If you're planning a trip to Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods should be at the top of your itinerary.
This world-famous public park features towering red sandstone rock formations, incredible views of Pikes Peak, abundant wildlife, and miles of scenic trails. Whether you're visiting for an hour or spending an entire day exploring, Garden of the Gods offers unforgettable experiences for every age and ability.
Below, you'll discover the best ways to explore the park, plus insider tips and nearby attractions to help you make the most of your visit.
Why Visit Garden of the Gods?
Few places combine dramatic geology, rich history, and easy accessibility quite like Garden of the Gods.
The park's towering red rocks were formed more than 300 million years ago and have become one of the most photographed landscapes in Colorado. The striking contrast between the bright red sandstone, the green foothills, and snow-capped Pikes Peak creates scenery unlike anywhere else in the country.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Free admission year-round
- Over 20 miles of hiking trails
- Scenic driving routes
- World-class rock climbing
- Wildlife viewing
- Family-friendly adventures
- Accessible paved pathways
- Incredible sunrise and sunset photography
One of the reasons the park remains free today is thanks to Colorado Springs founder General William Jackson Palmer, whose family donated the land with the requirement that it always remain free to the public.
Insider Tip: Visit before 9:00 a.m. during summer months. You'll enjoy cooler temperatures, easier parking, and far fewer crowds.
Don't Skip the Visitor & Nature Center
Before heading into the park, stop at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center.
You'll find:
- Interactive exhibits explaining the park's unique geology
- Educational displays about wildlife and local history
- A gift shop featuring locally made products
- A café with beautiful mountain views
- Clean restrooms and plenty of parking
Even better, a paved trail leads directly from the visitor center into the heart of the park.
6 Best Ways to Explore Garden of the Gods
No matter your age or fitness level, there's a perfect way to experience this incredible park.
1. Take the Scenic Drive
Short on time? Driving through Garden of the Gods is one of the easiest ways to enjoy its spectacular scenery.
The paved roads wind past many of the park's most famous rock formations, with numerous pull-offs where you can stop for photos.
Perfect for:
- Families with young children
- Seniors
- Rainy weather
- Visitors on tight schedules
Don't miss:
- Balanced Rock
- Gateway Rocks
- Cathedral Spires
2. Explore the Hiking Trails
Walking among the towering sandstone formations is the best way to appreciate just how massive they really are.
Central Garden Trail
The park's most popular trail is paved, mostly flat, and fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Along the route you'll see many of the park's iconic formations, including the famous Kissing Camels.
Other favorite trails include:
- Siamese Twins Trail (great Pikes Peak views)
- Palmer Trail
- Scotsman Trail
- Ridge Trail
- Dakota Trail (keep an eye out for bighorn sheep!)
Remember to stay on designated trails to help protect the fragile ecosystem.
Insider Tip: Download the trail map before arriving. Cell service can be spotty in parts of the park.
3. Go Rock Climbing
Garden of the Gods is considered one of America's premier climbing destinations.
Technical climbing is permitted with free registration, and climbers must follow park regulations to help preserve the sandstone.
If you're new to climbing, consider booking a guided experience with Front Range Climbing Company, where experienced instructors provide equipment, instruction, and a safe introduction to the sport.
4. Ride an E-Bike
One of the most fun ways to explore Garden of the Gods is on an electric bike.
E-bikes make climbing the hills almost effortless while allowing you to cover much more ground than walking. Explore the park on your own!
Many tours include fascinating local history and scenic overlooks you might otherwise miss.
5. Take a Jeep, Segway, or Trolley Tour
Want to learn about the area's geology and history while someone else does the driving? Guided sightseeing tours are an excellent option. Adventures Out West offers jeep tours, segway tours, and open-air trolley tours.
Knowledgeable guides share stories about Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, local wildlife, and the region's fascinating history.
6. Explore on Horseback
For a true Colorado experience, saddle up and ride through the foothills.
Horseback tours provide a unique perspective of the park while letting you experience the landscape much like early explorers did.
It's a memorable adventure for families and first-time riders alike.
Insider Tip: Wildlife is most active around sunrise and sunset. Keep your eyes open for mule deer, bighorn sheep, foxes, wild turkeys, and plenty of birds.
What Else Should You Do Nearby?
Garden of the Gods is conveniently located near many of Colorado Springs' most popular attractions.
Take a Downtown Food Tour
After a morning of hiking, reward yourself with one of the most delicious experiences in Colorado Springs. Rocky Mountain Food Tours (that’s us!) offers guided walking food tours featuring local restaurants, hidden gems, fascinating city history, and optional craft beverage pairings.
While there are several tour themes to choose from, but these are two of our current favorites:
- The Original Colorado Springs Food Tour
- Runs daily (most popular!)
- Experience 5 delicious tasting destinations
- Learn local history and explore public art
- Gold Medal Food Tour & Museum Experience
- Enjoy lunch from 5 tasting destinations representing past host cities (i.e. Italy, Mexico City, Seoul, and London)
- Admission into the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
- Two attractions in one
It's one of the best ways to discover downtown while supporting locally owned restaurants.
Visit Manitou Springs
Only minutes from Garden of the Gods, the charming mountain town of Manitou Springs is well worth exploring.
Favorites include:
- Sampling the town's famous mineral springs
- Shopping local boutiques
- Visiting the Penny Arcade
- Touring the Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Insider Tip: Don't miss our Manitou Market & Mineral Tasting Tour, where you'll sample artisan foods while tasting several of Manitou's naturally carbonated mineral springs.
Drive or Ride to the Summit of Pikes Peak
No visit to Colorado Springs feels complete without seeing Pikes Peak—America's Mountain.
You can reach the summit by:
- Driving the Pikes Peak Highway
- Riding the Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway
- Hiking Barr Trail
- Cycling (for experienced riders)
The summit sits at 14,115 feet and offers breathtaking panoramic views on a clear day.
Plan to Stay a Little Longer
Many visitors initially come to Colorado Springs for Garden of the Gods—but quickly realize there's far more to discover.
Between outdoor adventures, incredible local restaurants, charming mountain towns, museums, breweries, and unforgettable tours, it's easy to fill several days exploring the area.
We hope this guide helps you experience one of Colorado's greatest natural treasures—and that you'll discover plenty of reasons to come back again.
Happy exploring!
Cheers,
Samantha
