On the outskirts of Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods is a convenient and spectacular spot to enjoy Colorado's red rock country. Tour options range from Segway, Jeep, walking, and photo tours to guided rock-climbing excursions. Travelers can also combine their visit with a stop at nearby Pikes Peak or a Jeep tour of the Red Canyon Loop.
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.
The park is located in the Pikes Peak region of the Rocky Mountains, not far from the city of Colorado Springs. Garden of the Gods parking lots 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, but tours from Denver and Cañon City generally do.
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.
The Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center doubles as a natural and cultural history museum. 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.
