visit garden of the gods

Visiting Colorado's Garden of the Gods: The Complete Guide

TripSavvy / Kathleen Messmer

• Other Things to Do

Planning Your Visit

Where to stay, where to eat, tips for visiting, garden of the gods.

The Garden of the Gods is one of Colorado's most impressive natural attractions. Massive red rock formations pierce upward from the earth, balancing in a seemingly impossible way, creating a unique, beautiful landscape.

It's also one of the most popular. It's located less than two hours south of Denver in Colorado Springs , and it's the most visited attraction in the Pikes Peak area, even amid Colorado Springs' major attractions, like the Cave of the Winds and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (where you can see giraffes in the mountains).

These views in this 1,367-acre area and hikes are free and open to the public year-round. Here's everything you need to know to plan your visit to the Garden of the Gods.

The Garden of the Gods was established in 1909, but its history goes back millions of years. The crazy rock formations you see were created along a fault line, and they were uprooted and tilted vertically during the formation of Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountains. These formations are as old as the mountains.

Humans have been drawn to these rocks since ancient times. Native American artifacts dating back to 250 B.C. have been discovered in this area.

But it was in the 1870s, during the gold rush and railroad time, the rocks hit the Western radar. The head of the Burlington Railroad bought the area for his summer home, but he left it relatively untouched and welcomed the public to enjoy it. After he died, his children gave the land to the city.

The Garden of the Gods was named in 1859. As the legend goes, one surveyor wanted to build a beer garden there, but another man said it was better suited “for the Gods to assemble.” He coined the name, and it stuck.

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

One of the most popular ways to experience the Garden of the Gods is on your own two feet. The Garden of the Gods offers 15 miles of trails winding throughout the formations. Various hiking options include super easy options on paved walkways suitable for families. The best way to approach this is via the Self-Guided Hiking Program . Pick up a free map at the visitor center info desk. Take your time, and take in the scenery. You want to set aside at least a half-day for exploring, though a full day will allow you to veer off on some of the smaller trails that are less crowded.

For more structure, you can sign up to find free guided nature walks.

Great hiking trails include:

• The Perkins Central Garden Trail: This easy, 1.5-mile round-trip is on a concrete pathway with barely any elevation gain. It's handicap accessible and family-friendly.
• The Siamese Twins Trail: Here's another easy one that's a bit shorter: only one-mile round-trip. There's slightly more elevation gain (150 feet), but the views of Pikes Peak are worth it.
• The Ridge Trail: This one's a bit tougher (rated moderate), but it's shorter (only a half of a mile round-trip). Expect about a 100-foot elevation gain.
• The Chambers/Bretag/Palmer Trail : This trail is more challenging yet, but only moderately rated. It spans three miles with about a 250-foot gain. This is a great trail if you want to see a lot of the park. You get to see just nearly everything.

Before you head out for more than casual hiking at this altitude (it's around 6,400 feet above sea level, so more than a mile high), make sure you have acclimated and are well-hydrated. Altitude sickness can derail your whole trip and be dangerous when climbing rocks.

Other Activities

The Garden of the Gods is much more than just rock formations. The whole area is packed with adventure, including rock climbing, biking, photography (this is one of Colorado’s most-photographed views), and hiking. Here are a few of the activities you can experience at the Garden of the Gods:

• Rock climbing: Front Range Climbing trips depart every 30 minutes. You can even go bouldering inside the park, but you need a climbing permit (and there’s a steep fine if you don’t have one).
• Biking: You can rent bikes on-site, from standard to mountain to electric bikes. Stay on the designated bike paths. You can also register for The Starlight Spectacular annual nighttime bike ride.
• Horseback riding: Go through Academy Riding Stables on specific horse-friendly trails only.
• Classes and educational activities: Hiking or camping are popular ones.
• Jeep tours: A fun way to see the park. Ask about Segway tours, too.
• The Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site : This ranch, across the street from the visitor center, is a living history experience with tickets starting at $8 for adults.
• Running races: The Grand Prix of Running holds an annual 5K/5M run and the Garden of the Gods 10-ile Run.

The first stop before visiting the park is to visit the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center. It’s free and has interactive exhibits, shopping, and a movie theater. The gift shop was voted the “best in Colorado Springs” and features souvenirs and local products, such as jewelry, American Indian art, clothes, books, food, toys, and more. The fudge made on-site is widely popular.

Entry to the park is free. The visitor center is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the summer and from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. in the winter. The cafe closes at 4:30 p.m. The park itself is open much longer: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.  

Parking is one of the trickiest parts of visiting the Garden of the Gods, especially if you visit in the peak season (during the summer). The parking lots fill up quickly, so the best bet is to arrive as early as possible or park nearby and take the complimentary shuttle , which runs early June through late August, plus Labor Day weekend. It departs every 15 minutes from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The shuttles will make three stops on their loop. Park near the intersection of 30th Street and Gateway Drive at Red Ledge Ranch.

You cannot camp in the park itself, but there are many camping spots nearby. Get a complete list from the visitor center. One highlight is the Cheyenne Mountain State Park , which offers full-service camping (including showers and laundry) from mid-April through mid-October. This popular campground fills up quickly, so reserve your spot well in advance.

While Colorado Springs is known for its great lodging (the Broadmoor Hotel, Great Wolf Lodge, the Country Club of Colorado), when visiting the Garden of the Gods, the best place to stay is right across the street, at the Garden of the Gods Club . This is a private club and luxury resort with views of the rock formations from your bed.

Beyond its convenient proximity to the park, this hotel also is packed with activities: golfing, tennis, multiple swimming pools, and more. Relax in the adult-only infinity pool with views of the red rocks and mountains and experience the Garden of the Gods from a different, serene perspective.

This club is also home to the Strata Integrated Wellness Spa, where you can meet with fitness and health professionals with both Eastern and Western medicine training. At the spa, unwind in the halotherapy room, the herbal sauna, and the unique Austrian weightless environment bed, where you can get a spa treatment while you float, waterbed-style.

If you stay at the Garden of the Gods Club, there are several on-site restaurants, including the Grand View Dining Room with mountain views. You can also eat at the Garden of the Gods park. Bean Sprouts is a healthy option with an award-winning kids’ menu. A hidden gem restaurant and local fave is Shugas , a casual restaurant in a historic building in town. Grab a seat on the patio and try the famous spicy Brazilian shrimp soup.

Here are a few other things to keep in mind when visiting the Garden of the Gods:

• Stay on the trails, both for your safety and for preserving the natural habitat.
• Keep dogs on leash at all times.
• Don’t vandalize the rocks. That includes carving on them or taking pieces with you.

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10 Epic Things to Do at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs

This website may contain affiliate links and we may be compensated (at no cost to you!).

In this guide, we’re sharing all about our own backyard oasis, the Garden of the Gods.

This historic park is located right here in Colorado Springs , and is a place we visit often.

We are so lucky to live so close to this magnificent natural wonder and know that you will enjoy visiting it too.

Read on to learn more about the history of Garden of the Gods and all of the awesome tours available at this iconic destination.

What is Garden of the Gods?

Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark.

Even though the Park has attracted visitors for hundreds of years, it finally received this designation in 1971.

Garden of the Gods is best known as one of Colorado’s most photographed views (and for good reason!).

The towering red rock sandstone formations rise up before the mountainous backdrop of Pikes Peak and the Front Range .

Thinking of living in Colorado? This guide will help you avoid costly mistakes and remove the stress of planning so you can experience the joys of mountain living.

At the park, you won’t find slides and swings and jungle gyms, but you will find some absolutely gorgeous geology!

This is a Rocky Mountain playground that inspires a love of rocks in visitors both young and old.

The Garden of the Gods is the perfect place to take a day trip adventure .

You could fill a few hours or a whole weekend just exploring the many trails, wandering the visitor’s center, and dining on site.

Why is it called Garden of the Gods?

In the 1870s, when railroads were tracing their way across the country, General William Jackson Palmer founded Colorado Springs.

He also encouraged his friend and fellow railroad man, Charles Elliott Perkins, to build his Chicago track to end in Colorado.

Though the railroad never made it to Colorado Springs, Perkins himself visited Colorado Springs and fell in love with the land now called Garden of the Gods.

He ultimately bought 480 acres of land and did his best to keep it in its natural and majestic state. Perkins died in 1907, before making arrangements for what to do with his land.

Throughout his life, Perkins made the Garden of the Gods open to the public for free, so in death, his children continued his legacy.

They conveyed his extensive property to the City of Colorado Springs, on condition that “no building or structure shall be erected except those necessary to properly care for, protect, and maintain the area as a public park.”

But long before Mr. Perkins, the area was known to many American Indian tribes. It was likely a spiritual destination for the Apache, Cheyenne, Comanche, Kiowa, Lakota, Pawnee, Shoshone, and Ute people.

The area was known by European visitors as Red Rock Corral.

It wasn’t until 1859, when some young surveyors visited from Denver City, that the park got its current name.

The story goes that M. S. Beach remarked to his companion that this would be a “capital place for a beer garden” when the country grew up.

Rufus Cable, his companion, then exclaimed, “Beer garden! Why, it is a fit place for the Gods to assemble. We will call it the Garden of the Gods.”

Where is Garden of the Gods located?

The Garden of the Gods main entrance is located at 1805 N. 30th Street, on the northwestern edge of Colorado Springs.

The Park itself is a sprawling 1,300 acres of sandstone formations, grasslands, hiking trails, and a visitor center.

It’s important to note that Garden of the Gods is located at about 6,400 feet in elevation.

If you’re planning a visit and are not well adjusted to high altitude, we recommend that you take precautions to make your visit the best it can be!

Read more about how to prepare for life at high altitude!

How to get to Garden of the Gods from Denver

To get to Garden of the Gods from Denver , Boulder, or Fort Collins, head south on I-25.

Follow I-25 south to exit 146 for Garden of the Gods Road.

If you are visiting from Colorado Springs, you will take the same exit. Then, just follow signs for Garden of the Gods that are clearly marked along the way.

Garden of the Gods is about 70 miles from Denver, so plan for traffic and weather conditions, as you should expect your drive to last an hour or more.

This destination makes a great day trip adventure from Denver or Boulder (and of course, we love to visit right here in Colorado Springs!).

10 things to do at Garden of the Gods

There is so much to see and do at Garden of the Gods. And when we say there’s a lot to see and to do, we mean it — for adults and kids too.

In fact, we enjoy visiting this destination regularly, at least every month or so. It’s just that awesome!

Bring your camera and get ready some of the most picturesque views of this gem of Colorado!

1. Hike Garden of the Gods on foot

Garden of the Gods has over 12 designated trails in the park. Hiking tours and trails range from the very easy to moderate in difficulty.

Pick up a free full-color trail map at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center information desk.

The Perkins Central Garden Trail is a 1.5 mile paved trail that is both wheelchair and stroller accessible, and features guided tours during open hours.

Note: Please be thoughtful and keep to the trails to limit the effects of erosion on the incredible and unique landscape.

2. Rent a bike or go on a bike tour

Thanks to the rolling hills and paved one-way roads, riding or renting a bike is an amazing way for cyclists to explore the area.

You can bike on your own using your own bicycle or book an electric bike tour!

Garden of the Gods offers some of the top-rated bike tours using e-bikes making it an easy way to explore the park, regardless of your age or fitness level.

Standard non-electric bikes are also available to rent.

If you book a bike tour, a friendly guide will lead you and your group to the best locations in the park while explaining all of the features and history.

Tours range from about 1.5-2.5 hours covering anywhere from 5-13 miles, and is easy for most ages and abilities.

3. Drive around Garden of the Gods

Personally, our favorite way to see Garden of the Gods is to start by driving through and then parking for a hike.

It’s a short 20-minute drive through the park, and an awesome way to get familiar with the park before exploring more deeply.

Follow the driving loop through the park and be ready to take in the views. Along the road at High Point, you can catch an incredible view of Pikes Peak.

4. Stop by the Visitor center and overlook

The Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center is worth a stop all on its own. The overlook outside on the balcony offers a beautiful view of the rock formations.

The visitor center is also a good place for a bathroom break. Although, there are a few restroom areas along the trails in the most popular areas of the park.

This is a family-friendly and educational stop for your visit, and can be the hub of your activities, whether you want to eat, learn, shop, or hike.

5. Attend museum classes or programs

Because the Garden of the Gods is a geological point of interest, the park makes a great destination for field trips and homeschool families!

Learn more about the geology, ecology, and history of the park through their many programs and exhibits.

From learning about dinosaurs and erosion patterns to birds and animals, there is plenty for kids of all ages to discover at the park.

Join the Junior Ranger program for kids ages 7-13 and receive a badge and certificate!

We personally enjoyed the Survival Plant Hike with “Cattail Bob” where we learned to identify many edible and medical plans within the park’s grounds.

6. Sign up for a Tour of the park

In addition to free guided walking tours that happen daily, visitors to the Garden of the Gods can also book bus tours of the park .

Sign up to take an informative and enjoyable step-on-guide tour. A knowledgeable guide will join your bus for a one-hour tour to share about the incredible Garden and how it was formed.

A tour like this is a good option for large groups, friends and family that are visiting, or homeschoolers.

7. Go horseback riding

See Garden of the Gods the way American Indians and pioneers would have seen it — from horseback!

These relaxing, scenic horseback rides through the park will have you weaving through rock formations.

The trained cowboy guides will tell stories of the park and its history. This is an unforgettable way to learn more about the Garden!

8. Trolley, Jeep or Segway tours

If horseback riding isn’t your thing, try open-air Jeep, trolley, or even Segway rides through the Gardens instead.

The 1909 Trolley Tour is operational from 9am-5pm every day. It offers an open-air experience with 14 seats and a custom-built trolley.

The tour provides a way to travel back in time at what the Garden looked like over 100 years ago. You can expect to spend about 45 minutes on the tour.

Jeep tours of Garden of the Gods are some of the most popular activities.

With 3 different types of tours to choose from, you will get a narrated tour that stops at waterfalls, a railroad tunnel, Glen Eyrie’s Queens Canyon, and more.

The tours last anywhere from 90-120 minutes and can cost between $40-75 per person.

Segway tours of the park are also available as a way to see everything at a slower pace with memorable views.

Tour stops include the history of the area’s geology, local plants, flowers, and even wildlife.

Tours are available hourly from 9am-4pm and will typically take about 90-120 minutes to complete.

9. Get hands on by rock climbing

When you’re surrounded by massive carved rock, it’s no surprise that rock climbing is a popular attraction to the Garden of the Gods.

Make climbing a family fun activity when you sign up for a rock climbing experience .

At $69 per person, this is a more expensive but memorable way to get up close and personal with the geology of the Garden.

For experienced climbers, other routes are available, depending on the time of year and other natural factors.

Find out about which routes are open and how to get a permit to climb .

8. Eat at the Bean Sprouts Cafe

All that adventuring is bound to make you hungry! And thankfully there are a few spots to eat within the Garden of the Gods.

At the visitor center, you can stop into the Bean Sprouts Cafe . We enjoy grabbing a bite to eat here before heading out to those red-colored hills, or to refuel after a day of exploring.

You can also stop for lunch at the Garden of the Gods Trading Post, which is located within the grounds of the park.

9. Refuel at the Garden of the Gods Trading Post

On the southwest end of the park, you’ll find the Garden of the Gods Trading Post .

Featuring such metropolitan amenities as Starbucks coffee and public bathrooms, the Trading Post is a perfect place to find a souvenir to round out your visit.

The Trading Post is a lovely little pueblo style building and has lots for sale. Pick up some fudge or find the right t-shirt to commemorate your exploration.

10. End the trip with ice cream

Finally, end your visit to Garden of the Gods with a scoop of Colorado City Creamery ice cream, served up at the Balanced Rock Cafe .

This traditional cafe serves up burgers, fries, ice cream, and slushies along with beer and wine.

You can also hit up their coffee corner to get your daily caffeine boost.

Tips for visiting Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is an iconic destination in Colorado Springs, and there are a few important things you should know before visiting.

Leashed pets permitted

Pets are permitted within the park! But they ask that you please keep them leashed and on the trails at all times.

And clean up after your pet and pack out your poop!

Ample parking is available

Since Garden of the Gods is a car-friendly destination, there are over 300 parking spots within the park. This makes parking generally easy.

If you plan to visit on a weekend, be prepared to do some hunting to find a spot though. The park can get very busy on weekends when there are a lot of tourists visiting.

Because of this, the best time for visiting Garden of the Gods is on a weekday, during the off-season, when there is less traffic.

A free shuttle during the summer

If you want to help reduce car congestion during peak season, take the free shuttle.

This 14-passenger shuttle operates from 9am-4pm May though August and on Labor Day weekend. Check here for dates of operation .

The shuttle leaves the Rock Ledge Ranch parking lot approximately every 15 minutes and makes multiple stops within the park.

