Garden of the Gods
add photosGarden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark with dramatic views of 300' towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak and blue skies. The visitor center has lots of exhibits, murals and hands on activities for families to enjoy.
The hours of the park vary from the hours of the visitor center. The visitor center hours are 9 am to 5 pm in the winter months and 8 am to 8 pm Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
23 Reviews for Garden of the Gods
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1 family found this helpful
"No wonder they call it Garden of the Gods!"
One of our stops along our 22 day cross country trip was in Colorado to visit with dear family friends.
They decided we could not leave Colorado without seeing Garden of the Gods and after arriving, I knew why.
It took our breath away.
The views were just beautiful...
stunning.
We spent at least an hour walking along the beautiful trails, stopping to look at the wild life and the mountain climbers. (which fascinated all of the kids, and adults)
I'm sure we would've stayed much longer enjoying the views, but unfortunately there was a storm rolling in so we cut it short but definitely plan to one day return and pack a picnic lunch.
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0 families found this helpful
"Stunning!"
An amazing adventure for the entire family! Miles of trails that are stroller friendly with restrooms positioned throughout the park. Make sure to stop by the visitors center for a map, some neat animal displays, a quick snack in the cafe, or watch a video about the park for a nominal fee. Our child loved being able to run along the pathways and was in awe of the "red rock mountains". Bring the bikes for another fun adventure or a picnic lunch and spend the day. There isn't much shade, so make sure to bring sunglasses and sunscreen for the family.
1 family found this helpful
"Breath taking!"
Garden of the Gods is such a beautiful and unique park. The red rock formations are like beautiful works of art, but, works of art that the kids can climb all over! So while you and you spouse can appreciate them for their beauty the kids can appreciate them as natures jungle gym! The walking paths are flat and totally BOB stroller friendly.
0 families found this helpful
"Absolutely gorgeous!"
The views here are spectacular! HUGE rocks are just stacked one after the other, which sounds lame, but it is actually amazing! They were formed like that and weather conditions made them the way they are. Some look like they could fall over at any second. It really is a sight to see! My family got a lot of amazing photos next to rocks so big we look tiny. You can drive all over the place or walk in some areas.
1 family found this helpful
"Beautiful in any weather"
Garden of the Gods is the perfect winter playground. Cold weather play can be a challenge in locales hit by winter. Colorado Springs sits below Pikes Peak on the east side of the Rocky Mountains. Snow doesn't stay on the ground for long, but strong and icy winds aren't ideal for outdoor activities. But they are possible in short spurts!
Suggested Activity for Cold or Warm Weather:
The Garden of the Gods Nature Center paired with a short walk among the red monoliths on the Central Garden Trail provide a little relief from the indoor blues. We start with a little exploration of the Visitor Center and maybe a giant hot pretzel and cocoa (or lemonade depending on the season) at the snack bar. Then we head across the street, by car, until the road dead ends. Turn right and wind around to the first main parking lot on your left. Park and walk into the park - as far as the weather allows. Bring your camera and watch for wildlife (often spot bighorn sheep on the rocks to the north of the main parking lot - opposite from the Central Garden). Partway down the path, the kids love to run rings around the circular stone site of the old chuckwagon suppers. From here, let the kids lead you on an exploration of their own.
Parking is free at the Visitor Center and inside the park.
Paved walkways criss-cross the center of the park.
Bathrooms in the Visitor Center and near the parking lot.
Picnic tables dot the park.
0 families found this helpful
"Great way to enjoy the outside"
We love going to Garden of the Gods. Hiking around and seeing the different rock formations is wonderful. There is a great path for strollers and a large parking lot. We found several great photo opportunities and will keep those pictures forever! If you are coming to Colorado, make sure to add this to your list of things to see.
0 families found this helpful
"We love to climb the rocks and picnic at garden of the gods!"
Garden of the Gods is definitely worth the visit. The beautiful rock formations are amazing to take in just by driving through the park. If you have time, though, stop and get out, let the kids climb (as long as you're close by them) and take some pictures of the beauty. We enjoy bringing a picnic lunch along too! LOVE this place, and love that it's FREE!!
1 family found this helpful
"beautiful!"
Beautiful and free area to hike, sightsee or relax. Great place to let kids run around, ON THE PATH. Last time we were at Garden of the Gods my daughter, who is two, and her cousin who is one were sitting on some rocks just a reach off the path. This volunteer came up and said, "that is bouldering and there is a $500 fine for that". We apologized and he was very rude. Are you really going to fine a 1 and 2 year old. We were unaware, they were sitting on some rocks, thought harmless. There are people on belays rock climbing everywhere. Thought it could have been dealt with differently.
