Garden of the Gods (6,400′) Front Range
Garden of the Gods is a geologically unique 480 acre park, having one of the most complete and complex exposures of earth’s history anywhere in the country. On the outskirts of Colorado Springs, it is popular for hiking, technical rock climbing, biking, and horseback riding. There are more than 15 miles of trails, with a 1.1-mile trail running through the heart of the park, that is paved and wheelchair accessible. The park is a registered National Natural Landmark, with dramatic views of 300′ towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak.
Roxborough State Park to the north also has stunning red rock geological features within easy access of the parking lot.
Trail Pictures
Cathedral Valley sandstone formations
Cathedral Valley sandstone formations
View of Garden of the Gods with Pikes Peak in the distance
View of Garden of the Gods with Pikes Peak in the distance
Snow on Pikes Peak creating a bright reflection
Snow on Pikes Peak creating a bright reflection
Balanced Rock
Balanced Rock
Steamboat Rock on left and Balanced Rock in the middle
Steamboat Rock on left and Balanced Rock in the middle
Sandstone formations in Cathedral Valley
Sandstone formations in Cathedral Valley
North and South Gateway Rock
North and South Gateway Rock
Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site
Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site
Entrance to Garden of the Gods
Entrance to Garden of the Gods
View north on a snowy February day
View north on a snowy February day
The red rocks and fresh snow create intricate patterns
The red rocks and fresh snow create intricate patterns
Cathedral Valley with a cloud capped Cheyenne Mountain in the distance
Cathedral Valley with a cloud capped Cheyenne Mountain in the distance
Interesting tree/rock formation
Interesting tree/rock formation
Part of the Sleeping Giant formation on the left
Part of the Sleeping Giant formation on the left
The Perkins Central Garden Trail
The Perkins Central Garden Trail
Dedication plaque
Dedication plaque
Kindergarten Rock comprised of white sandstone
Kindergarten Rock comprised of white sandstone
380′ high sandstone formation
380′ high sandstone formation
North Gateway Rock with the Kissing Camels formation creating an arch near the top
North Gateway Rock with the Kissing Camels formation creating an arch near the top
Summertime view of Pikes Peak
Summertime view of Pikes Peak
Fresh snow in Cathedral Valley
Fresh snow in Cathedral Valley
The red sandstone formations in stark contrast to the snow
The red sandstone formations in stark contrast to the snow
Panorama from the visitors center
Panorama from the visitors center
Kissing Camels formation at night
Kissing Camels formation at night
The main trail in the park, Perkins Central Garden Trail, is a paved, wheelchair-accessible 1.1-mile trail. It travels through the heart of the park’s largest and most scenic red rocks! The trail begins at the North Parking lot.