Visiting the park is always free

Yep, Garden of the Gods is completely free to visit and explore!

When Charles Perkins’ children gifted the park to the City of Colorado Springs, it was a requirement that the park remain open and free for visitors.

This makes it a budget-friendly stop and tops most of the Colorado bucket list destinations .

Explore all year-round

Garden of the Gods is open all year round, unless there is severe weather or construction happening.

You can visit this awe-inspiring destination in the summer, fall, winter, or spring and enjoy a completely different season.

Some of the activities change depending on the season, but the Garden is a sight to behold once the leaves start changing during fall.

Plus, different times of year mean the chance to see various wildlife and plants.

Colorado Native & Personal Chef

Ryan Nicholson is a homegrown born and raised Colorado native. Being a rare unicorn to have grown up in CO, he has a unique perspective on the changes here and knows all the hidden spots to get outside in this state. Ryan's a classically French trained chef so he LOVES to try new foods and places to eat. When he's not experimenting in the kitchen or working as a personal chef along the Front Range, he loves to get outdoors and away from it all hiking, camping and backpacking.

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A Complete Guide to Garden of the Gods

Disclaimer: This post might contain affiliate links, which means we get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you).

Colorado is a fantastic place to visit if you’re an outdoor enthusiast! Garden of the Gods is one of the most scenic places in Colorado, one of the top things to do in Colorado Springs, and it’s easily accessible from Denver! In this post, we’re going over everything you need to know about visiting the Garden of the Gods. We’re sharing all of the insider tips we’ve learned from visiting Garden of the Gods, so pack your hiking bag, and let’s explore this beautiful park!

About Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is not a National Park, nor is it managed by the National Park Service. Garden of the Gods is actually a public park! This park is open year-round and is completely free. Garden of the Gods is located in Colorado Springs in the Pikes Peak Region of Colorado.

Garden of the Gods History

Archaeological evidence indicates prehistoric people were present at Garden of the Gods around 1330 BC. Around 250 BC, Native American people settled in the park. Many native peoples have reported a connection to Garden of the Gods, including the Apache, Cheyenne, Comanche, Kiowa, Lakota, Pawnee, Shoshone, and Ute people.

In August 1859, two surveyors left Denver City to establish a new town. While exploring nearby, they came upon the magnificent rock formations that stand at Garden of the Gods today. Surveyor M. S. Beach suggested it would be a “capital place for a Biergarten.” His partner Rufus Cable replied, “Biergarten! Why it is a fit place for the Gods to assemble. We will call it the Garden of the Gods.”

Several years later, General William Jackson Palmer founded Colorado Springs. General Palmer urged his friend, Charles Elliott Perkins, the head of “the Q” Railroad, to make a home in the Garden of the Gods and build his railroad there. Perkins purchased two hundred and forty acres in the Garden of the Gods for his summer home. He never built anything else on it, rather he left the land in its natural state for the public’s enjoyment. Per Perkins’ wishes, upon his death, the land became a public park.

Geology of Garden of the Gods

The story of Garden of the Gods began when sandstones, limestones, and conglomerates were deposited in layers. Geological upheavals along the fault lines caused the rocks to be turned vertically. The following Pleistocene Ice Age caused erosion and glaciation of the rocks and created the remarkable red rock formations we see today.

Ecology of Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, making it a transition zone for plants and animals from the mountains to the plains. So at Garden of the Gods, you can see a range of plants and animals! Keep your eye out for animals like mule deer, bighorn sheep, foxes, black bears, and more!

Remember, do not approach or feed wildlife and leave no trace.

Garden of the Gods Map

Things to do at garden of the gods, garden of the gods visitors and nature center.

If you’ve never been to Garden of the Gods before, we recommend stopping at the Vistors and Nature Center before starting your visit. The visitors center features a cafe, gift shop, restroom facilities, maps, and other resources. You can also explore the exhibits and displays about the history and geology of Garden of the Gods and watch an immersive movie about the park’s history. The movie is an additional fee. You can also book tours and activities at the visitor’s center!

After visiting the visitors center, we recommend taking the self-guided driving tour of Garden of the Gods.

Garden of the Gods Visitors Center

Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM, daily Parking: Lot available

Garden of the Gods Self-Guided Driving Tour

Driving through Garden of the Gods is one of the easiest ways to see the entire park and view the rock formations. The park features a one-way driving tour where you weave in and out of the rock formations. Along the driving tour, there are several places to pull over for photos or to park and hike. We recommend driving through the entire Garden of the Gods Park first and then driving through again to hop out of your car to photograph and hike. This way, your first drive-through will give you an idea of what the park is like! View the route of the driving tour here and listen to the audio guide.

Hiking at Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods features 21 miles of hiking trails. Trails range from beginner to advanced and are either paved or dirt. If you’re hiking, grab a map at the visitor’s center, or download maps from AllTrails. We’ll discuss the best hiking trails at a Garden of the Gods later in the post! Or skip to it here.

Tours of Garden of the Gods

If you’re traveling to Garden of the Gods in a large group or what to learn more about the park, Garden of the Gods offers several guided tours. Bike, segway, and vehicle tours are available. Vehicle tours include Jeep tours, hike and ride tours, and 1909 trolley tours. Segway tours are available hourly and last 1.5 – 2 hours. Bike tours include both mountain bike and e-bike options and range from 1.5 – 2.5 hours. Guided nature walks are also available through the Visitor’s Center.

Mountain Biking at Garden of the Gods

Mountain biking is permitted at Garden of the Gods on designated trails and The Garden Drive/Juniper Way loop roads. Bike lanes are available on the road. If you don’t have your own bike, you can rent both mountain bikes and e-bikes from the visitor’s center. Bikes are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, but reservations are recommended .

Horseback Riding at Garden of the Gods

Horseback riding at Garden of the Gods is allowed on designated trails. Parking lot 16 , located near Balanced Rock and the Trading Post, is the only lot for large vehicles and trailers.

Climbing at Garden of the Gods

You can experience some of the best rock climbing in Colorado at Garden of the Gods. Technical rock climbing without a tour or guide is allowed at Garden of the Gods; however, bouldering, rock scrambling, and sport repelling are not allowed. All climbers must register and obtain a permit from the visitors center, and proper climbing equipment must be worn. View the rock climbing policies here .

If you’re not interested in rock climbing on your own, you can opt to go on a rock climbing tour! Private 4 and 6-hour climbing tours are available through Front Range Climbing.

Ledge Ranch Historic Site

The Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site is a living history museum and farm located at Garden of the Gods park. The historic site is on the National Register of Historic Places and features restored buildings and period-appropriate attired museum guides that depict life in the Pikes Peak region through the centuries. The museum focuses on Native American Indian life, the 1860s cabin, the 1880s farm, and the 1907 Edwardian Country Estate.

Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site

Hours: Summer Living History Program: Beginning of June through the second Saturday in August; Wednesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 1 – 5 p.m.  Admission: Adults: $9, Youth: $4, Seniors: $5 Parking: Lot available

Garden of the Gods Trading Post

If you’re looking to shop at Garden of the Gods, consider shopping at the Garden of the Gods Trading Post. This adobe-style building is filled with souvenirs, local crafts, snacks, and more!

Hours: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM Daily Parking: Lot available

Rock Formations to See at Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods features over a dozen cool rock formations! During your visit to Garden of the Gods, take some time to observe the rock formations and appreciate their natural beauty!

North and South Gateway Rocks

The North and South Gateway Rocks are the two largest formations in the park.

How to see North and South Gateway Rocks: These are two large formations that you will walk through if you hike the Gateway Trail.

Kissing Camels

The Kissing Camels is a must-see rock formation while visiting Garden of the Gods. This naturally made rock formation resembles two camels kissing along the top of the North Gateway Rock.

How to See the Kissing Camels: The Kissing Camels can be seen by either hiking the Central Garden Trail along the base the North Gateway Rock or by driving Juniper Way. Look carefully at the top of the rock formation, and you’ll find the camels!

White Rock is a very different-looking rock in Garden of the Gods because instead of it being the notable red color, it is white. White rock is composed of white sandstone of the Lyons Formation and contrasts with the rest of the rocks at Garden of the Gods.

How to See White Rock: White rock is one of the first formations you will pass as you drive the driving tour along Juniper Way. It will be the large white rock on your left at the beginning of the tour.

Sentinel Spires, Cathedral Spires & and Three Graces

These sharp, tall, and flat rock formations are some of the uniquely shaped rock formations in Garden of the Gods. These formations can be seen within the central garden and are great for photography and climbing.

How to See Sentinel Spires, Cathedral Spires & and Three Graces : Hike the Central Garden Trail and follow along on your map as you pass through the garden!

Sleeping Giant and Gray Rock

These are the two large rock formations at the southern end of the park. You will pass by these rocks as you end your driving tour of Juniper Way.

Keyhole Window

Keyhole Window is a rock opening in the Sleeping Giant that looks like a keyhole. As you’re passing by, look closely to find it!

Siamese Twins

The Siamese Twins is a layered rock formation that looks like two towers of rock have been stuck together. Halfway up the rock formation, there is a window where you can get a fantastic view of Pikes Peak in the distance!

How to See the Siamese Twins : Along Juniper Way, you will come to an intersection where you can turn right onto Garden of the Gods Rd. Keep right onto Garden Dr., and there will be a small access road to the trailhead parking area on your right. Hike the Siamese Twins Loop

Balanced Rock

Balanced Rock is one of the coolest rock formations at Garden of the Gods because it’s exactly what it sounds like! This large boulder appears to be balancing on a cliff of rocks! Balance Rock can be accessed via a roadside parking area at the southern end of the park.

How to See Balanced Rock: Along Juniper Way, you will come to an intersection where you can turn right onto Garden of the Gods Rd. Keep right onto Garden Dr. and follow the signs to Balanced Rock

Best Hiking Trails at Garden of the Gods

One of the great things about the hiking trails at Garden of the Gods is that many trails are loops and connect. This allows you to create a range of interconnecting routes throughout the park. Depending on your skill level and what you want to see, you have plenty of options! Here are a few of the best hiking trails at Garden of the Gods!

Gateway Trail to Central Garden Trail

The Gateway Trail is an excellent option if you park at the Visitors Center. Sometimes parking at the park is challenging, so you can park in the overflow lots at the Visitors Center and hike into the park. This hike offers you the iconic view of Garden of the Gods, where you can see Pikes Peak behind the rocks! This is the same view you would get driving into the park but on foot! By hiking this trail, you’ll have access to the entire park and the rest of the hiking trails.

Gateway Trail to Central Garden Trail Information

Length: 2.5 miles Difficulty: Easy AllTrails

Perkins Central Garden Trail

The Perkins Central Garden Trail is another awesome trail if you want to get close to the rock formations at Garden of the Gods. This trail will weave you in and out of the largest formations, like the Gateway Rocks, Three Graces, and the Sentinel Spires.

Perkins Central Garden Trail Information

Length: 1.1 miles Difficulty: Easy AllTrails

Palmer Trail to Central Garden Trail

If you want a more panoramic view of Garden of the Gods, consider hiking The Palmer Trail. This trail will take you just above the Juniper Way Loop to get a bird’s eye view of what you will be seeing from the driving tour. The nice thing about this trail is that you’ll come to several places where you can cross Juniper Way to access the Central Garden. Or you can continue to hike along Juniper Way and see more of the rock formations that are further from the central part of the park, like the Siamese Twins and Giant Footprint.

Length: 1.8 miles Difficulty: Easy AllTrails

Siamese Twins Loop Trail

This short 0.5-mile hike offers a view of a unique rock formation known as the Siamese Twins. The structure appears as if two rocks have been stuck together. In between, there is a small hole. When looking through it, you get an awesome view of Pikes Peak!

Siamese Twins Loop Trail Information

Length: 0.5 miles Difficulty: Easy AllTrails

Palmer, Cabin Canyon, Strausenbach & Central Garden Trail Loop

If you want to see as much of Garden of the Gods as possible, consider hiking this ultimate 4-mile loop! This loop will take you from the top end of the park to almost the bottom. This hike is a great day hike at Garden of the Gods

Palmer, Cabin Canyon, Strausenbach & Central Garden Trail Loop Information

Length: 4 miles Difficulty: Easy AllTrails

Planning Your Visit to Garden of the Gods

How to get to garden of the gods from denver.

Garden of the Gods is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, just 70 miles south of Denver along I-25. If you’re driving to Garden of the Gods from Denver, get on I-25 South and follow until you arrive in Colorado Springs. Garden of the Gods is located in West Colorado Springs and is just 10 minutes off the interstate. Depending on traffic leaving Denver, it is anywhere from a 1 hour and 15-minute drive to a 1 hour and 40-minute drive.

How Much Time to Spend at Garden of the Gods

We recommended spending one to two days exploring Garden of the Gods. You easily spend just an afternoon at Garden of the Gods to have an amazing experience, or you can spend several days. We recommend at least one entire day at Garden of the Gods to get the whole experience so you can drive through the park or take a tour and spend some time hiking around the rock formations. There are plenty of things to do at Garden of the Gods, so its easy to spend around 2 days exploring the park.

Where to Stay Near Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is located within Colorado Springs, so there are plenty of options for lodging.

• Budget Lodging near Garden of the Gods: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Manitou Springs
• Affordable Family Friendly Resort near Garden of the Gods: Cheyenne Mountain Resort, A Dolce by Wyndham
• Colorado Springs Hotels: Hyatt Place Colorado Springs/Garden of the Gods , Best Western Plus Executive Residency Fillmore Inn , Element Colorado Springs Downtown, a Marriott Hotel , Hilton Garden Inn Colorado Springs Downtown

Garden of the Gods Golf Resort

The Garden of the Gods Golf Resort is an exclusive Colorado retreat overlooking Garden of the Gods! This resort offers amazing views of the park and features amenities like a golf course, event space, spa, restaurants, and more! This resort is an excellent place to stay if you’re looking for an all-immersive experience at Garden of the Gods.

When Should I Visit Garden of the Gods?

Since Garden of the Gods is one of the most popular things to do in Colorado Springs, crowds are to be expected, especially in the summer months. Summertime is the peak tourist season. October to April is considered the shoulder season and off-season. We visited Garden of the Gods in October and had two very different experiences. One time it was quite busy because it was a 70-degree sunny day. But, another time in October it was cool and rainy, and the park was empty! During the wintertime, you might get lucky to see Garden of the Gods covered in snow, which is certainly a beautiful sight!

If you’re planning to visit Garden of the Gods in the summer, try to arrive at the park early in the morning or before sunset to secure parking and avoid traffic along the driving tour.

Know Before You Go to Garden of the Gods

• Entrance Fee : Entrance to Garden of the Gods is free!
• Parking : Parking is free within the park, but some parking areas are limited. Do not park along the road unless it is a designated parking area.
• Hours : 5:00 am – 9:00 pm  (Nov 1 – April 30) 5:00 am – 10:00 pm  (May 1 – Oct 31)
• Pet Policy : Pets are welcome at Garden of the Gods but must be on at least a 6’ leash at all times, and all pet waste must be removed
• Visitors Center and Nature Center : The Visitor’s Center and Nature Center are open during Winter Months:  9:00 am – 5:00 pm and Summer Months  9:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Weather : Weather is variable throughout the seasons. Check the conditions before you arrive!
• Maps : Get a free map from the visitor’s center.
• Park Policies : Familiarize yourself with the Garden of the Gods’ park rules and policies.
• Shuttle Service : When Garden of the Gods is very busy, it can be hard to find parking within the park. The park offers a shuttle service that runs 9 am – 4 pm every 15 minutes during the summer.

What to Pack for Garden of the Gods

Hiking gear.

• Refillable water bottle – Always pack water when hiking, even when the hike is short and easy.
• Photography gear – Garden of the Gods is one of the most photogenic places in Colorado, so bring whatever camera suits you best!
• Learn more about what we pack for day hikes.

What to Wear to Garden of the Gods

The weather at Garden of the Gods varies greatly throughout the seasons, so always make sure to check the conditions before you head out on the trail. For hiking, we always recommend dressing in layers regardless of the season so you can be prepared for changing conditions. For any season, make sure you wear good hiking shoes or boots . The terrain at Garden of the Gods can get rocky, so wearing sturdy and supportive shoes is a good idea.

In the summertime, there is a little shade at Garden of the Gods. Make sure to wear sunscreen , a good hat , sunglasses and breathable clothing, so you stay cool and protected from the sun.

During the shoulder seasons, such as fall and spring, we recommend layering up with a warm but rain-resistant jacket. Consider wearing a good baselayer with a jacket or pullover . The weather can range from the 40s – the 70s depending on the day, so dressing in layers will prepare you for variable conditions.

