Explore the Beautiful Rock Formations at Garden of the Gods in Colorado
March 16, 2025
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Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods, located within the heart of Colorado Springs, Colorado stands to be an awe-inspiring beauty of nature. Designated as a National Natural Landmark, the park excites visitors with its towering red rock formations that make this park stand out among others. From hiking and rock climbing to leisurely walks amidst breathtaking vistas. Garden of the Gods offers a diverse range of outdoor activities for any adventurer. Whether you are seeking adrenaline-pumping thrills or tranquil moments while hiking. This iconic park promises an unforgettable experience.
One of the awesome things about this park, besides its beautiful red rock formations, is that it is FREE to visit. In 1909 Charles Perkins’ family gave this location to Colorado with the expectation that it would remain free and open to the public as Charles loved this area and wanted others to enjoy it as much as he did for years to come.
Address: 1805 North 30th St, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Tips for Visiting Garden of the Gods
Park Hours: Garden of the Gods is open 5 am to 9 pm (November to April) 5am to 10 pm (May to October). This park is open every day of the year except Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Years Day.
A free shuttle is available in the summer months from the Visitor Center to throughout the park. Hours 9am to 5:30pm.
Pets are allowed on the trails and in the visitor center (except on carpeted areas and the Café) but must be on a leash.
Parking is available at the visitor center and throughout the park. Overflow parking lot for larger vehicles is across the street from the visitor center.
Pick up your Garden of the Gods map at the Visitor Center before you start your journey. You can typically spend 2-4 hours at this park.
Garden of the Gods is located 1 hour and 12 minutes from Pikes Peak. Read more details on my blog post on visiting Pikes Peak. Did you know you can view Garden of the Gods from the top of Pikes Peak?! You can, it is so cool to see!
Visitor Center
Once you arrive, you will want to start at the Visitor Center to pick up a few souvenirs and get a map of the park. The visitor center includes all your souvenir needs from apparel, Native American jewelry, toys, books, maps, snacks, geological rocks, and more. There are also restrooms and a Café available at the visitor center.
Visitor Center Hours: 9 am to 5 pm (Winter months), 9 am to 6 pm (Summer months)
Gateway Trail
You can park at the Visitor Center and hike directly from there along the Gateway Trail which will lead you directly to the Central Garden Trail.
Central Garden Pedestrian Walkways trail
Central Garden Trail
After you have finished visiting the Visitor Center, head to your car and out of the parking lot toward the stop sign. From the stop sign you will go straight and follow the road to the right to find parking.
We chose to park at the first Main Parking LotP2 on the left so we could walk the Central Garden Trail. This parking area was very full, and we had to drive around the lot several times waiting for someone to leave before we found a parking spot. There are a few spots for large vehicle as well.
There is a restroom at the start of the trail.
Perkins Central Garden Trail
The first section we hiked was at the Central Garden Pedestrian Walkways. This area makes way to some of the highest rock formations in the park including the Tower of Babel. You will also find the North Gateway Rock, Kissing Camels, Signature Rock, White Rock, South Gateway Rock, Sentinel Spires, Pulpit Rock, Giant Footprints, Three Graces, Cathedral Spires, Gray Rock, and Sleeping Giant.
This area has such a surreal landscape with its towering sandstone formations, sculpted millions of years ago, making it the perfect backdrop for any hiking experience.
We started hiking at the Perkins Central Garden Trail which is an easy trail and is 1.5 miles round trip on a paved path.
Juniper Way Loop
You can hike around the Central Graden on Juniper Way loop.
Tower of Babel
Tower of Babel
Once on the trial, you will walk past the restrooms and will come to an area that divides into three ways. You can go right, straight, or left. The right and straight path lead back to this same location whereas, the path to the left leads to the road and crosses over to the visitor center.
We chose to go to the right first. At the next fork in the road, we continued right. This way was quieter as I think most people hang out toward the left where the Sentinel Spires are. This path has wide paved sidewalks making it very easy to navigate as seen in the picture below.
During this hike we passed the North Gateway Rock which made way to the Tower of Babel as seen in the pictures above and below this text. The rocks are so red and absolutely amazing to look at. These rocks were formed millions of years ago due to erosion of the earth. These red rocks are made up of sandstone and limestone giving it a beautiful red/pink/white color.
Our view as we continued on the Perkins Central Garden trail.
Three Graces
Three Graces
Our next stop was the Three Graces. We took time to stop and enjoy the beautiful red rock formations in this area while our youngest climbed the rocks as we relaxed helping to get out some of his energy. Every view from this location is absolutely breathtaking as you enjoy the earth beneath your feet while viewing the rocky landscape, against juniper trees and sweet wildflowers.
