Bring your camera and some hiking boots and be prepared to explore some awe-inspiring scenery. Best of all? Visiting Garden of the Gods is free!

Sierra Nevada lakes are especially sensitive to changes from these stressors because the waters are very dilute and t hus small changes can result in pronounced environmental effects.

A visitor of the Pikes Peak Highway died in the Devil’s Playground-area on Wednesday, October 9. The Devil’s Playground-area is located above treeline on Pikes Peak along the final few miles leading to the 14,115-foot summit. This death occurred just weeks after another hiking death in the Colorado Springs area.

Although not as dramatic as Bryce National Park, Garden of the Gods is worth a visit. Located around 1 hour south of Denver off Hwy 25, it’s an easy destination. The 20 minute video presentation in the Visitors Center at the park entrance is $5 per person and well worth the money.

Trail Snapshot: Garden of the Gods

Back in 1859, when a surveyor named Rufus Cable first saw the towering fins of rock jutting over 300 feet into the air near Pikes Peak, he enthusiastically declared that it was “a fit place for the gods to assemble!” From this excited outburst came the name Garden of the Gods, by which we know this beautiful Colorado …

Yes, you can drive through the Garden of the Gods and there are several parking areas. There is no charge to visit the Garden. It is a great place to visit!

The Garden of the Gods’ red rock formations were created during a geological upheaval along a natural fault line millions of years ago.

Doggie cleanup bags are available at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center in the designated pet area. The Rocks in the Park are easily damaged please Do not mark or carve on them. Take only pictures. Do not remove any of the Park’s natural features (rocks, plants, animals).

The Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark in Colorado Springs. How did the red rocks form? The park’s famous red rocks formed millions of years ago due to upheavals in the earth’s surface and erosion. The rocks are conglomerates of red, pink, and white sandstones and limestone.

Special programs are offered year-round and some may require a reservation. School Programs are offered during the school year and Junior Ranger Programs are available as well. Garden of the Gods Nature Presentations also take place on a daily basis at the Visitor Center.

The Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado….From I-25:

1. Take Exit #146 (Garden of the Gods Road)
2. Go West (towards the mountains) for 2.5 miles.
3. Turn Left onto 30th Street.
4. The Visitor & Nature Center will be on the left (a little over a mile)

Parking Areas: The main parking lot in the north end of the Park is the best place to park in order to enjoy the Central Garden Area. A paved pathway will take you between the towering Gateway Rock Formations and into the heart of the Park. Nature walks begin at the Main Parking Lot at 10 am and 2 pm daily.

Visitors to Garden of the Gods Park can now enjoy a new view of the park’s massive red rock formations from a brand new overlook. The overlook and restrooms are located at the main parking lot on the north side of the park.