For a visit during the winter, dress warm! Layer up with a warm coat and your favorite hat , gloves , and scarves . In the winter we like to hike in either lined hiking pants or winter leggings .

Read more about our favorite women’s hiking clothes and gear.

Things to Do Near Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is located just 10 minutes from downtown Colorado Springs! During a trip to Garden of the Gods, take some time to explore nearby attractions in Colorado Springs. Here are several suggestions of things to do near Garden of the Gods:

• Drive Up Pikes Peak
• Manitou Springs Cliff Dwellings
• Olympic and Paralympic Museum
• Museum of World War II Aviation

Recommended Reading for Garden of the Gods

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The (Not-So-Touristy) Guide to Garden of the Gods

With 1,367 acres of the most striking—and most accessible—scenery in the state, Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is a magnet for tourists and Coloradans alike. From where to park to which trails to hike to restaurants nearby to places to stay overnight, here’s how to enjoy the park any time of year.

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Coloradans are lucky to have many opportunities to view rolling grasslands, pine-covered hillsides, snowcapped mountains, and massive, colorful rock formations, but rarely do we get them all in a single vista. Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is one such place, with its rusty-red upturned slabs; the (usually) white top of 14,115-foot Pikes Peak in the distance; and lush vegetation drawing millions of people from around the globe annually. It’s easy to see why the area was considered sacred for thousands of years.

In the late 1800s, a railroad baron named Charles Elliott Perkins purchased much of the land (which was given its current name by a surveyor in 1859). Per his wishes, his children donated 480 of the most beautiful acres in the United States to the city of Colorado Springs in 1909, with the stipulation that they always remain free, undeveloped, and open to the public. Here’s everything you need to know to visit the 1,367-acre National Natural Landmark —while avoiding the crowds.

Jump Ahead:

• When to Visit
• Hours and Regulations
• Where to Park
• Where to Eat
• Where to Stay

When to Visit Garden of the Gods

If you live in Denver—just an hour and a half from Garden of the Gods—there’s really no reason to add to the crowds on a peak summer weekend. Instead, take a Wednesday off, or consider a shoulder-season trip: Some of the best photos of the park can be snapped in late spring, when the flora is verdant and Pikes Peak is still white-capped, while fall provides ample leaf-peeping opportunities . For the most privacy, go in the winter months and hope for a dusting of fresh snow that glistens in the still-ample sunshine and brings out the rich, rusty reds of the rock formations.

Garden of the Gods Hours and Regulations

• Garden of the Gods is free to visit.
• Park hours are 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. November through April and 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. May through October.
• Leashed dogs are welcome—so long as you clean up after them.
• Following Leave No Trace principles is particularly important since the park is so busy. Bonus points for (kindly) educating out-of-state tourists about why they shouldn’t go off-trail, pick flowers, take rocks home as souvenirs, or carve their initials into the formations.
• Alcohol is not allowed. (Not-so-fun fact: In reflection of Perkins’ temperance, it was actually a condition of the land donation that “no intoxicating liquors shall be manufactured, sold, or dispensed” in the park.)

Where to Park at Garden of the Gods

From the eastern entrance off 30th Street near the visitor center, the road through the park is mostly a one-way loop. During the offseason (roughly Labor Day to Memorial Day), or in the early mornings or evenings any time of year, you can often score spots in what’s labeled on maps as the “main” parking lot or P2—which has bathrooms and quick access to the Central Garden area, where a paved trail loops through many of the park’s must-see formations—at the north end of the park.

You’ll also have a decent shot at finding spaces in the dozen or so smaller lots located near various trailheads throughout the park. Any other time, your best bet is the overflow lot across 30th Street from the visitor center. (Trust us: Even if you manage to find a spot, you’re better off spending your time walking the half-mile from the overflow lot—unless idling behind a car line of Texans snapping photos of rock formations is a thing for you.) In the summer, free ADA-compliant shuttles run between the overflow lot, the visitor center, the entrance to the adjacent Rock Ledge Ranch historical site, and a drop-off spot near the Central Garden from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Tip: For an incredible photo-op, drive up to the Mesa Overlook parking area off Mesa Road. Sunrise and sunset are particularly spectacular, but you can capture stunning panoramas of the park and Pikes Peak any time of day.

What to Do at Garden of the Gods

Start by popping into the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center (free and open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the winter and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day). There, you can pick up a map, learn what animals to watch for (like bighorn sheep, black-billed magpies, and mule deer) via a taxidermy exhibit, and see a cast of the dinosaur skull found only in Garden of the Gods: Theiophytalia kerri , from the Greek theios and phytalia, meaning “belonging to the gods” and “garden,” respectively, and discoverer James Hutchinson Kerr. The species also makes a cameo in How Did Those Red Rocks Get There? , a 12-minute film—$6 for adults, $4 for kids ages five to 12, four and under free—shown every 20 minutes in the theater downstairs. Adults will appreciate the brief overview of the park’s history and geology, while the time-traveling, point-of-view film keeps kids entertained.

Yes, Adventures Out West runs trolley, jeep, and even Segway tours from the visitor center—but the trails here are short and easy (especially by Colorado standards), so save your money and explore on foot. Talk to the rangers at the visitor center’s information desk to find the perfect route among the park’s 21 miles of trails for your group, or try one of our favorites.

Perkins Central Garden Trail : This paved trail (about a mile if looped from the main parking lot; a bit more if you’re coming from overflow) is a must-do at any time of year, as it winds through the park’s marquee formations, including Tower of Babel, North Gateway Rock, Pulpit Rock, and South Gateway Rock. Thus, it’s also the busiest. If you don’t want to dodge selfie sticks and Instagram influencers in the wild, go early or late in the day.

Palmer Trail : Midday, escape the throngs by hitting this less-traveled trail, which runs for a couple of miles along more forested areas on the west and north sides of the park and gains enough elevation to scare off flip-flop-clad tourists. You can access the trail from multiple points and lots, but be sure to hit the highest ground to the northwest of the park; from there, you have great views of the Central Garden area and the Kissing Camels formation to the east and Pikes Peak to the west.

Ridge Trail : This half-mile loop, which starts from the South Garden area, rises less than 100 feet in elevation, meaning it’s short and easy enough to tackle in just about any weather. It’s also great for kids, who love the feeling it gives them of being up among the rocks.

Siamese Twins Trail : Named after two hourglass-esque formations attached at multiple points with a hole in the middle that perfectly frames Pikes Peak, this half-mile roundtrip stroll is well worth it. In the evening, park at the Spring Canyon South Picnic Area to catch the Strausenbach Trail north for views of the setting sun lighting up the Central Garden area. Then cross Garden Drive to catch a segment of the Palmer Trail up to the Siamese Twins, where, hopefully, the photo-op line has dissipated. Loop the Siamese Twins Trail and a connector back to your car. Total trek: about a mile.

If you must get a photo of yourself “holding up” Balanced Rock (on the southwest end of the park), do it during nonpeak hours and, at the very least, earn it by taking the short hike there from the Trading Post lot. (Unforgivable: pulling off to the side thereby adding to the bottleneck effect of this roadside attraction.)

You must have proper equipment (note: climbing chalk and chalk substitutes are banned) and obtain a free permit online to do technical rock climbing at Garden of the Gods. Local companies such as Front Range Climbing Co. offer guided excursions, and families should look into Adventure Out West’s kid-friendly offering , which can be booked at the visitor center and includes an hour and a half of beginner-level scrambling, climbing, and rappelling.

Where to Eat Near Garden of the Gods

For casual breakfast, lunch or picnic fare, head into Manitou Springs, just past the park’s south entrance. Maté Factor Cafe is a local favorite for smoothies and sandwiches, and Manitou Brewing Co. ’s patio is ideal for a flight and a bite post-hike. Family-owned Crystal Park Cantina scores points for its margaritas, made with 100 percent agave tequila and fresh juices, and vibrant Southwestern fare.

If you’re up for a fancier meal near the park, check OpenTable to score a reservation at the Grand View restaurant at Garden of the Gods Resort and Club, which is perched on the ridge almost directly above the visitor center and, indeed, has grand views of the park. The hotel and private club’s various eating establishments—and those incredible vistas—are otherwise only available to guests and members. (Mind the resort-casual dress code at all times.) For a more relaxed vibe, go for breakfast in the morning with the kids.

Those with time to hang around Colorado Springs should make the 12-minute drive to Ivywild School . Housed in an old, you guessed it, elementary school, it’s arguably the coolest food hall in the state. You can grab a Bristol Brewing Co. beer and quaff it while you wait in line for Lazo Empanadas or a Detroit-style slice from Decent Pizza Co. If you’re lucky, you’ll land a seat in the Principal’s Office, Ivywild’s swanky coffee shop and cocktail lounge.

Also on the southwest side of the city, eatertainment paragon Trainwreck opened in 2022 and serves pub grub with a side of sand volleyball and bocce courts, golf simulators, live music, and plenty of TVs showing the game du jour.

Where to Stay Near Garden of the Gods

Although you can see most of the park in a day, two is better—especially if you’re trying to avoid the busiest hours.

If you can afford to splurge, book a park-facing room in the recently renovated Garden of the Gods Resort and Club . Established in 1951 as a private club, its large bathrooms with dedicated primping areas hark back to more glamorous times, when celebrities like John Wayne, Walt Disney, and Gene Autry (and their dates) needed the space to dress up for dinner, tennis, and even the pool. These days, guests (who’ve been allowed to book stays since the resort opened to the public in 2013) prefer to sip wine—from the suites’ in-room dispensers, of course—on their patios or balconies while gazing down at Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak beyond. Another perk? The ability to take in that same view from a treadmill in the gym, a patio yoga or spin class, or the adults-only infinity pool, which is heated and open year-round.

For a more economical option, check out Garden of the Gods RV Resort , located near the southern entrance of the park. There, you can rent a cottage or bunkhouse or even pitch a tent, and Fido is welcome to join you; there’s an onsite dog park for him and a pool and playground for the kids.

In downtown Colorado Springs, about 10 minutes from the park, Kinship Landing , new in 2020, offers rustic-chic, family-friendly suites as well as bunkrooms and a camping deck ($89 per night) where you can pitch a tent with views of Pikes Peak—but still access a private bathroom.

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Park Hours: 5 am – 9 pm  | Visitor & Nature Center: 9 am – 5 pm (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day)

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The Visitor and Nature Center – Garden of the Gods

Visitor and nature center amenities.

Our friendly staff at the info desk are happy to help suggest ideas to make your trip worthwhile.

Voted as one of the top social impact businesses in Colorado, The Visitor and Nature Center is owned by the non-profit Garden of the Gods Foundation with a mission to support and enhance the Park for future generations. Your purchases from the gift shop, movie, Café and adventure tours benefit public education and conservation of the Park since 1995. With your help, over the past 29 years, the Garden of the Gods Foundation has donated over $6 million dollars for the preservation and maintenance of the Garden of the Gods Park! Thank you for your support of the number #1 City Park in the USA!

• The Visitor and Nature Center is the educational heart of the park and should be your first stop for your Garden of the Gods Park visit.
• FREE full-color trail maps are available at The Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center information desk.
• The Visitor and Nature Center is ADA compliant and has  three  non-motorized wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-serve basis free of charge for visitor convenience.
• We offer water bottle refilling stations inside our Visitor and Nature Center.
• We have clean and modernized restrooms within our Visitor and Nature Center.
• The Visitor and Nature Center has bike locks and bike racks available on a first-come, first-serve basis free of charge for visitor convenience. Bike locks may be checked out at the info desk on the 2 nd

Geo Trekker Theater

Travel through one billion years in less than 15 minutes in our geo-trekker theater plunge deep into hot magma, see dinosaurs, ancient sea monsters, and more.

Souvenir & Gift Shop

The views are beautiful on the inside too, at the award-winning gift shop full of a wide range of merchandise at the garden of the gods visitor & nature center..

Exhibits & Galleries

Take a walk through our visitor and nature center to learn all about how the garden of the gods was formed and what kind of plants and wildlife have lived here over different time periods..

Cafe at The Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center.

Junior Rangers

Have your child become an official junior range at the garden of the gods visitor and nature center.

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Garden of the Gods History

Uncover the Garden of the Gods history and learn how this geological wonder was formed.

Garden of the Gods Park is a breathtaking, free park that draws millions of visitors to the Pikes Peak region every year. Now a registered National Natural Landmark, Garden of the Gods has an extensive history dating back millions of years, before humans roamed the Earth.

Garden of the Gods Formation

Hundreds of millions of years ago the area surrounding Garden of the Gods was host to the Ancestral Rockies, an ancient mountain range in roughly the same area as the modern day Rockies. Time passed and the Ancestral Rockies slowly eroded leaving behind only low hills and sediment.

As the ancient mountain range disappeared the climate dried out and sand dunes formed across the region. Over the years seas and oceans encroached and retreated on the land leaving behind ocean deposits. Eventually, after millions of years, the dunes disappeared leaving behind a layer of sand that became buried under more sediments and compacted into sandstone.

Around 65 million years ago the modern day Rockies began to form through a series of Earth-altering events. These events caused the sandstone to shift, with profound movement occurring near the major faults, one of which runs through Garden of the Gods park, leading to the formation of the park's impressive spires, including North Gateway Rock and White Rock.

Garden of the Gods Native American History

According to Ute oral tradition, the Ute people have lived in Colorado since the beginning of time. The oldest residents of Colorado acquired horses from the Spanish around 1630 and became skilled horsemen. Over time the Ute made Camp Creek Valley, the current site of Rock Ledge Ranch , their basecamp as it provided abundant water and diverse plant life.

From 1775-1835 the Ute peoples flourished, using their horses for hunting and travel. Abundant natural resources and extensive trade networks provided the Native Americans of the area with a wide variety of foods, building materials, and manufactured goods allowing them to support their families and honor their cultural traditions. Although many tribes moved through the Pikes Peak region the Ute were the primary residents.

In the mid-19th century gold discoveries and western expansion brought the United States Government and Ute into conflict. By the 1870’s the Ute people were removed from the area to reservations in Southwestern Colorado and Utah.

Founding of Garden of the Gods Park

In 1859 a group of surveyors left Denver City to begin a new town called Colorado City. While exploring the area they came upon Garden of the Gods and Surveyor M. S. Beach noted that the area would be an ideal place for a German beer garden. The other surveyor, Rufus Cable, exclaimed that the area was “fit for the Gods to assemble,” and named the land Garden of the Gods.

By the 1870’s railroads had forged their way west and General William Jackson Palmer founded Colorado Springs. General Palmer urges his friend and head of the Q Railroad, Charles Elliot Perkins, to build his railroad out to Colorado Springs and establish a home in Garden of the Gods. Perkins purchased 240 acres for a summer home and later added further acreage to the property, but never built on the land, preferring to keep it in its natural state for the public.

In 1907 Perkins passed away and, thanks to his efforts, the land became a public park. Two years later his children conveyed his 480 acres to the City of Colorado Springs where it would forever be known as Garden of the Gods and remain free to the public.

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Don’t miss one of the most incredible geological wonders of the world!

Explore the impressive natural wonders of Garden of the Gods Park on 21 miles of multi-use trails.

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Your Guide to Visiting Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs

Garden of the gods in colorado springs is one of the top rated parks in the world. make sure this incredible (and free) landmark is top of your list when visiting colorado springs.

Scroll down to see the best six ways to explore the park plus other things to do in Colorado Springs while you’re in the area.

Garden of the Gods is a natural wonder and one of Colorado Springs’ most popular attractions. The striking contrast between the plains to the east, the jagged red-rock formations, and the snow-capped mountains to the west is breathtaking and must to be seen in person to fully appreciate.

We have Colorado Springs’ founder, General William Jackson Palmer, to thank for all of the free public parks throughout the city including Garden of the Gods Park. Though the park is the main attraction, don’t miss the Visitor and Nature Center , which offers interactive exhibits, a fantastic gift shop, and a cafe with healthy and organic meal options. Plus, since there is limited parking inside, there is a large lot at the visitor’s center with a paved path that leads right into the park.

What are the best ways to explore the park?

Garden of the Gods is unlike any other park in the world and offers opportunities for everyone no matter age or athletic ability to explore and feel a part of nature. In addition to the list of ways to explore the park below, The Garden of the God Park also sponsors several different activities and events to promote public education and provide some revenue to help maintain the park. Examples of these events include meditation in the garden, yoga, kids’ scavenger hunts, watercolors with a view, hiking 101, and earth science for teens.

We’ve put together a list of six ways to see the inside of the park – from Segways to hiking, you’ll be sure to find the one that’s right for you!

1. Take in the sights from the comfort of your car

Driving around the park is actually a great way to see all the incredible rock formations. It’s a short drive and a great option if you are pressed for time, happen to visit on a bad weather day, or have someone in your party who might find walking or hiking a challenge. Once inside the park, you’ll see several pull-off areas where you can stop to briefly explore and take a few photos.

