Garden of the Gods

By receiving this highest standard of recognition, Gold Standard Sites are exemplary models, encouraging other public lands to ensure that Leave No Trace education is part of everyone’s experience when spending time outdoors. Learn more about what it means to be a Gold Standard Site here.

The towering red rock formations of the Garden of the Gods Park come alive when you visit the free Visitor and Nature Center and explore the geology, plants, animals and people of this amazing 1,341.3-acre regional park, located at 1805 North 30th Street in Colorado Springs. This incredible city-owned park is truly one of a kind. The site is a National Natural Landmark, having been recognized by the Department of the Interior as "a nationally-significant natural area." It offers towering sandstone formations, a wonderful view of Pikes Peak, paved and unpaved hiking paths, the historic Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, a living history museum, placed on the National Register for Historic Places in 1971, and many other amenities.

The park was given to the city of Colorado Springs in 1909 by the children of railroad magnate Charles Elliot Perkins, in fulfillment of his wish that it be kept forever open and free to the public. As a result, this amazing park can be enjoyed free of charge.

Some activities and features include guided nature walks, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails, road biking and technical rock climbing.

 

Park Hours

November 1 - April 30: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
May 1 - October 31: 5 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Park Maps

• Park location map (PDF)
• Map of trails and rock formations (PDF)

Weddings and other ceremonies at Garden of the Gods

View information for holding a wedding or another event at Garden of the Gods can be found at ColoradoSprings.gov/parks-recreation-and-cultural-services/page/garden-gods-weddings.

Ideas for your Garden Experience:

For the photographer, there's the most spectacular scenery in Colorado Springs. You can take great photos of Gateway and Balanced Rocks from their respective parking lots. Or, try the Siamese Twins trail for a unique view of Pikes Peak framed by a beautiful rock formation.

For active folks, there are miles of trails to explore. Start at the main parking lot for easy, concrete foot paths through the heart of the red rock formations. From the South Garden parking lot there are approximately 5 miles of trails for mountain biking, hiking or horseback riding. In addition, all one-way roads in the park have paved bike lanes.

If you like a more personal touch, you can enjoy free naturalist-led walks, daily 10:30 a.m., that present fascinating lore about wildflowers, rattlesnakes, gold-seekers and many other topics. Guided walks are $5, and reservations are required. Call the Visitor and Nature Center at (719) 219-0108 for reservations and a schedule of additional walks led by City of Colorado Springs interpreters. Special programs are offered year-round and some may require a reservation.  School Programs are offered during the school year and Junior Ranger Programs are available as well.

Garden of the Gods Nature Presentations also take place on a daily basis at the Visitor Center. They are free, last about 30 minutes, and explore a wide variety of topics, including the geology, ecology, wildlife and the cultural history of the Park. For more information call (719) 219-0108.

Technical climbing is permitted on established routes inside the park.