0 families found this helpful
"Picture Moment"
You must have a camera when you visit the garden of the gods. Its so beautiful. I would also recommend if you take your bicycles to cruise around on those. The best picture moment for kids is an area where a large boulder is held up by a smaller boulder so kids can stand under it and give the illusion they are holding this boulder on their shoulders. My brothers and I loved this. The last time we went to CO Springs was in the fall, October, and I would say that is one of the most beautiful times to go.
0 families found this helpful
"Amazing!"
We took our infant daughter to the Garden of the Gods one summer. This was awesome and amazing! THe rocks are astounding -- enormous and it's fun to study the shapes and the formations' names. Lots of possibilities, depending on how much time you want to spend. Lots of room to roam.
0 families found this helpful
"Garden of the Gods is the 1st place we take visiting friends!"
It's FREE, it's beautiful, there's nothing like it anywhere but here, and you could spend anywhere from half an hour to half the day there just depending on how much walking and hiking and picnicking you want to do. If you prefer to not get out of the car at all you could go there for a scenic drive even. Plus there's lots of places to pull over and get a beautiful picture. It's one of my kids favorite places to go!
0 families found this helpful
"Beautiful place"
Garden of the Gods is a wonderful place to both drive through and take a stroll in. There are many simple paths and also some decent trails to walk. As someone from out of state, I was blown away by the wonder of such natural beauty. There are also some wild rams that hang out on the hills that are fun to catch a glimpse of.
0 families found this helpful
"spectacular!"
This was one of my first dates with my boyfriend and wow! It is so amazing. I love to go here & walk around or even hike. Also an amazing place to take pictures! All of the different rock formations are breathtaking and in my opinion, a must see when you are in the Springs area. There is just something magical about this place. Any time I have family or friends visit this is the first place we go.
0 families found this helpful
"Beauty But Not Much More"
There are a lot of great trails that kids can easily access. The paved handicap accessible 'trails' are great and SUPER easy. The area is gorgeous but, other than hiking, there isn't much more to do in the park. The park is very well maintained and the park rangers always seem to be around to help.
1 family found this helpful
"great for visitors"
This is one of the spots we always take guests from out of town. The scenery is amazing and we always find rock climbers to watch as we walk through the park. There's a good visitors center, as well, with lots of info available about the geology, etc. of the park. Our favorite spot to see is the Kissing Camels - a rock formation that LOOKS like kissing camels!
0 families found this helpful
"Gorgeous!"
We visit Garden of the Gods at least twice a year. A perfect place for a picnic and a stroll in the sun! Lots of walkways that are stroller-friendly. There's also a Garden of the Gods Trading Post and Cafe where you can get lunch and souvenirs. Very beautiful! Lots of gorgeous photo ops!
3 families found this helpful
"Spectacular views"
This is a really neat, free activity place that the whole family can enjoy. Our family enjoyed looking at the different, unique rock formations and the kids were especially thrilled when we got out and went rock climbing. We just climbed a small area but as we continued our drive we saw other people who were doing some serious climbing with the necessary equipment. It is an activity that can be fairly quick or can be stretched out into an all day activity. Make sure to bring plenty to drink so no one gets dehydrated!!
1 family found this helpful
"Free and fun"
We loved Garden of the Gods. It was a little busy when we went, but it was a holiday weekend. We were able to get a map and directions on where to park from the visitor center. They also had lots of pictures and models in there as well. And we loved that it was absolutely free!
1 family found this helpful
"Great Outdoor Fun!"
The rocks are so uniquely formed and are great fun to climb on. There are a ton of hiking trails, and it's fun to watch the rock climbers scaling up the beautiful red rocks. We like to take a picnic lunch and walk on the well maintained paths to a secluded area, observe the wildlife and eat our lunch. :)
0 families found this helpful
"Hiking for everyone"
The Garden of the Gods offers a free tour on the paved walking trail twice a day. The tour guide was friendly, interactive and informative. We went with my large family group, there were 16 of us there ranging in age from 1 year old to 67 years old. We all walked the paved Perkins Central Garden Trail with no difficulty pushing a stroller. There were breathtaking views of Pike's Peak and interesting rock formations along the trail.
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