2. Get into nature by taking a hike (only where allowed, of course!)

Hiking is a very popular way to really experience Garden of the Gods. There are several hiking paths throughout the park. The Central Garden Trail is the perfect introductory trail and will take you to several of the most prominent rock formations. This trail is paved and has minimal elevations changes, making it wheelchair and stroller accessible. Be sure to get a picture with the famous Kissing Camels Rock!

Other popular hiking trails include Siamese Twins Trail, Palmer Trail, Scotsman Trail, and Dakota Trail (where you might see a Big Horn Sheep!). And everyone loves to stop and admire Balanced Rock, located at the south end of the park.

3. Rock climb and see the park from new heights

Technical rock climbing is allowed in the park; however, you must apply for a permit first and follow all the rules and regulations of the park while climbing. If you would like to have an experienced guide help you and your family have a fun rock climbing experience, then Front Range Climbing can help.

4. Cruise through on a bicycle or electric bike

E-bikes make pedaling through the hilly park surprisingly easy, and it’s a great way to avoid the traffic. Almost anyone regardless of athletic ability can easily ride an e-bike, so strap on a helmet and explore the park while soaking in the sites along the way!

Currently, there are a couple different companies offering tours including Amp’d Adventures and Pikes Peak Bike Tours . Amp’d Adventures offers a variety of e-bike styles including a cargo bike that can carry kids as well as regular mountain bikes. Pikes Peak Bike Tours also offers fantastic, fully guided e-bike tours through Garden of the Gods for ages six and older.

5. Take a Jeep and or Segway tour

Join Adventures Out West for a jeep excursion, Segway adventure, or trolley ride through Garden of the Gods. Not only do their tours offer wonderful sightseeing opportunities, they also offer fun local history. Prices and times vary depending on the tour, so make sure you plan in advance and choose the right one for your schedule and interests.

6. Saddle up and see the sights from horseback

You’ll feel like a real cowboy in an old Western flick while riding horseback through Garden of the Gods! Get off the beaten path and explore areas of the park that cars and hikers cannot access. Academy Riding Stables offers one- and two-hour tours based on your level of experience. They even offer pony rides for the little ones in your group!

What else is there to do in Colorado Springs?

There are many amazing things to do in Colorado Springs, so plan to take some extra time to explore all of the sights!

Take a food tour in Downtown Colorado Springs

If you love local food and drinks, don’t miss the food tours and brewery tours in downtown Colorado Springs! With tours running every week year-round, there are options for any size group including families. Tickets include all of the food and non-alcoholic drinks (you can upgrade to include alcoholic drink pairings!) plus a guide who will share all of the amazing history of Colorado Springs. View the calendar and make sure to book in advance!

Visit Manitou Springs and Pikes Peak

Garden of the Gods is also just a few minutes away from historic Manitou Springs. There you can sip on the mineral waters, play at the penny arcade, or check out the Manitou Cliff Dwellings . If you really want an adventure, you can also make your way up Pikes Peak—America’s Mountain! Make sure you read our blog post on Pikes Peak including five different ways to reach the summit.

With so much natural beauty and recreational options, The Garden of the Gods is a place you’ll want to visit again and again. Plus, there are many other things to do and see while you’re visiting Colorado Springs.

We hope you enjoy your time exploring Colorado Springs!

Cheers, Your  Rocky Mountain Food Tours Team

( So, what’s a food tour, anyway…? )

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10 Tips to Visit Garden of the Gods

*Our 10 Tips Series is designed to provide important pieces of information about popular tourist attractions in a quick, easy to read manner. Simply put, we consider these to be the most importing 10 tips to visit Garden of the Gods.

The Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is considered one of the best city parks in the USA. It is free to enter and located a few minutes from downtown Colorado Springs.

Despite its fame and magnanimous hillside presence, the park is only 2 square miles in size. Visitors can see the highlights in a few hours, or relish the nuanced trails for days.

There probably isn’t a park of this quality that is easier to enjoy anywhere else in the nation. We hope you enjoy our article about Garden of the Gods.

1. Arrive Early in the Morning or Late in the Afternoon

Garden of the Gods sees 4.5 million annual visitors, so consider this park discovered. It’s just so easy for anyone to pop in for a visit. Nonetheless, parking is limited.

In our experience the crowd arrives somewhere between 09:00-10:00, and by 12:00 most every good thing has been murdered. Once the parking lots are jammed and the waiting with your blinker on begins, the fun is over.

Besides, one of the essential components of a phenomenal Garden of the Gods visit is to catch the monolithic shark fins in the early morning or late afternoon light. The crowd seems to let up around dinner time, so a sunset visit is a wonderful way to experience the park.

2. Garden of the Gods is Free (and NOT a National Park)

The Garden of the Gods is a designated National Natural Landmark , but it’s really just run by the City of Colorado Springs. Once upon a time we thought it was a National Park — it sees enough visitors to rank the 4th most visited in the country if it were.

3. Why Do They Call it Garden of the Gods?

In 1859 a group of surveyors left Denver City to begin a new town called Colorado City. While exploring the area they came upon Garden of the Gods. Surveyor M.S. Beach noted that the area would be an ideal place for a German beer garden. The other surveyor, Rufus Cable, exclaimed that the area was “fit for the Gods to assemble,” and named the land Garden of the Gods.

So some dusty hats with beer on the brains acknowledged the gobsmacking nature in their path, and in about 10-seconds of flippant conversation the place was named forevermore. Well alright.

4. The Central Garden Trail is Fantastic (and Easy)

The star of the show is the Central Garden Trail, an easy-to-stroll, paved path that meanders about the largest of the menhirs. This short but powerful “hike” can be had by the very young and the very old. All but the southernmost part of the Central Garden Trail is flat.

Here is a shamefully crude map:

5. The Susan G. Bretag Trail is Best at Sunrise

The sun rises in the east, so… we’re going to try to be on the eastern side of the park in the morning. The Rocks are aligned pretty much north-south, so it is prosaic that the one side of the park glows in the AM, and the other glows in the PM.

The Susan Bretag Trail is one of the best views of the Garden of the Gods, especially after sunrise.

If you love to travel, or love the idea of traveling more, better, or different, we have something we would like to give you. It is our professionally designed e-book and it is FREE of charge. We think it’s pretty great, and we’re pretty sure you’ll like it, too. It’s called, “Cultivating a Lifetime of Travel”. Click  HERE.  and we’ll send it on over!

6. The Palmer Trail is Best Before Sunset

The Palmer Trail begins in the SW corner of the park near the Siamese Twins rock feature. It then runs northward up the west side of the Central Garden, wraps around the north end of the park, and terminates at the Susan Bretag Trail.

In the NW corner of the park — before the Palmer Trail turns east — there is an incredible vantage looking down the west side of the Central Garden. It is my favorite view in the park. This is the perfect place to be late in the day.

Also, you don’t have to be on the trail to catch this vista. The road that runs through the park has some pull-out parking just below the Palmer Trail. It’s essentially the same perspective.

7. The Best Viewpoints at Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is replete with spectacular viewpoints, but some are better than others. Rather than write them all out here, check out The 6 Best Views at Garden of the God s .

8. The Park Can Be Seen in One Day, but…

The Garden of the Gods is small enough to be seen in a day — heck, in two hours if you’re in a hurry. A visitor could conceivably arrive at 07:30, park in the main parking lot, walk the Central Garden Trail, get back in their car and drive the rest of the way around the park (stopping at a few of the best features), then peruse the gift shop for 30 minutes, and be on their way before lunchtime. Easy.

But why would you do that? The Garden of the Gods is magic enough to visit again and again. If you have the time, you couldn’t spend it in a better place.

9. Visitor Center Gift Shop is a Very Nice Rip-Off

I’m going to avoid the rant here. The Garden of the Gods visitor cente r looks like a National Park visitor center, and it quacks like a National Park visitor center, but this is not a National Park visitor center gift shop. The City of Colorado Springs wants your money — the least they could have done was make good looking t-shirts and hats to earn it.

10. Nearby Red Rock Canyon is Similar

If you didn’t get enough beauty at the Garden of the Gods, two miles away is a whole other universe of craggy rock formations at the Red Rocks Canyon Open Space. Here’s a MAP . It is easy to spot from Garden of the Gods — it looks very cool in the distance.

Red Rocks Canyon is a 1,400 acre park with 11 trails that range from 1.7 miles to 5.4 miles. While it is easy to think of it as Garden of the Gods-lite, it really is its own thing. The higher you go up the hillside the better the view.

An Honest Conclusion for Garden of the Gods

Time spent here is time well spent. We visited three times during our 9-night visit to Colorado Springs and it never got old. The Central Garden is surreal. If you have the time, try to catch it from every angle.

If you’re in Colorado Springs and looking for things to do, check out some of our other articles:

Driving Pikes Peak

Tips for the Manitou In cline

Tips for Meow Wolf

How to Visit Paint Mines Interpreti ve Park

Thank you for stopping by our website! We are the Hoffmann family, a full-time RV family that has split residence in Seattle, Washington and San Antonio, Texas. We have special needs children that we homeschool, and work travel assignments for the Veteran Affairs Hospital. If you would like to learn more about us, check out our  Start Here  and  Biography  pages. In the meantime, God bless and travel happy!

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10 Best Garden of the Gods Hikes for Your Colorado Trip

A place like the Garden of the Gods has a lot to live up to. The name suggests some pretty magnificent things happening inside, right? Well, based on my own experiences in the park, they were right. 

The public park in Colorado Springs is a registered National Natural Landmark and one of the most visited places in the region . That also makes it quite busy, but that shouldn’t dissuade you from seeing it for yourself on some of the best Garden of the Gods hikes.

Hit the trails and all of a sudden some of those crowds at the Garden of the Gods start to fall away, especially if you go a bit off the beaten path.

Explore the best way to see the park with my guide to the best hikes at Garden of the Gods.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, including links through the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases .  At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I won’t recommend something I have not used/would not use myself, and any income earned supports the upkeep of this site.

What is the most scenic trail at Garden of the Gods?

The most scenic trail at Garden of the Gods is the Perkins Central Garden Trail, as that’s where you’ll find the most well-known rock formations in the park. That said, you really can’t go wrong when hiking at Garden of the Gods.

Once known as Red Rock Corral, the name of the park has a few different origin stories, but they all come back to the same theme. Several folks over the years have compared the park’s beauty to a garden fit for deities.

The best way to see it all is on your feet.

How much time do you need for Garden of the Gods?

You need at least two hours to explore Garden of the Gods if you want to do some light hiking. You can certainly spend the better part of a day there if you want to do a few longer hikes and linger at the formations .

Best Garden of the Gods Hikes

There are 21 miles of trails at Garden of the Gods. Color maps are available at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center at no extra charge. 

I’d recommend grabbing one even if you believe this to be the most comprehensive guide you’ve ever seen.

It’ll give you an idea of what you’re looking at when you’re in the middle of a crowd of influencers , and give you an idea of where the parking lots are.

Interested in a Garden of the Gods map of these highlights? Check out the Google link below for additional directions on top of that color map of Garden of the Gods you should plan on picking up anyway:

GIMME MY GARDEN OF THE GODS TRAIL MAP!

1. perkins central garden trail.

Mileage:  1.1 miles Difficulty Level:  Easy

If you’re short on Garden of the Gods hike time, this easy trail of just over a mile roundtrip cuts through the center of the park. As you look at your map, you’ll notice that most of the major rock formations are found along this route or near the popular Central Garden trails.

Along the way, don’t miss:

• Tower of Babel: This tall rock at the North Gateway Rock marks the northern end of the Garden of the Gods. Take a look at it at a distance for a more impressive view of its height.
• North Gateway Rock: Also known as Gate Rock, this formation marks the entrance to the northern end of the park. You may see some climbers scrambling up the face of this one, but keep in mind that you need a permit to do so yourself.

• Three Graces: Three narrow rock fins make up this popular Garden of the Gods attraction. If you want a shot of it without people, you’ll have to wait in line for that.
• Cathedral Spires: These rocky spires look like they’re reaching for the sky. You’ll see them next to the Three Graces, so expect some foot traffic around this one, too.
• Kissing Camels: You’ll have to walk around this rock formation from both sides to see the outline of two camels that would appear to be mid-smooch. Once you see it, you won’t unsee it.

Fun fact: The trail is named after Charles Elliott Perkins, a respected businessman and head of the Burlington Railroad who was urged to add Colorado Springs as a stop along the railway. 

While that never happened, the 240 acres he bought in the area would eventually become the Garden of the Gods. He died before making any future arrangements for the park, but his children knew that he had intended to open it up to public use. 

That’s exactly what happened by 1909. His children transferred ownership of the land to the city of Colorado Springs with the intent to offer it to locals and visitors alike free of charge.

The rest is history!

2. Siamese Twins Trail

Mileage:  1 mile Difficulty Level:  Easy

This easy loop trail offers access to the Siamese Twins rock formation and views of Pikes Peak. With elevation gains of just 100 feet or so, this is a family-friendly trail at the Garden of the Gods.

Access the trail at Parking Lot 14 to make your way to the Siamese Twins formation.

3. Ridge Trail

Mileage:  0.5 miles Difficulty Level:  Easy

This easy half-mile loop takes you to the Sleeping Giant rock formation, a series of spires and mesas that may require a little imagination on your part. 

If you’re traveling with kids, they may want to do some scrambling on this one along the surrounding rocks, as you’re in the thick of it on this one. Just make sure they stick to under 10 feet if they do so. You need permits for actual bouldering and climbing here. 

Access the trail from the South Garden Parking Lot.

4. Susan G. Bretag Trail

Take this Garden of the Gods easy hike to loop around for a better view of White Rock, a rock formation that stands in stark contrast to the red rocks that surround you here otherwise.

This is also a popular connecting trail. Add it to the Palmer, Scotsman, Buckskin Charlie, and Ute trails for an epic 3.7-mile hike that will give you a broad overview of the best landscapes in the park.

5. Ute Trail

We bounced on and off the Ute Trail as a connector to other hikes in the park, but if you’d like to hike the full loop, it’s an easy dirt track that gives you a nice view of the eastern edge of the park.

I’d probably recommend using it as we did as a thoroughfare, though, unless you’ve been to the park a few times now and have seen the main highlights.

You can access this one from the South Garden Parking Lot.

6. Scotsman Trail Loop

The highlight of this easy loop is certainly the Scotsman rock formation, and you’ll get quite close to him on this hike. The Sleeping Giant formation and Keyhole Window are also visible along this trail.

This is a loop accessible from several different spots in the park, but many hikers pick it up at the Scotsman Picnic Ground or Scotsman Picnic Area if you’re looking at your park map.

7. Scotsman & Buckskin Charlie Trail

Mileage:  1.5-2.2 miles Difficulty Level:  Easy

Enjoy one of the best Garden of the Gods hiking trails as you look at the panoramas of the Central Garden formations from a distance.

The mileage on this one varies depending on whether you connect to the Scotsman Trail Loop for a short connection to close the Buckskin Charlie Trail or add on the full Scotsman Trail Loop.

Either way, you’re exploring the park’s interior with less foot traffic than the Central Garden. Start this one at the Scotsman Picnic Ground to connect the two trails.

8. Palmer Trail

Mileage:  1.8 miles Difficulty Level:  Easy

This out-and-back trail can turn into a Garden of the Gods loop trail by connecting to the Susan G. Bretag and Chambers routes. If you decide to go that route, expect to hike for about three miles, although the elevation never gets challenging even at that length.

Fun fact: If you decide to just stick to the Palmer Trail, you’ll still see quite a few intriguing rock formations along the way, including the Kissing Camels.

Expect more hikers as you get closer to the Central Garden on this one. You can pick this one up at the main parking area by crossing Juniper Way on foot.

9. Niobrara Loop Trail

Mileage:  1.7 miles Difficulty Level:  Easy

Enjoy views of the Ute Valley and limited crowds on one of the quietest trails at Garden of the Gods. If you’re there early enough, you’re likely to catch some deer taking in their field breakfasts on this one.

The South Garden Parking Lot is the best access point for this one.

10. Cabin Canyon Trail

Mileage:  0.7 miles Difficulty Level:  Easy

This easy loop near Balanced Rock is a great way to escape all of the people likely lining up at that rock. If you want a bit of a longer leg stretch, you can hike to Balanced Rock from here and avoid the parking cluster.

This one also connects to the Siamese Twins Trail, so there are all kinds of extensions you can make from here.

More Things to Do at Garden of the Gods

If you’re not in the mood for all of these hikes or you’re done trekking for the day, there’s more to do at Garden of the Gods beyond hiking.

