Garden of the Gods Colorado – Visitor’s Guide
If you plan on visiting Garden of the Gods Colorado, check our Visitors Guide below chocked full tips and things you need to know.
What’s in a name?
Have you ever wondered how places get their name? With a name like “Garden of the Gods” you know there is a story. The story goes a little like this. In 1859 2 surveyors, that helped set up Colorado Springs, were out exploring what then was known as “Red Rock Corral”. One of the surveyors, M. S. Beach, said that it would be a “capital place for a beer garden“. Rufus Cable, the other surveyor, said “Beer Garden! Why, it is a place fit for the Gods to assemble. We will call it the Garden of the Gods.” I always like to know a little history about the place I’m hiking. Now you know.
Getting started
The Garden of the Gods hours are:
- May 1 – October 31: 5AM – 11PM
- November 1 – April 30: 5AM – 9PM
- Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s Day
- Hours are subject to change… Always check with the Visitors Center online before heading out
One of the nice things about Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs is that there is no admission fee! Thanks to Charles Elliott Perkins and his family. They donated the land to the City of Colorado Springs with the stipulation it be kept free to the public. So that means you can enjoy all this for free!
Parking
Parking at Garden of the Gods is also free. There are plenty of small parking lots throughout the park if the main lot is full. So don’t get worried if the 1st parking lot you stop at is full. There are plenty more opportunities to find a spot to park. We were able to find a spot with relative ease in a secondary lot. If you have a handicap placard, there are spots throughout the park that can accommodate you. Plus you can always park at the Visitors Center and walk.
Hiking
Garden of the Gods hiking is something to behold. The views are amazing and it seems like there is something new around every corner. So it keeps things interesting and I promise you won’t get bored!
There are 21 miles of trails to choose at Garden of the Gods. So you should be able to find something to match your skillset. A great trail to start with is the Perkins Central Garden Trail. It is 1 1/2 mile roundtrip and only has a less than 30 foot rise in elevation. This trail is in the middle of the park and at the base of the highest rock formations in the park. This means you get some amazing scenery without having to hike up the side of a mountain! Plus this trail is paved. Therefore wheelchairs and strollers are no problem.
Bring a lunch
Garden of the Gods Colorado Springs has some amazing views. So what better way to enjoy them than having a picnic right in the middle of them! They have several different areas to choose from and they all have amazing views. So if you don’t want to have to rush so you can see everything before lunch, just bring lunch with you!
Other things to do…
If you don’t want to wander around the park exploring on your own, the park has things for you to do as well. They offer guided nature walks that leave out from the Visitors Center Daily. The guided nature walk takes about 45-60 mins and covers about a mile. Don’t worry, that mile is all paved. So if you have trouble walking on uneven ground you should be ok. As always check with the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center for the schedule, as everything is subject to change.
There is so much more that you can do that you would need several weeks to fit in everything they offer. Everything from great places for photography, bike rental, Jeep tours, and much more. I can’t wait to get back so I take in some more of the beautiful scenery!
We had an amazing time walking around the Garden of the Gods. Don’t be afraid to blaze your own trail (safely of course). We ventured off the path and were rewarded with some amazing views. Just beware of animals. This is their home and we are just visiting. So give them plenty of space and pick up after yourself and you will have a great time exploring Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.
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