Garden of the Gods: I Can’t Quit Colorado’s Top-Rated Park
Main photo from Unsplash. All other photos courtesy of Visit Colorado Springs.
“Get Out There” is a column for itchy footed humans written by long-time Paste contributor Blake Snow. Although different now, travel is better than ever. Today we nature bathe in Colorado’s most beloved park, Garden of the Gods.
Colorado’s Garden of the Gods is not a National Park. But it could be—a small one. At four square miles, this compact but otherworldly free playground rivals the state’s four official parks and ranks among the best in the nation, in terms of potency.
With over 6 million annual visitors (two million more than Grand Canyon!) Garden of the Gods is dominated by its 300 red rock fins, spires, and hogbacks jutting from a garden green landscape—plus the towering and snow-capped Pikes Peak (aka “America’s Mountain”) looming in the background. Popular activities include 15 miles of paved and gravel hiking trails, rock climbing, mountain biking, and taking in the stunning views.
I’ve wanted to visit this beloved “National Landmark” for sometime. This spring I did just that over a three day getaway, in three of the most popular ways to experience it: hiking its mesmerizing pathways, unwinding at its onsite resort, and enjoying afternoon tea high on a castle top. Before considering a similar visit, here’s what you need to know.
Getting There
Garden of the Gods is located 70 miles south of Denver in Colorado Springs, the state’s second largest city. Home to the U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs was founded in 1871 as a resort town and is known for its great outdoors, ample blue skies, and historic sites. While there is a local airport, flying into Denver International before driving 75 minutes south is the easiest route for most people.
Open everyday from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm, Garden of the Gods is located on the westside of town adjacent to the Rocky Mountains. The average visitor spends around two hours in the park, but that can be as short as 30 minutes on the easiest trail or up to six hours if hiking, mountain biking, or climbing long distances. My wife and I covered over half the park in less than two days, which was enough to see what we wanted.
Highlight hikes include Central Garden Loop (1-2 miles, paved), Siamese Twin Trail (.5 mile, gravel), and Palmer Trail Loop (4 miles, gravel). We would have walked every trail if we had the time. Unlike national parks, dogs are allowed on leash. Visit early or late in the day to avoid heavy crowds.
Staying In