• Start at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center. Learn about Theiophytalia kerri, a new dinosaur species found here in the park, or the Nuu-ciu (Ute) people, the original inhabitants of the park. The visitor center is also where you’ll get your free Garden of the Gods hiking map, something I’d highly recommend.
• See the Balanced Rock. You don’t need to hike at all to see the Balanced Rock. It’s right there off the road for your viewing pleasure. If you’re traveling from Manitou Springs, you’ll likely start at this end of the park. Otherwise, you’ll drive about three miles southwest of the visitor center to access this Garden of the Gods attraction.

Note: Don’t miss Steamboat Rock, just as lovely but not as popular with the influencers, across the street from the Balanced Rock trail.

• Go on a guided hike. You don’t need to leave it all to your own ambitions if you don’t want to. The park offers guided nature walks for a small fee. If you’re interested, these walks are offered by reservation only. Book your guided walk ahead of your visit by visiting the park’s website .
• Test your mettle with technical climbing. This a very popular spot for climbers in this part of the state . Permits are required, but they’re free and available online . Guided excursions are another option. Note that even if you’re an expert climber with experience at places like Rocky Mountain National Park, the use of chalk is prohibited in the park.

• Visit the Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site. The Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site is a living history museum and farm that depicts life in the region from 1775-1907. You’ll see those depictions through the eyes of four different homes that thrived during those times, including an 1860s-era homestead cabin and a country estate.

What is the best time to visit Garden of the Gods?

The best time to visit Garden of the Gods is early in the morning. Park hours are:

• 5am-9pm Nov. 1-April 30
• 5am-10pm May 1-Oct. 31

Note: The visitor center doesn’t open until 9am, but if you’re here to hike, getting an early start is a good idea. If you visit in the summer, it can get hot by mid-morning, too.

Getting to Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Want a complete guide to Colorado Springs, including more Colorado Springs hiking trails? Check out my guide to the Colorado city .

There is an airport in town, the Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (nicknamed Colorado Springs Airport). You may get lucky with decent flights out of this regional airport, but you’re more likely to find budget-friendly flights out of Denver International Airport.

Cheyenne is another option , but you’ll be on the road for a while if you go that route.

From wherever you start, you’ll need to rent a car to get to the Garden of the Gods. There are bus options, but you’ll spend more time navigating the public transportation than you’ll spend at the actual park.

Book a rental car instead using an aggregator like Hotwire or Priceline .  The drive from Denver to the park is about an hour and 20 minutes with light traffic.

Whether you’re driving from Colorado Springs proper or Denver, the main parking area is the largest parking area at Garden of the Gods. This is where you’ll park if you’re headed to the Garden of the Gods visitor center.

Getting Around Garden of the Gods

Even if you’re exploring these Garden of the Gods hiking trails on your feet, you’ll need to get to the trailheads first .

Unless you’re walking straight from the visitor center, you’ll need to drive to parking areas with the easiest access to the trails you’re interested in.

This is a very busy park. Arrive early in the day to ensure parking areas still have available spots. 

We arrived mid-morning, and that was already too late. We had to park toward the southern tip of the park near the Buckskin Charlie Trail, which certainly added some mileage to what we were planning. 

I’m all for self-guided experiences, but if you’re looking for a guide to show you around the park and the best trails to hike, that’s an option, too.

Here are a few highly-rated guided tours for Garden of the Gods:

Where to Stay Near Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. We visited on a day trip from Fairplay, Colorado, but there are all kinds of accommodations for you to choose from while in Colorado Springs.

Use the map below to get you started:

Garden of the Gods backpacking and camping is also an option at dedicated sites in the park .

Hiking Garden of the Gods: FAQs

Do you have to pay to hike garden of the gods.

You don’t have to pay to hike at the Garden of the Gods. The park is free to visit, just as the founders intended it. That means it can get very crowded. Arrive early and bring lots of water, sunscreen, and patience and you should do fine with the crowds. 

Can you just walk around Garden of the Gods?

You can just walk around Garden of the Gods. None of the hikes here are that difficult. The park maps are excellent, but you may be forced to get a little flexible with your free hiking trails depending on how jammed the parking lots are upon arrival.

Are dogs allowed at Garden of the Gods?

Dogs are allowed at the Garden of the Gods. Just make sure you bring plenty of water for your pups, especially if you’re visiting in the hotter months.

We brought Kimmy along on our trip and made sure to get her to shade and water often. We had several strangers remind us of that fact which was admittedly pretty nosy. Keep on walkin’, people. Mind your business.

Is Garden of the Gods worth visiting?

Garden of the Gods is absolutely worth visiting, whether you’re here for the day or visiting Colorado Springs on a longer stay in the state .  The park is famous for its large sandstone rock formations and how accessible those formations are for tourists.

That means even a short stroll through the park is a worthwhile experience.

Ready for Garden of the Gods Trails?

Your Flight:  I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare and the best Colorado hikes, but if you’re looking to book during a particular period of time, you should search on  Skyscanner . Scroll up for more tips on getting to the park and Colorado Springs, including how to get yourself around once you get there.

For adventurous folks who travel on the reg, I also subscribe to  Going , formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights. You’ll get cheap flight deals from your home base straight to your inbox.

Your Accommodations:  We primarily use Booking.com for our trips for the best rates (and cross-check with Hotels.com ). Vrbo  has become my go-to Airbnb alternative.

Seeking even more wallet-friendly accommodations? Try  Hostelworld . Their picks are heavily vetted and reviewed to offer you a safe experience for Colorado Springs budget travel.

Etc.:  For general travel goodies, visit my  Favorite Things  page. For more information on planning your travel and travel tips, visit my  Travel Tools  page.

Planning a trip to Garden of the Gods? Pin me!

Traveling elsewhere while you’re here? Check out these guides:

• Check Out These Salt Lake City Day Trips
• Plan a Golf Trip to Raindance National
• A Detailed Guide to Cheyenne, Wyoming
• Visit the Fossils at Florissant Fossil Beds
• Top Things to Do in Fort Collins, CO

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Agnes Groonwald

Atlas Obsession

The Best Things to Do at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs

Garden of the Gods is full of incredible rock formations that look like they belong in Utah. But Garden of the Gods is not in Utah, it’s in Colorado. Specifically, it’s in Colorado Springs and it’s a must do on any visit to the area.

Despite it being a top sight in Colorado Springs, I found information on Garden of the Gods to be lacking. I wanted some details about what to see and do when I visited, and I didn’t find a lot. There was some, but not what I had expected to find. So, I created this guide. It has all of the information I wish I had when I made my visit to Garden of the Gods.

Table of Contents

What Is Garden of the Gods?

Prior to Garden of the Gods becoming a public park, it was owned by Charles Elliot Perkins. Upon his death left his land to the city of Colorado Springs and Garden of the Gods became the park we have today. It features some absolutely amazing rock formations, some stunning hikes, epic rock climbing, scenic drives, and so much more.

How Much Does it Cost to Visit Garden of the Gods?

Nothing! Garden of the Gods is open to the public for free.

How Do You Get to Garden of the Gods?

Getting to Garden of the Gods is pretty simple. It’s an hour and a half from the Denver Airport and sits in northwestern Colorado Springs. I recommend navigating to the “Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center” on Google Maps. Once at the Visitor Center, stop in to pick up a free map.

Things to Do at Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods features several great hiking options.

For the most iconic views, you’ll want to focus on the Central Gardens Trails. This area contains several pathways that technically are hiking trails. However, it didn’t seem like anyone was following one particular direction. It seemed more like a free for all, if I’m completely honest. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t visit, but rather, don’t expect a proper trail. Just focus on getting to the Central Garden Trails and then follow your map to visit all of the cool rock formations.

Because the Central Gardens have some of the best views, this will be the most crowded area of the park. Even with all of the people, I still think it’s worth a visit. I recommend starting here because if you visit other places in the park later, it’ll feel delightfully uncrowded.

To escape the crowds, you can go almost anywhere outside the Central Gardens. I really enjoyed hiking by the Siamese Twins.

Scenic Drive

For non-hikers, or hikers who want to take in views from a different perspective, take a look at the scenic drive. This loop takes you past some of the best rock formations in the park, without much effort. You’ll see some of the rocks from the Central Gardens, but not all. For the best views, do both the scenic drive and some hiking around the Central Gardens.

Rock Climbing

You’re in a park full of amazing rock formations, so of course there will be opportunities for rock climbing.

I’m not a rock climber (I could barely handle some rock scrambling on a trail ), so I don’t have any first hand experience. However, the Garden of the God’s website provides information specifically for people who are interested in rock climbing .

Take a Tour

If you’re looking for more to do beyond the scenic drive, or want to learn more about the park, take a tour. At Garden of the Gods, you’ll find bike tours, segway tours, jeep tours, trolley tours, and many more options. While the park itself is free, these tours do cost an additional fee.

I ran out of time to do any tours. However, if it’s something you’re interested in, there’s loads of information on the Garden of the Gods website .

How Long Do You Need at Garden of the Gods?

It really depends on how much you want to do. I did some hiking (in the Central Gardens and at the Siamese Twins), drove the scenic loop, and stopped at the Visitor Center. My visit lasted about three and a half hours and I don’t feel like I missed out on anything. Plus I didn’t feel rushed.

As a good base line, a half day is the perfect amount of time. This allows you more time to experience some other sights around Colorado Springs, such as Pike’s Peak .

However, if you plan to do tours or rock climbing, you may want to budget more time. You could easily spend one entire day here and not run out of things to do-especially if you like hiking.

How Do You Plan My Time?

I recommend going to the Visitor Center first and pick up a map. There’s a large parking lot and from here you can walk to the Central Gardens and explore there. Once you’re finished at the Central Gardens, return to the Visitor Center and pick up your car.

From the Visitor Center, head back toward the Central Gardens, taking a right in the roundabout. This takes you onto a one way road and starts the first part of scenic drive. You can make the entire one way loop, but if you’re still feeling good, follow the signs to Parking Lot 14 and hike out to Siamese Twins.

From Siamese Twins, take a quick detour to Balanced Rock before returning to the one way scenic drive and looping your way back to the Visitor Center.

Is Altitude a Concern?

It can be. It depends on the individual person, but Garden of the Gods sets at about 6,400 feet. If you’re coming from somewhere much lower than that (like me!), you may need some time to adjust.

I visited Garden of the Gods on my first full day in Colorado. I had arrived in Denver the night before and spent the night at an airport hotel. The next morning, I picked up a rental car and arrived at Garden of the Gods shortly after 10:00 am. I didn’t think too much of the altitude because it was “only 6,400 feet”.

The altitude kicked my butt and I felt like I was constantly out of breath. It was kind of miserable and I had to question if I was really that out of shape. Nope! Turns out I had underestimated the altitude and I felt fine at higher altitudes later in the week. Part of me wishes I could have visited again, after I was properly acclimated to the Colorado elevation. I’m sure it would have made a huge difference.

My advice is to go slow, drink plenty of water, and know your limits. If you do those three things, you should be fine.

When Should I Visit Garden of the Gods?

On your visit to Colorado ! Garden of the Gods is open year round (although is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day), so technically you can visit at any point during the year.

I visited the first weekend in September and it was hot! I’d imagine in peak summer, it’s even hotter and also busier. A free shuttle runs during the busy summer months to help avoid some of the parking issues.

Late spring and early fall seem like they would be ideal times to visit. On weekends, you can expect a lot of people, so if you can, try to visit during the week to minimize crowds.

For whatever reason, it is impossible to find a map of Garden of the Gods on their website. When you’re trying to plan, this is incredibly frustrating. So here’s a map of Garden of the Gods , so you can plan your trip efficiently.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in Colorado Springs, a visit to Garden of the Gods is a must. The rock formations are incredible and it’s just a fun place to explore.

Continue Your Adventure

Colorado Springs : If you’re already visiting Colorado Springs, you should add a visit to the top of Pike’s Peak to your itinerary.

Colorado National Parks : Colorado has four national parks and all are worth a visit. Ride a sandboard at Great Sand Dunes , tour cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde , see the deepest canyon in the U.S. at Black Canyon of the Gunnison , and do some epic hiking at Rocky Mountain .

Colorado Itineraries : For an epic road trip through Colorado, check out this 10 day itinerary . Or if you don’t have ten days, try one of these 5 day Colorado itineraries .

Colorado : One of my favorite things about Colorado is all of the scenic drives. Here’s some of my favorites .

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How to plan a day trip to Garden of the Gods from Denver

With tons of paved trails, this colorado park is easy for all to explore.

In 1859, two surveyors exploring Colorado stopped in their tracks when they spotted a series of large, red sandstone formations protruding from the earth. The awe-inspiring geological marvels allegedly caused one of the men to proclaim, “Why, it is a fit place for the Gods to assemble. We will call it the Garden of the Gods.”

That name stuck and, more than 160 years later, Garden of the Gods continues to amaze visitors with its otherworldly landscape. Formed some 65 million years ago by colliding tectonic plates, the red rocks now sit within an 1,367-acre park just 70 miles from downtown Denver, making it a perfect hike- and photo op-filled day trip. Here’s how to make the most of your visit.

Getting there

From Denver , the easiest way to reach Garden of the Gods is by car—the trip usually takes a little more than an hour. Be forewarned: traffic on this stretch of Interstate 25 can get pretty hairy with commuters, so give yourself a cushion, especially if you're driving during rush hour. Located northwest of downtown Colorado Springs , the park is free to visit and opens at 5 a.m. It closes at 9 p.m. during the winter and spring, and at 10 p.m. during the summer months.

If you don’t have a car, you can take the Bustang South Line from Denver to downtown Colorado Springs, which takes about two hours and 15 minutes. From there, you can take public transit all the way to Garden of the Gods, but it'll take at least two bus transfers, so we'd suggest ordering a rideshare from downtown Colorado Springs for the final leg of the journey to the park's visitor center.

When to visit

Garden of the Gods tends to be busiest during the summer, when families flock to the park and the weather is idyllic with temps in the 70s and 80s. For fewer crowds (but decidedly chillier temperatures), consider a winter or early spring visit, when the red rock formations and evergreen trees are dusted with a bit of snow. You could spend a full day exploring the park, but plan to set aside at least several hours—an entire morning or afternoon, for example—to take it all in.

Tip: No matter what time of year you visit, remember that Garden of the Gods sits at about 6,400 feet above sea level. As you acclimatize to the altitude, drink lots of water, reapply sunscreen often, and take breaks throughout the day, especially if you’ll be hiking or biking.

Start off at the visitor center

Kick off your trip at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center. Yes, you can grab a map and fill up your water bottle here, but don't miss the on-site exhibits and galleries. You'll get a primer on the area’s unique geology, as well as the various plants, animals, and people who have called this region home for centuries. For even more background, watch the short film inside the Geo Trekker Theater to learn about the area’s geology, which dates back more than a billion years ($6 adults; $4 kids 5-12; free for kids 5 and under).

Tip: Families should snag a kids booklet ($2) at the visitor center; little ones who complete all of the activities inside can become junior rangers and receive a signed certificate, plus a sticker or patch.

Hit the road

One of the most popular ways to experience the park is by taking a scenic drive or ride. Drive yourself, or join a guided Jeep, trolley, or safari vehicle tour offered by Adventures Out West ($21 to $149). If you choose to explore in your own vehicle, be sure to listen to the informative free audio tour along the way.

Pedal along

If you'd rather take the park on two wheels, you can bring your own bike or rent one from the visitor center and explore the trails on your own. (You can rent an e-bike—$35 per hour, two-hour minimum—or a mountain bike—$20 per hour, two-hour minimum—with a helmet.) But our suggestion is to join a guided electric bike tour with Amp’d Adventures , which offers options at a bunch of exertion levels. Since the e-bike’s electric motor gives you a little boost as you ride, these year-round tours are open to visitors of all ages and varied ability levels. Tour prices start at $99 and vary depending on which tour you book and which style of e-bike you choose.

Go rock climbing

Get up close and personal with park's rock formations on a climbing excursion with Front Range Climbing . Choose from a four- or six-hour customized guided experience for groups of up to eight people; prices range from $195 to $919, depending on the group size and duration. Whether you’re totally new to the sport or an experienced pro, your guide will tailor the outing based on your climbing skill level. Climbing trips are offered year-round.

Take a hike

Whether you want a mellow stroll or a more challenging trek, the park offers 21 miles of hiking trails for exploring on two feet. Among the many red rock formations, there are two must-sees you can hit on one route, the Perkins Central Garden Trail. Paved and accessible for both strollers and wheelchair users, the trail weaves past both the Kissing Camels—a rock formation that looks like two camel heads smooching against the blue-sky backdrop—and the Cathedral Spires, a series of towering rocks that look like they belong on top of a Gothic church.

Tip: Join a short guided nature walk ($5), led by a volunteer naturalist daily at 10:30 a.m., along the Gateway Trail and the Central Garden Trail. Buy tickets in advance online or, if any spots are still available, snag one at the visitor center.

