed 14,000 feet above sea level to expansive red rock canyons, it’s a marvel!
You don’t have to be an advanced mountain climber or canyoneer to enjoy the spectacular scenery of these marvelous natural wonders. Waiting for masses is a pleasant stroll through red rock formations in the marvelous Garden of the Gods.
A brief history
Created over millions of years, Garden of the Gods is the result of geological changes in the landscape due to its position on a fault line. Evidence exists within the park that humans have been inhabiting or at least passing through this site since 1330 BC. Many Native Americans were frequent visitors, marking their presence with petroglyphs indicating their connection to the rocks.
Main attraction
The land upon which Garden of the Gods sits was privately owned until 1909. It was then given to the city of Colorado Springs upon the death of the owner. The owner only had one request – that the land remain a free public park. The city remained true to their word, and Garden of the Gods is indeed a free park in which 15 miles of trails await for hiking, biking, rock climbing, or even a 30-minute guided tour with an onsite naturalist. There are other activities available for a fee as well, including horseback riding, group tours, van tours, Native American performances, and even an HD movie about the park.
Garden of the Gods can be an enjoyable full day experience, with an onsite cafe that offers a terrace with sweeping views of the park and Pikes Peak, a perfect background for those touristy but gorgeous photos with family and friends. Visitors are welcomed to the park daily between 5 am and 9-11 pm (depending on the season). Check out this cool footage we found of Garden of the Gods shot from an RC helicopter camera that gives you some really nice views of the park from an interesting angle. It certainly inspired us to put it on our bucket list!
When to go
The best time to visit Garden of the Gods is between September and April, Fall through Spring. If you’re looking for a relaxing, less crowded hike, head to GotG in November or December, though it’s a bit colder. As far as when to head out during the day, we recommend leaving either early in the morning or later in the evening, as the sunsets and sunrises here are incredible!
Related articles: Camper’s Guide: Katmai National Park, Alaska or Camper’s Guide: California’s Yosemite’s Half Dome
Featured Image from Ian Baldwin/Unsplash
