Garden of the Gods - Colorado Springs

garden of the gods in colorado springs

Garden of the Gods, located in Colorado Springs, is an awe-inspiring natural landmark. Picture some amazing views with massive rock formations over 300 feet tall and a stunning backdrop of a snow-capped Pikes Peak!

Is the Garden of the Gods worth seeing?

If you have never visited the Garden of the Gods natural landmark, then yes, it is absolutely worth seeing! The size of the rock formations is an incredible sight to see. It’s an amazing place to spend a day with family and friends, especially on a gorgeous, sunny day. There are great trails and activities for anyone into outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, tours and more.

For those that have already visited this incredible landmark, it always seems like there is yet another trail to hike, or another off-road path to bike. The scenery to explore continues to get better and better as you explore the path least taken. During morning and late hours of the day, it’s also common to see wildlife such as big horn sheep, mule deer, black bears, bobcats and elk. You can also see reptiles such as rattlesnakes, bull snakes, and lizards of many kinds.

So, yes, it doesn’t matter how many times you’ve visited the garden, each time you go, it’s always another amazing sight to see!

How long of a hike is it?

charles elliot perkins

There are six trails ranging anywhere from ½ mile to 3 miles round trip. Some are very easy and others are moderate. Keep in mind that the starting elevation is 6200’ and gradually climbs another 300’ over the course of the hikes.

Dogs are welcome to join your hikes but they must be on a leash of 6’ or less. Note that plenty of wildlife can be seen on the trails and you’ll want to avoid having your pets off leash, even in open spaces. You’re likely to come across mule deer, whitetail deer, and big horn sheep.

How much are tickets?

There is no entrance fee to visit the Garden of the Gods. You, your family, and friends can enjoy the majestic land thanks to Charles Elliott Perkins and his children who donated the owned land to the city of Colorado Springs as long as they keep it as a free park to the public.

Can you drive through the Garden of the Gods?

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You can absolutely drive through the park and never get out of your car. There are several paved roads that will take you through different parts of the park, eventually leading you to the same starting point. Along the road there are several places to stop, take pictures and enjoy the amazing scenery. Weekends tend to be busier than weekdays, so you’ll want to make sure that traffic doesn’t come to a complete halt. If there is a part of the park you really want to explore, we recommend you park and walk to that destination.

How long does it take to drive?

The entire paved road around the park is approximately 7 miles long but the speed limit is only 20 mph. You’ll surely want to stop for photos and sight-seeing so if you’re only going to drive around the perimeter of the park then it should take you approximately 40-60 minutes. Of course, if you enjoy the park in other ways, it will take you even longer.

Can you drive at night?

No you cannot, the Garden of the Gods has installed 9 gates across different entrances of the park for the long term benefit of the park. No longer can you access the park after hours. The official hours of the park are:

5 am – 10 pm from May 1st to October 31st

5 am – 9 pm from November 1st to April 30th

Driving directions

From the north:

  1. Take I-25 S towards Colorado Springs for approximately 35 miles
  2. Exit 146 for Garden of the Gods Rd
  3. Travel straight for approximately .25 miles and keep right at the fork, merge onto Garden of the Gods Rd
  4. Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto N 30th St and the Visitor and Nature Center will be on your left side

From the south:

  1. Take I-25 N towards Denver for approximately 43 miles
  2. Take exit 143 for Uintah Street
  3. In .4 miles turn right onto Mesa Rd and continue straight for 1.8 miles
  4. Turn left onto Fontmore Rd and take it for 0.6 miles
  5. Turn right onto N 30th St going straight for 1.1 miles and then turn right into the Visitor and Nature Center.

From our Springs Excavation Pros offices:

  1. Head north on S Tejon St toward E Colorado Ave
  2. Turn left onto E Colorado Ave and travel for 1.4 miles
  3. Make a left onto 14th st and continue straight for 0.2 miles
  4. Merge onto US-24 W traveling for 1.7 miles
  5. Turn slight right onto S 31st St for 0.8 miles
  6. Make a right onto Westmoor Dr for 0.1 miles
  7. Left onto N 30th St for 1.0 miles
  8. Turn right at the Visitor and Nature Center