Where to stay

There’s no lodging or camping in the park itself, but if you choose to extend your trip, you’ll find an array of overnight options nearby.

On the more budget-friendly end of the spectrum, you can’t beat the Garden of the Gods RV Resort , located about a half-mile from the park’s south entrance with RV sites, tent sites, bunkhouses, and cottages.

For a stay that’s fit for royalty, book a room at Glen Eyrie Castle . Built in 1871 and set on 750 acres, the castle’s grounds have their own impressive red sandstone formations—and they’re much less crowded than the park. Even if you don’t stay, you can still visit for afternoon tea ($36 per person) or a guided tour of the grounds ($12).

Or, treat yourself to a stay at The Broadmoor , which has been a Colorado Springs icon since 1918. This luxury resort is set on 5,000 acres roughly 10 miles south of Garden of the Gods, but the extra travel time is worth it to spend the night (or, ideally, a long weekend). Home to two expertly designed golf courses, two swimming pools, 19 retail shops, multiple restaurants, hiking trails, and a spa, the resort is “as close to perfect as any place I have ever stayed or ever hope to,” as one of our community members said .

Visiting Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs

One of the best things to do in Colorado Springs is visiting the Garden of the Gods. Colorado Springs is an amazing place, offering a range of adventurous outdoor activities. Garden of the Gods Park is a top attraction. The place offers amazingly orange rock formations, hiking trails, climbing, and other activities. We share our tips on how to spend time there and how to prepare for a visit. Check our Guide to Visiting Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.

Where is the Garden of the Gods?

Garden of the Gods is in Colorado Springs, 70 miles from Denver, Colorado . It is an incredibly naturally formed area full of red rock formations in different shapes, from enormous boulders to spires. What’s more, Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark since 1971. Dramatic views and 300′ towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak will dazzle you. The area of the Park is 1,367 acres.

How to get to the Garden of the Gods?

Garden of the Gods is located in Colorado Springs, just west of I-25 . From I-25, take Exit #146 – Garden of the Gods Road.

Visiting Garden of the Gods is also a perfect idea as a day trip from Denver . It’s only 70 miles and 1 hour and 20 minutes driving via I-25 S from Denver, so you can combine a visit with your Rocky Mountain adventure.

PRO TIP: Garden of the Gods is a popular place and a favorite place for locals. So it might be crowded, especially in the summer months and on weekends. So, if you can, go there in the middle of the week. In peak season, we highly recommend starting your trip early in the morning or late afternoon. Or you will likely have to wait for parking spaces.

How much does it cost to visit the Garden of the Gods?

Visiting the Garden of the Gods is free . So it’s a perfect place for a family adventure. Park is open every day, 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. Visitor & Nature Center is open 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Mon-Sun) in Summer and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Winter. Leashed dogs are welcome. But don’t forget to clean up after them.

How long do you need at Garden of the Gods?

It all depends on your needs and the activities you intend to undertake in the Park. If you have little time, 2-3 hours are enough for visiting Garden of the Gods. But you can also spend the whole day here.

How did the Garden of the Gods Get Its Name?

The story of the name Garden of the Gods is pretty funny. According to Wikipedia, the area was first called Red Rock Corral. But, in August 1859, two surveyors explored the site. One of them, M. S. Beach, suggested that it would be a “capital place for a beer garden.” But the second of surveyors, Rufus Cable, exclaimed, “Beer Garden! Why it is a fit place for the Gods to assemble. We will call it the Garden of the Gods.”

How Was the Garden of the Gods Formed?

Rock formations were created millions of years ago. The formation lies on a fault line that caused the rock slabs to be tilted vertically into “fins” as the tectonic plates moved. The rocks get their red color from the hematite in the rock.

Moreover, archaeological research shows that prehistoric people visited the Garden of the Gods about 1330 BC. At about 250 BC, Native American people camped in the park. Many native peoples have reported a connection to the Garden of the Gods, including Apache, Cheyenne, Comanche, Kiowa, Lakota, Pawnee, Shoshone, and Ute people.

Garden of the Gods Elevation

The Garden of God’s elevation is about 6,400 feet (1,951 m) above sea level.

The best ideas for Visiting the Garden of the Gods

Start from garden of the gods visitor & nature center.

It’s worth visiting the Garden of the Gods from the Visitor & Nature Center . It’s free and open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the winter and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day. You can pick a free map of the park, see some exhibits, learn about the park and wildlife, natural history, and geology, and see the movie: “How Did Those Red Rocks Get There?”. But watching this 12-minute film costs—$6 for adults, and $4 for kids ages five to 12. There is also a gift shop and cafe.

Take a Drive

You can drive through the Garden of the Gods, and several parking areas have overlooks and short hiking trails. You will find there also some picnic areas and toilets. Garden of the Gods Scenic Drives is the best idea for sightseeing if you have limited time. It takes you about 2-3 hours to visit. The Garden of the Gods Scenic Drive is 5.6 miles long on several park roads, a loop around the central Garden zone, and Ridge Road and Balanced Rock.

The most important points of interest along the scenic drive are North and South Gateway Rocks, Gray Rock, Montezuma Tower, Scotsman Picnic Area, High Point, Siamese Twins, Steamboat Rock, and Balanced Rock.

For sure, Balanced Rock is one of the most photographed spots in the Park. Most visitors take a photo “holding up” this huge rock.

PRO TIP: Start your scenic drive on Gateway Road opposite the visitor center. The road heads west for 0,4 miles to a junction. Keep right on the one-way road, which calls Juniper Way Loop, and make a 2,4-mile loop around the central Garden zone. Two parking areas and smaller lots let you stop and admire rock formations. One of the best viewpoints is Garden of the Gods Overlook.

Go for a Hike in Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods hiking is the best idea for a visit. There are over 15 miles of trails in the Park . During the hike, you can observe wildlife. There are many species of birds and mammals in the park, as deer and bighorn sheep.

The most popular hiking trail is the paved Perkins Central Garden Trail . What’s important is that it’s also a wheelchair-accessible trail. It starts at the main parking lot. It is an easy 1.5-mile (2.4km) loop through the main rock formations and offers spectacular views. One of this trail’s most exciting rock formations is the Kissing Camels.

Other great hiking trails in the Garden of the Gods are Ridge Trail, Ute Trail, Siamese Twins Trail, Palmer Trail, and Susan G. Bretag Trail.

On Siamese Twins Trail, you can admire spectacular rock formations called the Siamese Twins. It’s created from two nearly identical columns. The small space between the two pillars makes a perfect window to frame photos.

Take a Jeep Tour in Garden of the Gods

Importantly, Garden of the Gods also offers many other attractions. They are paid, but they are a lot of fun. One of them is a Jeep Tour in the park. Moreover, besides stunning red rock formations in the Garden of the Gods, you will enjoy North Cheyenne Canyon up to Helen Hunt Falls.

Take a Segway Tour

Another top-rated attraction in the park, especially enjoyed by kids and teens, is Segway Tours . You will learn the ropes of your Segway before setting out. It’s a guided tour, so you learn a lot about those rock formations and it’s geology, history, and wildlife.

Moreover, mountain biking and horseshoe riding are also allowed in the Park.

Take a Hiking Tour

Some of the lesser-known trails and stunning rock formations can be seen during Guided Hike. You can take a tour guide. It’s also possible to take zipline tours or hot air balloon flights in Colorado Springs.

Take a 1909 Trolley Tour

You can also take 100 years old Trolley Tour. Departing is every hour from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The open-air trolley seats 14 guests and provides fantastic views around the entire park. It costs $17 per person, and you can purchase tickets at the activity desk in the Visitor Center. There are no advanced reservations. The trip duration is 45 minutes.

Check the Garden of the Gods Adventure Series Program

The park also offers the Garden of the Gods Adventure Series Program . So, before your visit, check their schedule. They offer different types of events, as presentations of feature the top naturalists, interpreters, historians, walks, and hikes throughout the year.

Rock Climbing in Garden of the Gods

Rock climbing is also possible in the Garden of the Gods. But you must have a permit . What’s important is the climbing permits are free. But check all the rules and don’t forget your climbing gear.

What to Bring to Garden of the Gods?

• Water & Snacks . There are a few places in the park where you can refill water and have lunch, but there may be lines during the tourist season. So, pack water and light snacks. Alcohol is not allowed.
• Hiking shoes . Comfortable shoes are essential. Hiking Trails in the park are not difficult, but it is worth wearing walking shoes with good grip.
• Camera . The park is extremely interesting for photography. So don’t forget to charge the phone you are taking pictures with or your camera. The best light is in the afternoon.
• Sunscreen and Hat . Protect yourself from the sun. Even in winter, it can be sunny. So, use sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

Where to Eat at Garden of the Gods?

If you forget to pack some snacks, don’t worry. You are pretty close to the city, so after visiting Gardens of the Gods, you can drive to Colorado Springs for lunch.

Or you can eat in the Park. There are two places in the Park where you can eat: Café at the Garden , located at the visitor center at the entrance to Garden of the Gods. The other one is the Garden of the Gods Trading Post , the oldest and largest gift shop in Colorado. You can enjoy a bison burger and locally brewed beer.

What are some must-dos in Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs is a city where there is no time to get bored. You can spend a week of vacation there, and it won’t not enough to enjoy all its attractions. It is a perfect place for people and families who like active outdoor recreation. It is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Colorado.

Take a Balloon Flight or Zipline Tour

We plan a Balloon Flight over the magnificent Rocky Mountains for our next trip. On our must-do list is also Zipline Tour which soars 150 feet above Manitou Springs and ranges from 225-650 feet in length. We are sure to get a massive adrenalin rush on this zipline adventure.

Take a Pikes Peak Highway Drive

One of the best things to do when visiting Colorado Springs is taking a trip to Pikes Peak. Here you can check our detailed Guide to Pikes Peak Highway if you can drive independently.

Pikes Peak Highway is the serpentine road that rises the 14,115-foot (4,302 m) summit of America’s most famous mountain. It’s a fabulous 19-mile one-way (31 km) road adventure. You can do it yourself by car, or you can book a Cog Railway . Tips you will find in our detailed Colorado road trip itinerary . We described how to visit Pikes Peak on day 13 of our itinerary. Or you can read our detailed article about Driving Up Pikes Peak Highw ay in Colorado , where we share many tips. Or, if you don’t want to drive yourself, you can consider a trip to Pikes Peak .

Visit Manitou Springs

Nestled between Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, historic Manitou Springs town is centrally located to the area’s unique attractions. It’s a charming town perfect for a walk and relaxation. It’s only six miles west of downtown Colorado Springs and five miles from Garden of the Gods. The town is full of galleries, street performers, creek-side restaurants, boutique stores, and souvenir shops. It also offers a large selection of accommodation .

Visit Manitou Cliff Dwellings

The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are comprised of Anasazi Ruins dating from 800 to 1000 years old. According to the official website, the 40-room site was originally located in McElmo Canyon. The process of relocating these cliff dwellings began in 1904 and was completed in 1907. It was to preserve and protect these dwellings from looters and relic pot-hunters.

It is worth a visit if you haven’t been to Mesa Verde National Park yet or haven’t managed to get a cliff-dwelling guided tour.

Where to stay near the Garden of the Gods?

You will find large selections of hotels in  Colorado Springs . During our Colorado road trip , we stayed in budget  Mecca Motel , close to Garden of the Gods.

Agnes Stabinska is a writer, photographer, and co-founder of The Van Escape. She loves wildlife, landscape photography, and outdoor adventures, especially hiking, camping, and exploring U.S. national parks. Although she has traveled to many countries for almost 20 years, her favorite places are Alaska, the American Southwest, and the Pacific Northwest, which she often visits and explore with her partner, Chris. Their travel tips, itineraries, and recommendations will help you get away from it all and plan a wonderful vacation.

15 Comments

I love those rock views at the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.  At 2-3 hours for a visit, we might plan to stop when we travel through Colorado this fall.  I love that there are a number of great stops along the scenic drive.  But it would be great to plan enough time for a hike or two to get closer to the rock formations.

Dramatic is right! I would love to visit this in person and really take in those splendor views. This would be the ultimate road trip, especially along the Pikes Peak Highway Drive. It’s fascinating to read the history of how this landscape came to be and amazing that it is still here for all of us to experience it!

That is such a cool way to name a rock formation! It sure is a feat to climb it. Attractions like these just prove the magnificence of nature over us. Wonderful shots!

Such an interesting way the place was named Garden of Gods and it is better the ‘Beer Garden’! The places so gorgeous. It was fascinating to know about how these rocks formed over time. I would love to go on a hike here and also take a Trolley Tour. This 100 years old tour sounds interesting to me and it would also give me an entire view of the place. Thanks for sharing these tips.

I love exploring geological sites. They remind one of the times that were, when Earth was not burdened with so many things. The trolley tour sounds exciting. The cliff dwellings are also worth a dekko. Certainly a park that reminds one of the beginning of time. 

I am a climber and I am always interested in beautiful rock formations. I want to look at them and I want to touch them and see how the rock feels. Perfect that there are some climbing possibilities as well at the Garden of the Gods. I would definitely check this out, if I am in the area.

I’m super interested in beautiful rock formations and geographical sites. This sounds like a dream worth the visit!

That is surely funny! From Beer garden to the Garden of gods what a name! Yes, I agree that the national parks surely looks like a place where gods would assemble. I love the national park and I will surely visit it when I am in Colorado. I hope to explore this part of the world someday and thanks to your posts, I have a bigger list and places to see.

I love the red feel about the place.The trolley tour would be really exciting. Would love visiting the cliff dwellings. So much of history about Garden of Gods would be wonderful to understand. Outstanding pictures.  

This is so interesting; I wasn’t aware Garden of the Gods is on a fault line. I have visited the area when I was young but do not remember much of it and want to return. Taking a Segway tour sounds like a lot of fun and I love that the Perkins Central Garden Trail is wheelchair-accessible 

I haven’t been to Co. Since 1996. One thing I will never forget are the Garden of the Gods and the town of manitou

The Garden of Gods looks like my kind of place! I would definitely be spending the entire day here doing a jeep tour and hiking as many of the trails as I possible could.

The Garden of the Gods looks like a great place to take my family. The kids would love to go hiking here.

Wow, those rocks sure look impressive and almost intimidating. It always makes me nervous seeing these huge rocks balancing on their ground – will they overbalance the moment I’m standing next to them?! I would love to go on a hiking tour or on one of the adventure tours.

Wow, love the formations and landscapes of Garden of the Gods and love the story of how it was named! It’s great to know you can enjoy the park whether you only have a couple of hours or a whole day, and also that there are several car parks and several short trails — as I can’t manage big hikes, that definitely makes it more accessible to me!

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This registered National Natural Landmark, is a public park located south of Castle Rock in Colorado Springs.  The towering Garden of the Gods red rock formations were created during a geological upheaval along a natural fault line millions of years ago. With spectacular snowcap views of Pikes Peak as its backdrop, this landmark is a must see for all Colorado visitors.  More information at:  http://www.gardenofgods.com/

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Editors Pick: 11 Reasons to Visit Garden of the Gods Resort & Spa

How fortunate for guests (and staff) when natural surroundings and a great place to stay almost blend together, augmenting each other. That’s certainly the situation with the Garden of the Gods Resort & Club in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The property is beautiful and offers so much on its own. But it’s also set right across from Garden of the Gods Park. The massive and richly-colored, natural sculptures are dramatic and, being in view of the Resort, give something different to look at all the time thanks to the changing light throughout the day and evening. There are some exciting things going on at Garden of the Gods and, after a recent hosted overnight visit, we’ve identified 11 reasons to visit.

Save this article to Pinterest to help you plan your getaway to Garden of the Gods Resort & Spa. Graphic by RealFoodTraveler.com.

First, a little background on Garden of the Gods Resort & Club

Centuries ago, the area currently called Garden of the Gods was a Native American crossroads where tribes gathered peacefully. The great sandstone formations set against Pikes Peak were considered sacred ground. Because of this, rival tribes laid down their weapons when entering the Garden of the Gods.

The property, perched atop a mesa in Colorado Springs opened in 1951 as a private club, luxury resort and residential community. It was frequented by movie stars, businesspeople, artists, and musicians. After a change of ownership in the early 2000’s by an out-of-state company, two Garden of the Gods Club members, Brenda Smith and Judy Mackey, acquired the resort and renamed it Garden of the Gods Resort and Club. You can see photos around the property of some of the celebrities who visited over the years.

In the summer of 2023, Garden of the Gods underwent a major $40 million renovation giving a refreshed look while still maintaining the overall vibe that was (is) so popular with visitors. At the resort, they offer championship golf and tennis, pickleball courts, an award-winning integrative med spa, STRATA, three outdoor swimming pools, two hot tubs and a variety of dining experiences.

