Colorado Springs The Garden of the Gods

The Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs

Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark. It has the dramatic views, 300' towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak and brilliant blue skies. Pikes Peak hovers in the backdrop of these magnificent, sandstone rock formations.

It is One of the must see and explore the Geological formations and Known for its massive red rocks sticking straight out of the ground, in Colorado Springs is Garden of the Gods. It is a public park located in Colorado Springs, and free to visit. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1971.

Activities at Garden of the Gods:

• Biking/Hiking: Multi-use trails open to bikers and joggers.
• Horseback Riding: Some trails are open to horses.
• Scenic Drives: The park is easy to tour in your car.
• Birding - A variety of birds can be seen in Garden of the Gods Park.
• Rock Climbing - Rock climbing is permitted in the park.

Different trails to explore the Garden of the Gods:

1. Perkins Central Garden Trail, this is an easy, 1 1/2 mile roundtrip path, with less than a 30 foot rise. This trail is in the heart of the Park at the base of the highest rock formations.
2. Ridge Trail, a moderate, 1/2 mile loop, with less than 100 foot rise in elevation. This path gives you the feeling of being among the rocks.
3. Siamese Twins Trail is an easy 1 mile roundtrip, with less than a 150 foot rise. There is a unique view of Pikes Peak through the natural window of the twins.
4. Chambers/Bretag/Palmer Trail, is a moderate, 3 mile hike with less than a 250 foot rise. Nearly circling the entire Park, this trail covers rolling, rocky terrain away from the traffic.
5. Scotsman/Buckskin Charlie Trail, is a moderate trail that loops through the Park. Enjoy the distant views of the Central Garden formations from these rolling, rocky trails. 

History and Geological formations:

The Garden of the Gods' red rock formations were created during a geological upheaval along a natural fault line millions of years ago. Archaeological evidence shows that prehistoric people visited Garden of the Gods about 1330 BC. At about 250 BC, Native American people camped in the park; they are believed to have been attracted to wildlife and plant life in the area and used overhangs created by the rocks for shelter. Many native peoples have reported a connection to Garden of the Gods, including Apache, Cheyenne, Comanche, Kiowa, Lakota, Pawnee, Shoshone, and Ute people.

The outstanding geologic features of the park are the ancient sedimentary beds of deep-red, pink and white sandstones, conglomerates and limestone that were deposited horizontally, but have now been tilted vertically and faulted into "fins" by the immense mountain building forces caused by the uplift of the Rocky Mountains and the Pikes Peak massif. The following Pleistocene Ice Age resulted in erosion and glaciation of the rock, creating the present rock formations. Evidence of past ages can be read in the rocks: ancient seas, eroded remains of ancestral mountain ranges, alluvial fans, sandy beaches and great sand dune fields. 

Rock Formations to explore around the park:

• Kissing Camels rock formation at Garden of the Gods Park 
• The Three Graces - Red Rock Formation
• Photochrom of the Cathedral Spires
• Steamboat Rock and Balanced Rock
• Sentinel Spires
• High Point Overlook
• Mesa Overlook

How to Reach the Garden of the Gods:

Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center - the main entrance of the park

1805 N. 30th Street in Colorado Springs. 

Other Nearby Attractions to see

• Pikes Peak Highway: 10 miles away, Approximately 15 minutes’ drive to the park entrance
• Manitou Incline: 7 miles away,
• Cave of The Winds Mountain Park: 6 miles away,
• The Broadmoor Seven Falls: 5 miles away