Garden of the Gods
The Basics
The Garden of the Gods, easily accessible from nearby Colorado Springs, is one of the most convenient and spectacular spots to enjoy Colorado’s red rock country—and admission is free. Options for touring are plentiful and range from Segway, Jeep, walking, and photo tours to a half-day of guided climbing on the red rocks. Travelers can also combine their visit with a stop at nearby Pikes Peak or a Jeep tour of the Red Canyon Loop.
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Things to Know Before You Go
This city park is a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers.
Dogs are welcome on a 6-foot leash; cleanup bags are available at the visitor center.
The 1.5-mile (2.5-kilometer) Perkins Central Garden Trail is both wheelchair and stroller accessible.
The Garden of the Gods offers little shade—bring sunblock, a hat, and water, especially in summer.
The park offers several picnic areas, as well as a café.
How to Get There
The easiest way to visit the Garden of the Gods park is by car from Colorado Springs; the parking areas have more than 330 spaces, though they can fill up in summer. Many guided Garden of the Gods tours do not include round-trip transportation from Colorado Springs, so you may have to arrange your own transportation; tours from Denver and Cañon City generally do include transport.
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When to Get There
The Garden of the Gods is open and accessible year round, but the best time to visit is during the shoulder season—from September to April—when the weather is cooler, parking is easier to find, and there are fewer crowds. Arriving in the early morning or late afternoon means more shade on the trails and the chance to watch a spectacular sunrise or sunset.
How Did the Garden of the Gods Form?
The Garden of the Gods Visitor Center doubles as a natural and cultural history museum where visitors can learn about the geology, wildlife, people, and history of the park through a series of interactive exhibits. A highlight is the Geo-Trekker Theater, where a 15-minute video digs into the park’s history while offering amazing views from an aerial drone.
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- Pikes Peak
- Pikes Peak Highway
- United States Air Force Academy
- Washington Park
- Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Denver Art Museum (DAM)
- Molly Brown House Museum
- Denver Mint
- Colorado State Capitol Building
- Denver Civic Center Park
- Denver Firefighters Museum
- Hard Rock Cafe Denver
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
- Denver Center for the Performing Arts