Welcome to Garden of the Gods Resort & Spa! Photo courtesy of the resort.

Editor’s Pick: 11 Reasons to Visit Garden of the Gods Resort & Spa

• It’s not a private club-only and guests of the resort get the benefits of membership for the duration of their stay. That means taking advantage of the large and well-equipped fitness facility, exercise classes, the kids camp, recreation center, pools, golf and STRATA spa facilities. Many activities are included when you’re a resort guest but a few have applicable fees. Examples of options include Qigong, Tennis Clinic, Breathwork & Meditation, Essentrics classes (my personal favorite), live music, Kids Club and special culinary events like Burger Night in the Kissing Camels Grille at the golf course.

All guest rooms have been remodeled with a sleek look but comfortable feeling. Photo courtesy Garden of the Gods Resort & Spa.

• There are options for different kinds of lodgin g from rooms and suites in the main building to the cottages and casitas nearby which are perfect for groups and families. They can even be sectioned off within them for a space of your own while still being able to spend time together.
• When you have a service at the STRATA Integrated Wellness and Spa , including massage, facial, manicure, etc., that also gets you a day pass so you have access to the salt room, sauna, steam room, showers, locker room, products, etc.

For breakfast, lunch or dinner, the food at Grand View inside Garden of the Gods is excellent.

A special shoutout must go to Nathan Gresham, vice president of culinary and executive chef. He has quite the pedigree, having worked at Galatoire Restaurant in New Orleans (he also owned several restaurants in Louisiana), cooked at The James Beard House, and worked at the Broadmoor Hotel and Cherry Hills Country Club. Not only does he absolutely know his stuff, he is very friendly and approachable. Executive Pastry Chef Pascal Goupil whips up desserts that are as beautiful as they are delicious. He ran La Maison Du Macaron and the French Oven Bakery in NYC. Order any of the desserts on the menu like Lava Cake, Colorado Springs Brownie, or Caramelized Apple Tart – you can’t go wrong.

• Grab a bite at The Rocks Lounge , exclusive to club members and resort guests. Menu items include Lobster Tater Tots, Sliders, Steamed Mussels and Pizza.

Have a seat and sip away at the new alabaster bar at Grand View restaurant.

• Hop on the non-alcoholic drink bandwagon as Beverage manager Jesse Murillo launches a Dry Bar concept in Grand View this summer. It will feature more than six non-ABV cocktails plus non-alcoholic craft beers and wine alternatives. This may be particularly enticing for guests who are not used to the high elevation. It’s also great for those enjoying a wellness journey with STRATA or for business meetings.
• Access Garden of the Gods Park which is, amazingly, still free entry. Be sure to stop at the Visitors Center
• Take advantage of being in Colorado Springs to see all that it has to offer. Some of our favorites include the bike/walking path along the river, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, Fine Art Museum and dining and shopping. Colorado Springs has more than 30 museums, 19 galleries, 20 breweries, 10 performing art theatres, 136 parks, 105 miles or urban trails and 160 miles of park trails. Colorado Springs is known as the “Olympic City,” with the United States Olympic Committee Headquarters, more than 20 national Olympic governing bodies, more than 50 national sports organizations, the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center and U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, mentioned above.

Sunset is lovely but sunrise really shows off the beautiful rocks of Garden of the Gods Park, as seen from anywhere in the resort.

Garden of the Gods Resort is located at 3320 Mesa Road. They can be reached at 800-923-8838. Visit their website for information and booking.

• -Article and photos except where listed by Courtney Drake-McDonough, Publisher and Managing Editor of RealFoodTraveler.com

Use our Real Food Travel affiliate links to plan your trip:  Hotels.com  and  Expedia.com . While these links do not, in any way, change your search, reservation or pricing experience, we may receive a small commission on purchases.

Please note: As is common practice, we were hosted for our meal and lodging as part of a larger media gathering to help facilitate this article. However, as is always our policy, our opinions are our own, honest and true.

by Courtney Drake-McDonough, Publisher and Managing Editor | Apr 12, 2024 | Colorado Colorado Springs Garden of the Gods Resort remodel resort travel

Author: Courtney Drake-McDonough, Publisher and Managing Editor

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J. V. Stalin

Speech at Celebration Meeting of the Moscow Soviet of Working People’s Deputies and Moscow Party and Public Organizations

November 6, 1942.

COMRADES! To-day we are celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Revolution in our country. Twenty-five years have elapsed since the Soviet system was established in our country. We are now on the threshold of the next, the twenty-sixth year, of the existence of the Soviet regime.

At meetings in celebration of anniversaries of the October Soviet Revolution it is customary to pass in review the results of the work of the Government and Party organs for the past year. It is on these results for the past year, from November of last year to November of the current year, that I have been authorized to make a summary report to you.

The activities of our Government and Party organs during the past period proceeded in two directions: in the direction of peaceful construction and the organization of a strong rear for our front, on the one hand, and in the direction of carrying out defensive and offensive operations by the Red Army, on the other.

I. Organizational Work in the Rear

The peaceful, constructive work of our directing organs in this period consisted in shifting the base of our industry, both war and civilian, to the Eastern regions of our country; in the evacuation and establishment in their new places of the industrial workers and the equipment of the plants; in extending the sown areas and increasing the winter crop area in the east; and lastly in radically improving the work of our industries producing for the front and strengthening labour discipline in the rear, both in the factories and on the collective and state farms. It should be said that this was a most difficult and complex work of organization on a large scale on the part of all our economic and administrative People’s Commissariats, including our railways. However, we managed to overcome the difficulties. And now our factories, collective farms and state farms are indisputably, in spite of all the difficulties of war-time, working satisfactorily. Our war factories and allied enterprises are conscientiously and punctually supplying the Red Army with guns, mortars, aircraft, tanks, machineguns, rifles and ammunition. Our collective farms and State farms are likewise conscientiously and punctually supplying the population and the Red Army with foodstuffs and our industries with raw materials. It must be admitted that never before has our country had such a strong and well-organized rear.

As the result of all this complex organizational and constructional work not only our country but also the people themselves in the rear have been transformed. They have become more efficient, less slipshod, more disciplined; they have learned to work in war-time fashion and have come to realize their duty to the Motherland and her defenders at the front—the Red Army. Bunglers and slackers with no sense of civic duty are growing fewer and fewer in the rear. Organized and disciplined people, imbued with the sense of civic duty, are becoming more and more numerous.

But, as I have said, the past year was not only one of peaceful construction. It was at the same time a year of patriotic war against the German invaders who vilely and treacherously attacked our peaceful country.

II. Military Operations on the Soviet-German Front

As regards the military activities of our directing organs in the past year, these consisted in providing for offensive and defensive operations by the Red Army against the German-fascist troops. The military operations on the Soviet-German front in the past year may be divided into two periods: The first period was chiefly the winter period, when the Red Army, having beaten off the Germans’ attack on Moscow, took the initiative into its own hands, passed to the offensive, drove back the German troops and in the space of four months advanced, in places, over 400 kilometres (250 miles); and the second period was the summer period, when the German-fascist troops, taking advantage of the absence of a second front in Europe, mustered all their available reserves, pierced the front in the south-westerly direction and, taking the initiative into their own hands, in the space of five months advanced in places as much as 500 kilometres (300 miles).

Military operations in the first period, especially the successful operations of the Red Army in the Rostov, Tula and Kaluga areas, at Moscow and at Tikhvin and Leningrad, disclosed two significant facts. They showed, first, that the Red Army and its fighting cadres have grown into an effective force capable not only of withstanding the onslaught of the German-fascist troops, but also of defeating them in open battle and driving them back. They showed, secondly, that for all their staunchness, the German-fascist troops have such serious organic defects that, given certain favourable conditions for the Red Army, these may lead to the defeat of the German troops. It cannot be regarded as mere chance that the German troops, having marched in triumph through all Europe, and having smashed at one blow the French troops which had been considered first-class troops, met with effective military resistance only in our own country, and not only met with resistance, but were compelled, under the blows of the Red Army, to retreat more than 400 kilometres (250 miles) from the positions they had occupied, abandoning on their road of retreat an immense quantity of guns, machines and ammunition. This fact cannot be explained by winter conditions of warfare alone.

The second period of military operations on the Soviet-German front was marked by a change in favour of the Germans, by the passing of the initiative into the hands of the Germans, by the piercing of our front in the south-western direction, by the advance of the German troops and their reaching the areas of Voronezh, Stalingrad, Novorossisk, Pyatigorsk and Mozdok. Taking advantage of the absence of a second front in Europe, the Germans and their allies hurled all their available reserves to the front and, massing them in one direction—the south-western direction—created a largo superiority of forces and achieved a substantial tactical success.

Apparently the Germans are no longer strong enough to conduct an offensive simultaneously in all three directions, in the south, north and centre, as was the case in the early months of the German offensive in the summer of last year. But they are still strong enough to organize a serious offensive in one direction.

What was the principal objective of the German-fascist strategists when they started their summer offensive on our front? To judge by the comments of the foreign Press, including the German, one might think that the principal objective of the offensive was to capture the oil districts of Grozny and Baku. But the facts decisively refute this assumption. The facts show that the Germans’ advance on the oil districts of the U.S.S.R. is not their main aim but an auxiliary one.

What then was the principal objective of the German offensive? It was to outflank Moscow from the east, to cut it off from our rear in the Volga and Urals areas and then to strike at Moscow. The advance of the Germans southward towards the oil districts had an auxiliary purpose which was not only and not so much to capture the oil districts, as to divert our main reserves to the south and to weaken the Moscow front, so as to make it easier to achieve success when striking at Moscow. This, in fact, explains why the main grouping of German troops is now to be found not in the south but in the Orel and Stalingrad areas.

Recently an officer of the German General Staff fell into the hands of our men. A map was found on this officer showing the plan and time-table of the advance of the German troops. From this document it transpires that the Germans intended to be in Borisoglebsk on July 10 of this year, in Stalingrad on July 25, in Saratov on August 10, in Kuibyshev on August 15, in Arzamas on September 10 and in Baku on September 25.

This document completely confirms our information to the effect that the principal aim of the Germans’ summer offensive was to outflank Moscow from the east and to strike at Moscow, while the purpose of the advance to the south was, apart from everything else, to divert our reserves as far as possible from Moscow and to weaken the Moscow front so as to make it easier to strike at Moscow.

In short, the main aim of the Germans’ summer offensive was to surround Moscow and end the war this year.

In November of last year the Germans reckoned on capturing Moscow by a frontal attack, compelling the Red Army to capitulate, and thus achieving the termination of the war in the east. They fed their soldiers with these illusions. But, as we know, these calculations of the Germans miscarried. Having burnt their fingers last year in attempting a frontal blow at Moscow, the Germans conceived the intention of capturing Moscow this year, this time by an outflanking movement, and thus ending the war in the east. It is with these illusions that they are now feeding their duped soldiers. As is known, these calculations of the Germans also miscarried. As the result of chasing two hares—both oil and the encirclement of Moscow—the German-fascist strategists found themselves in a difficult situation.

Thus the tactical successes of the Germans’ summer offensive were not consummated owing to the obvious unreality of their strategic plans.

III. The Question of the Second Front in Europe

How are we to explain the fact that the Germans this year were still able to take the initiative of military operations into their hands and achieve substantial tactical successes on our front?

It is to be explained by the fact that the Germans and their allies succeeded in mustering all their available reserves, hurling them on to the eastern front and creating a large superiority of forces in one of the directions. There can be no doubt that but for these measures the Germans could not have achieved any success on our front.

But why were they able to muster all their reserves and hurl them on the eastern front? Because the absence of a second front in Europe enabled them to carry out this operation without any risk to themselves.

Hence the chief reason for the tactical successes of the Germans on our front this year is that the absence of a second front in Europe enabled them to hurl on to our front all their available reserves and to create a large superiority of forces in the south-western direction.

Let us assume that a second front existed in Europe, as it existed in the first World War, and that a second front diverted, let us say, sixty German divisions and twenty divisions of Germany’s allies. What would have been the position of the German troops on our front then? It is not difficult to guess that their position would have been deplorable. More than that, it would have been the beginning of the end of the German-fascist troops, for in that case the Red Army would not be where it is now, but somewhere near Pskov, Minsk, Zhitomir and Odessa. That means that in the summer of this year the German-fascist army would already have been on the verge of disaster. If that has not occurred, it is because the Germans were saved by the absence of a second front in Europe.

Let us examine the question of a second front in Europe in its historical aspect.

In the first World War Germany had to fight on two fronts in the west, chiefly against Great Britain and France, and in the east against the Russian troops. Thus in the first World War there existed a second front against Germany. Of the 220 divisions which Germany had then, not more than 85 German divisions were stationed on the Russian front. If to this we add the troops of Germany’s allies then facing the Russian front—namely, 37 Austro-Hungarian divisions, 2 Bulgarian divisions and 3 Turkish divisions—we get a total of 127 divisions facing the Russian troops. The rest of the divisions of Germany and her allies mainly held the front against the Anglo-French troops, while part of them performed garrison service in occupied territories of Europe.

Such was the position in the first World War.

What is the position now, in the second World War, in September of this year, let us say?

According to authenticated information which is beyond all doubt, of the 256 divisions which Germany now has, not less than 179 German divisions are on our front. If to this we add 22 Rumanian divisions, 14 Finnish divisions, 10 Italian divisions, 13 Hungarian divisions, 1 Slovak and 1 Spanish division, we get a total of 240 divisions which are now fighting on our front. The remaining divisions of Germany and her allies are performing garrison service in the occupied countries (France, Belgium, Norway, Holland, Yugoslavia, Poland, Czechoslovakia, etc.), while part of them are fighting in Libya for Egypt against Great Britain, the Libyan front diverting in all 4 German divisions and 11 Italian divisions.

Hence, instead of the 127 divisions as in the first World War, we are now facing on our front no less than 240 divisions, and, instead of 85 German divisions, we now have 179 German divisions fighting the Red Army.

There you have the chief reason and foundation for the tactical success of the German-fascist troops on our front in the summer of this year.

The German invasion of our country is often compared to Napoleon’s invasion of Russia. But this comparison will not bear criticism. Of the 600,000 troops which began the campaign against Russia, Napoleon scarcely brought 130,000 or 140,000 as far as Borodino.

That was all he had at his disposal at Moscow. Well, we now have over 3,000,000 troops facing the front of the Red Army and armed with all the implements of modern warfare. What comparison can there be here?

The German invasion of our country is also sometimes compared to the German invasion of Russia at the time of the first World War. But neither will this comparison bear criticism. First, in the first World War there was a second front in Europe which rendered the Germans’ position very difficult, whereas in this war there is no second front in Europe. Secondly, in this war, twice as many troops are facing our front as in the first World War. Obviously the comparison is not appropriate.

You can now conceive how serious and extraordinary are the difficulties confronting the Red Army, and how great is the heroism displayed by the Red Army in its war of liberation against the German-fascist troops.

I think that no other country and no other army could have withstood such an onslaught of the bestial bands of the German-fascist brigands and their allies. Only our Soviet country and only our Red Army are capable of withstanding such an onslaught. ( Loud applause .) And not only withstanding it but also overpowering it.

It is often asked: But will there be a second front in Europe after all? Yes, there will be; sooner or later, there will be one. And it will be not only because we need it, but above all because our Allies need it no less than we do. Our Allies cannot fail to realize that since France has been put out of action, the absence of a second front against fascist Germany may end badly for all freedom-loving countries, including the Allies themselves.

IV. Fighting Alliance of the U.S.S.R., Great Britain and the U.S.A. Against Hitlerite Germany and her Allies in Europe

It may now be considered indisputable that, in the course of the war imposed upon the nations by Hitlerite Germany, a radical demarcation of forces and the formation of two opposite camps have taken place: the camp of the Italo-German coalition and the camp of the Anglo-Soviet-American coalition.

It is equally indisputable that these two opposite coalitions are guided by two different and opposite programmes of action.

The programme of action of the Italo-German coalition may be described by the following points: racial hatred; domination of “chosen” nations; subjugation of other nations and seizure of their territories; economic enslavement of subjugated nations and plunder of their national wealth; destruction of democratic liberties; the institution of the Hitlerite regime everywhere.

The programme of action of the Anglo-Soviet-American coalition is: the abolition of racial exclusiveness; the equality of nations and the inviolability of their territories; the liberation of the enslaved nations and the restoration of their sovereign rights; the right of every nation to arrange its affairs as it wishes; economic aid to the nations that have suffered and assistance to them in achieving their material welfare; the restoration of democratic liberties; the destruction of the Hitlerite regime.

