Objective: Take a stroll in the park, Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Distance: Up to you
Difficulty: Easy

Garden of the Gods is a place where rock formations sprout in the middle of a green forest. Horizontal red, pink, and white layers of rock accumulated here millions of years ago. As the tectonic forces uplifted the surrounding mountains, giant fins tilted vertically from the green hillside. Practically each rock formation has a descriptive name. You have your pick of trails to get a good look at the rocks.

Directions to Trailhead

From Denver, follow the I-25 S to Colorado Springs. Take exit 145 for Fillmore Street and drive 0.6 miles. Continue onto West Fontanero Street and drive 0.1 miles. Turn right onto North 30th Street and continue for 1.1 miles. Turn left onto Gateway Road. Parking is easy as the road loops around the parkland. There is a main parking lot just past the entrance on the right by the trailhead.

Trek Highlights

For the first 0.2 miles, the well paved path descends gently between colorful walls. The red wall (containing the Tower of Babel) to the right resembles a ship with porthole shaped caves on top. A strawberry cream lollipop rises a little lower and to the left. On the top left of the wall, you can see rocks that look like two camels kissing each other. The longer you look at the rocks, the more your mind runs wild and starts seeing things.

Soon, you see a grand entrance to the rock formations as the Gateway Trail leads to the Central Garden. There are a number of loops and offshoot paths that you can pursue to explore the various hoodoos. Walk any which way that tickles your fancy. The jagged red monoliths seem to shoot up from the strangest places. Follow one of the central leaning paths. A curving staircase will lead you up a tight cluster of rocks to a lofty perch among the stone spires. As you ascend, the views overall and of the other rock formations keep getting better. Eventually, you can sit on the side of the rocks as a slight breeze flow through.

Beyond the Central Garden Trail, you can keep exploring rock formations on the Palmer Trail and the Scotsman Trail.

Photos