Pulpit Rock
While we were in this area, we enjoyed watching a couple rock climb the Pulpit Rock. Rock climbing is available only in certain areas with a free annual permit. Climbing is at your own risk. You must stop at the Visitor Center to register before you climb. Proper equipment is required to climb in designated areas only.
Pulpit Rock
Float down Animas River in Durango. Take a guided tour along the mild rapids for an adventurous family excursion.
Upper Loop Trail
Next, we hiked to the Upper Loop Trail which was my favorite place to hike at Garden of the Gods. This is a 0.8-mile round trip trail with a small elevation of about 62 feet. This area does not have paved trails and takes you up a rocky path. This trail is doable for any age that is able to walk up hill and is steady on their feet. Don’t forget your camera and tripod/selfie-stick as this is a popular spot for a picturesque view of the park. This is where I was able to take the below picture, which was absolutely my favorite picture in the park, despite the clouds, this area is so much more beautiful in person. There were plenty of large rocks to climb on in this area for kids who need to get out some more energy. Some areas will need supervision for young children when climbing on the large boulders. I for some reason didn’t get good pics of our climbing on this trail. Sorry, but it is definitely worth the hike. I always wear my Chacos or Teva sandals when hiking and never have any trouble walking although hiking shoes would be preferred.
Cathedral Spires and Sentinel Spires
Despite the cloudy day, isn’t the below picture just beautiful? You are viewing the Cathedral Spires (on the left) and Sentinel Spires (on the right). Look how majestic those spires both look towering, tall above the trees! A cloudy day made for easier hiking with less heat. It did rain briefly while at this park in June, so take your umbrella or rain poncho if there is a chance of rain.
Siamese Twins
The next stop was the Siamese Twins trail as seen in the picture below. This is a 0.5-mile round trip easy hike from parking lot P14. This will take you to two connecting towers of rocks protruding from the earth with a “window” between them. What is spectacular view this was! You can see Pikes Peak through the “window” as seen below. In every direction, there was a breathtaking view of red rocks stretching as far as the eye can see. I loved this spot!
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Balancing Rock
Our final stop was the Balancing Rock. Drive to Parking lot P15 and at the base of the rock is easy access to the trail. From below Balancing Rock you can view the rock and pretend to hold up the rock. Or you can view the rock from above by climbing up onto the rocks for a front view and take a picture.
Other hiking trails
There are multiple other trails to explore in this park for even more majestic views. The trails described above provide the best views of the towering rocks that make this park so unique. Check out the detailed hiking maps provided at the visitor center for more details. There are about 14 trails consisting of 21 miles of trail total.
Palmer Trail - 1.8-mile easy trail
Scotsman Trail/Buckman Charlie Trail - 1.5-mile loop
Hamp Trail
Arnold Trail
Strausenback Trail
Columbia Trail
Cabin Canyon Trail - 0.7-mile easy loop
Old Colorado City Trail
Niobrara Trail - 1.7-mile loop
Ute Trail - 1-mile easy trail
Chambers Trail
Galloway Trail
Bretag Trail - 0.5-mile easy trail
Foothills Trail
Dakota Trail - 0.4 miles
Ridge Trail - located by Central Garden Trail. 0.5-mile easy loop
Mountain Biking, Segway Tours, and other available tours
There are multiple other tours available within this park. Mountain biking is allowed within the park in designated areas, you can bring your own bike or rent one in the park. Other adventure tours include Segway tours, jeep, adventure challenge, horseback riding and more.
Other tours available in the surrounding area
Want to rock climb, but don’t know how? Take this amazing 5-hour guided rock climbing tour. Whether you're a beginner or advanced climber, this tour company has you covered.
Camping near Garden of the Gods
Pike and San Isabel National Forest
Check out our camping location at Pike and San Isabel which had a spectacular view of Pikes Peak from where we camped.
Places to visit close by
8 things to do in South Dakota with kids including Mt Rushmore
Take an exhilarating 4x4 u-drive guided tour through the hills of Moab
Explore unique red rock arch formations at Arches National Park
Do you need any more convincing?
Garden of the Gods captivates visitors with its majestic red rock formations and amazing natural beauty. Soak in the tranquility of this park as you create unforgettable memories while touring the breathtaking vistas. While this park is protected, allowing for continued preservation of this area, you can continue to enjoy the diverse array of outdoor activities, and natural wonders of this impressive area.
Since this park is in close proximity to Pikes Peak, take time to add this location to your Colorado bucket list. No reservations are required to visit Garden of the Gods.
What is your favorite park to visit in Colorado? Comment below.
Enjoy your journey,
About the author: Jennifer
I’m just a girl who loves to travel. My favorite travels have been traveling across the US in a campervan, visiting all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, marking National Parks off my list, & many smaller trips. I love to share my adventures to inspire others to travel more. If you can dream it, you can do it! Want the whole story?
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