The effect of the programme of action of the Italo-German coalition has been that all the occupied countries of Europe—Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Holland, France, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Greece and the occupied regions of the U.S.S.R.—are burning with hatred for the Italo-German tyranny, are doing all the damage they can to the Germans and their allies and are waiting for a favourable opportunity to take revenge on their enslavers for the humiliations and outrages which they are suffering.

In this connection, one of the characteristic features of the present moment is the progressively growing isolation of the Italo-German coalition and the depletion of its moral and political reserves in Europe, its growing weakness and disintegration.

The effect of the programme of action of the Anglo-Soviet-American coalition has been that all the occupied countries in Europe are full of sympathy for the members of this coalition and are prepared to render them all the help of which they are capable.

In this connection, another characteristic feature of the present moment is that the moral and political reserves of this coalition are growing from day to day in Europe—and not only in Europe—and that this coalition is progressively winning millions of sympathizers ready to join in the fighting against the Hitlerite tyranny.

If the relative strength of these two coalitions is examined from the standpoint of human and material resources, one cannot help reaching the conclusion that the Anglo-Soviet-American coalition has an indisputable advantage.

The question is: is this advantage alone sufficient for victory? There are occasions, as we know, when resources are abundant, but are expended so unwisely that the advantage is nullified. Obviously, what is needed in addition to resources is the capacity to mobilize these resources and the ability to make the correct use of them. Is there any reason for doubting the existence of such ability and such capacity on the part of the men of the Anglo-Soviet-American coalition? There are people who doubt this. But what grounds have they for their doubts? In the past the men of this coalition displayed their ability and capacity to mobilize the resources of their countries and to use them correctly for purposes of economic, cultural and political development. One asks: what grounds are there for doubting that men who have displayed capacity and ability in mobilizing and distributing resources for economic, cultural and political purposes will prove incapable of doing the same thing for purposes of war? I think there are no such grounds.

It is said that the Anglo-Soviet-American coalition has every chance of winning and would certainly win, if it did not have one organic defect which is capable of weakening and disintegrating it. This defect, in the opinion of these people is that this coalition consists of heterogeneous elements with different ideologies and that this circumstance will prevent their organizing joint action against the common enemy.

I think that this assertion is incorrect.

It would be ridiculous to deny the difference in the ideologies and social systems of the countries composing the Anglo-Soviet-American coalition. But does this preclude the possibility and expediency of joint action on the part of the members of this coalition against the common enemy who holds out the threat of enslavement for them? It certainly does not preclude it. More than that, the existence of this threat imperatively imposes the necessity of joint action upon the members of the coalition in order to save mankind from reverting to savagery and mediæval brutality. Is not the programme of action of the Anglo-Soviet-American coalition a sufficient basis for the organization of the joint struggle against Hitlerite tyranny and for the achievement of victory over it? I think that it is quite sufficient.

The assumption of these people is incorrect also because of the fact that it is completely refuted by the events of the past year. Indeed, f these people were right we should be observing a progressive mutual alienation of the members of the Anglo-Soviet-American coalition. Yet, far from observing this, we have facts and events indicative of progressive rapprochement between the members of the Anglo-Soviet-American coalition and their uniting into a single fighting alliance. The events of the past year supply direct proof of this. In July, 1941, several weeks after Germany attacked the U.S.S.R., Great Britain concluded with us an Agreement on “Joint action in the war against Germany.” At that time we had not yet any Agreement with the United States of America on this subject. Ten months later, on May 26, 1942, during Comrade Molotov’s visit to Great Britain, the latter concluded with us a “Treaty of Alliance in the war against Hitlerite Germany and her associates in Europe and of collaboration and mutual assistance after the war.” This Treaty was concluded for a period of twenty years. It marks an historic turning-point in the relations between our country and Great Britain. In June, 1942, during Comrade Molotov’s visit to the United States, the United States of America concluded with us an “Agreement on the principles applying to mutual aid in the prosecution of the war against aggression,” an Agreement representing an important step forward in the relations between the U.S.S.R. and the United States. Finally, one should mention so important a fact as the visit to Moscow of the Prime Minister of Great Britain, Mr. Churchill, which established complete mutual understanding between the leaders of the two countries. There can be no doubt that all these facts point to a progressive rapprochement between the U.S.S.R., Great Britain and the United States of America, and to their uniting in a fighting alliance against the Italo-German coalition.

It follows that the logic of things is stronger than any other logic. There can be only one conclusion, namely that the Anglo-Soviet-American coalition has every chance of vanquishing the Italo-German coalition and undoubtedly will vanquish it.

V. Our Tasks

The war has torn aside all veils and laid bare all relationships. The situation has become so clear that nothing is easier than to define our tasks in this war.

In an interview with the Turkish general, Erkilet, published in the Turkish newspaper Cumhuriet , that cannibal Hitler said: “We shall destroy Russia so that she will never be able to rise again.” This seems clear, although rather ridiculous. ( Laughter ). We have no such aim as to destroy Germany, for it is impossible to destroy Germany, just as it is impossible to destroy Russia. But the Hitlerite State can and must be destroyed. ( Loud applause .)

Our first task, in fact, is to destroy the Hitlerite State and its inspirers. ( Loud applause .)

In the same interview with the same general, that cannibal Hitler went on to say: “We shall continue the war until there is no organized military force left in Russia.” This seems clear, though illiterate. ( Laughter ) It is not our aim to destroy all organized military force in Germany, for every literate person will understand that this is not only impossible in regard to Germany, as it is in regard to Russia, but it is also inexpedient from the point of view of the victor. But Hitler’s army can and must be destroyed. ( Loud applause .)

Our second task, in fact, is to destroy Hitler’s army and its leaders. ( Loud applause .)

The Hitlerite blackguards have made it a rule to torture Soviet prisoners of war, to kill them by the hundred and to condemn thousands of them to death by starvation. They outrage and murder the civilian population of the occupied territories of our country: men and women, children and old folk, our brothers and sisters. They have made it their aim to enslave and exterminate the population of the Ukraine, Byelorussia, the Baltic Republics, Moldavia, the Crimea and the Caucasus. Only villains and blackguards, devoid of all honour and fallen to the level of beasts, can permit themselves such outrages against innocent, unarmed people. But this is not all. They have covered Europe with gallows and concentration camps. They have introduced the vile system of “hostages”; they shoot and hang absolutely innocent citizens taken as “hostages” because some German beast was prevented from violating women or robbing ordinary people; they have turned Europe into a prison of nations, and this they call the “New Order in Europe.” We know who are be men guilty of these outrages, the builders of the “New Order in Europe”—all those newly baked governor-generals or just ordinary governors, commandants and sub-commandants. Their names are known to tens of thousands of tormented people. Let these butchers know that they will not escape responsibility for their crimes or elude the avenging hand of the tormented nations.

Our third task is to destroy the hated “New Order in Europe” and to punish its builders.

Such are our tasks. ( Loud applause .)

Comrades, we are waging a great war of liberation. We are not waging it alone, but in conjunction with our allies. It will bring us victory over the vile enemies of mankind, over the German-fascist imperialists. On its banner is inscribed:

Long live the victory of the Anglo-Soviet-American fighting alliance! ( Applause .)

Long live the liberation of the peoples of Europe from. Hitler’s tyranny! ( Applause .)

Long live the liberty and independence of our glorious Soviet Motherland! ( Applause .)

Execration and death to the German-fascist invaders, their State, their army, their “New Order in Europe”! ( Applause .)

Glory to our Red Army. ( Loud applause .)

Glory to our Navy. ( Loud applause .)

Glory to our men and women guerillas! ( Loud and prolonged applause. All rise. )

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Tracing the Long, Winding Path of an Ancient Roman Aqueduct

The Aqua Marcia was the longest of the city’s aqueducts, running nearly 60 miles from its source in the countryside to the heart of ancient Rome. The author followed its course, above and below ground.

In the Park of the Aqueducts, 20 minutes by metro from central Rome, ancient aqueducts that once supplied the Eternal City with water have been preserved. Credit... Roberto Salomone for The New York Times

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By David Laskin

David Laskin, a frequent visitor to Rome for the past four decades, has written numerous articles on the history, culture, art and architecture of the Eternal City.

• April 24, 2024

The stone arches looped solemnly over their shadows, some teetering above the grass, some sinking into it. It was a dazzling January morning, and I was standing in the Park of the Aqueducts , about 20 minutes by metro from central Rome. Here, the ruined arcades of six of the 11 aqueducts that once supplied the Eternal City with an astonishing volume of water — by some counts double the per capita water allotment of a typical 21st-century American city — have been preserved.

My aim was to trace the course of one of them: the Aqua Marcia, built between 144 and 140 B.C. by Julius Caesar’s ancestor Quintus Marcius Rex.

Hailed by Pliny the Elder as “the most famous of all waters in the world for coldness and wholesomeness,” the Marcia was also the longest of the capital’s ancient aqueducts, running some 56.8 miles from source to city. Only about 6.2 miles stood above ground.

I had always assumed that Rome’s aqueducts were a kind of aerial plumbing, their water channeled atop arches. But the Marcia, like all classical aqueducts, ran largely underground. The water moved by the force of gravity, and arches and bridges, which were expensive and vulnerable to attack, were only used to span ravines, valleys and other dips in the terrain that would have interrupted the flow.

The arcade of the Marcia is now dry, but the same water still feeds mountain springs east of the capital. And though it now travels through a modern network of tunnels and tubes, the water is still referred to by its ancient name and is still considered Rome’s best drinking water.

One of the series of arches that rose before me once carried this current to Rome. But which one?

In the Park of the Aqueducts

The roughly 600-acre Park of the Aqueducts has few signs, maps or directions. Romans come here to jog and walk their dogs. The few tourists wander through a bucolic landscape — green, tranquil, its imposing ruins seemingly untouched by modernity — that has appeared in such iconic Italian films as “La Dolce Vita” and “La Grande Bellezza.”

Michele Alfonsi, a lawyer who heads up Pons Iani , a volunteer group devoted to aqueducts, offered to guide me. “See that?” he asked, pointing to a stone passageway atop massive arches. “That’s the specus of the Aqua Marcia.”

Specus is the Latin term for a roofed channel built at a slight downward slope so that water would run through it without gushing or puddling. This one was nearly high enough to stand up inside.

We clambered up the keystone of the arch, now just a few feet above ground level. When it was completed during the heyday of the Republic, the Marcia was the first aqueduct to bring water to the Capitoline, Rome’s most sacred hill. A small fountain there has been chiseled with the words “Acqua Marcia,” but like modern Rome’s taps, it now spouts a mixture of water from five different founts.

To sample pure Marcia water, I’d need to travel to the source.

‘Where’s the water?’

Sextus Julius Frontinus, the first-century commissioner of the aqueducts, wrote that the fount of the Marcia is near the 36th milestone of the ancient Roman road Via Valeria (roughly 35 miles east of Rome). But I had been warned that the original trenches had been obliterated in 1870 when the Marcia’s long-defunct classical aqueduct was reincarnated as the Acqua Pia Antica Marcia.

“You’ll get close,” said Peter J. Aicher, author of “Guide to the Aqueducts of Ancient Rome,” “by searching for Centro Casetta Rossa Idrico on Google Maps.”

I found the “casetta,” a small red stucco house used by the modern aqueduct’s maintenance personnel, at the edge of a green field. Aside from the inscription “Acqua Pia Antica Marcia 1870” carved over the front door, and the shed-like structures built above springs alongside the road, there was no indication that Rome’s best drinking water originated here.

I took in the rounded hills, hazy blue in the distance, and the Italian cypresses striping their shadows across a little-traveled, two-lane highway. “Where’s the water?” I asked a maintenance man. He pointed down: The underground springs that Quintus Marcius Rex first channeled over 2,000 years ago still bubble beneath this bucolic spot. The only way to plumb Marcia’s depths was to go spelunking.

Which is how, a few days later, I found myself clinging to an exposed tree root on the side of a ravine dropping to the Aniene River east of Rome. “Put your right foot there,” Alfonso Diaz Boj coaxed. “Two more steps and we’ll be at the Marcia’s specus.”

Mr. Diaz Boj, a guide with Sotterranei di Roma , which offers tours of Rome’s underground treasures, was leading a jaunt into the ancient, now-dry aqueduct channels buried near the town of Vicovaro, about eight miles west of the Marcia’s source. Twelve of us met at the Convent of San Cosimato, whose property contains the ruins, to suit up in hard hats and headlamps.

Once we had negotiated the hand- and toeholds and were hunched into the shoulder-high specus, Mr. Diaz Boj pointed to a lozenge of light slanting down from a shaft: “Teams of workers excavated these shafts every 15 meters. When they reached the proper depth, two teams dug toward each other laterally until they joined up.”

We passed bats clinging to the walls, and quills attested to the presence of porcupines. Over the centuries, the Marcia’s water had deposited multicolored bubbles and stripes of calcium on the concrete that Romans used to seal the specus. Mr. Diaz Boj pointed to graffiti scratched into the concrete — mysterious crosses, doodles and the possibly faked signature of Thomas Ashby, the British archaeologist and author of the 1935 “Aqueducts of Ancient Rome.”

After a lunch of lasagna, saltimbocca alla Romana and roast potatoes at the convent, I had a drink from a spigot in the garden. Only later did I learn that Vicovaro is inside the zone that receives the Marcia’s water unadulterated. It was delicious and refreshing, though I can’t say I detected much difference from the mixed water of central Rome.

The Marcia surfaces on arches and bridges several times between Vicovaro and the Park of the Aqueducts, most spectacularly at Ponte Lupo, about 10 miles south of Tivoli. This colossal bridge spanning a deep gorge has been in the hands of the Barberini family since 1633, when Pope Urban VIII acquired the surrounding estate. Guided tours (reserve by email, [email protected] ) are offered occasionally and during the festivals held here in the summer. Fortunately for me, a friend in Rome had arranged a private visit.

Ponte Lupo’s present owner, the actor and activist Prince Urbano Barberini, was waiting for us at the unpaved access road. A trim, handsome man in his early 60s, the prince recounted the site’s recent vicissitudes as he led us down a sloping meadow. When he regained title to the property after a long legal battle, the field and stream around the bridge had been buried in rubbish and frequented by sex workers.

I had seen images of Ponte Lupo, but nothing prepared me for its size and complexity. The original tuff arches carried the Marcia across a steep ravine. Subsequent retaining walls and buttresses have transformed the bridge into a palimpsest of building styles.

“It’s a difficult scramble,” the prince said, gazing up to the precipitous, densely vegetated summit above a dry creek. “Would you like to try?”

I eyed the rugged, tangled sides of the ravine. “Maybe not.”

“Good,” the prince replied, smiling. And we strolled back to the highway.

‘Engineering on a monumental scale’

The Marcia entered Rome on arches at Porta Maggiore , chosen as the entry point for eight ancient aqueducts because of its high elevation on Esquiline Hill. At first glance this busy crossroads near the Termini rail station struck me as rough and forlorn, but I gave it a closer look. Aqueduct arches converge or radiate from every direction. The Marcia’s specus is slotted above a chunky pier built of a volcanic stone called tuff that abuts the gate.

If you tune out the traffic, there is no better place to savor what one historian calls the Roman “knack for practical engineering on a monumental scale.”

It takes about half an hour on foot to trace the Marcia’s path through ancient Rome. From Porta Maggiore, the aqueduct tracked the Aurelian Wall as far as the elegant Augustan arch called Porta Tiburtina. From there, it veered off to follow today’s Via Marsala before emptying into a distribution basin now buried beneath the train station.

The Fountain of the Naiads

After the Marcia was reborn as the Marcia Pia in 1870, the Fountain of the Naiads was conjured up to showcase its purity in the Piazza della Repubblica, a 10-minute walk from Termini station.

Some of Baroque Rome’s most cherished monuments are display fountains, or mostre, celebrating the newly restored aqueducts that once again brought spring water to Rome. The Trevi Fountain is the mostra of the Acqua Vergine, the only aqueduct that has run continuously since antiquity.

But the Fountain of the Naiads is different. Unlike the gravity-fed aqueducts of pre-modern times, the Marcia flowed under pressure created by mechanical pumps, which allowed the fountain’s jets to shoot nearly seven feet high.

Katherine Rinne, the author of the forthcoming “Walking Rome’s Waters,” calls this “the Hugh Hefner fountain” because of its cavorting naked nymphs. It rises in the middle of a busy major intersection. “If you are brave enough to face six lanes of horrendous traffic,” Ms. Rinne said, “you can dangle your feet in it on a hot day.”

Just don’t drink it. Today, the naiads frolic in water that is periodically drained for cleaning and maintenance.

If you are inspired to sip from the source, do as the Romans do and cup a hand under one of the nasoni (big noses) that spout from goose-necked spigots all over town. Two thousand years after Pliny lauded the Marcia as a gift from the gods, Rome’s aqueducts are still lavishing cold, clear spring water on the Eternal City.

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