10 Fantastic Things to do in Garden of the Gods, Colorado
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When it comes to things to do in Garden of the Gods, the possibilities are endless. So, we’ve rounded up our ultimate list of ten of the fun things to do within the park that you can’t miss.
Garden of the Gods truly lives up to its name and is one of the best day trips from Denver. Tucked away above Colorado Springs, this park is a mesmerizing blend of towering red sandstone formations, lively wildlife, and sweeping views.
This geological wonder, set against the backdrop of Pikes Peak, offers a variety of activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers, from great hikes to guided cave tours. After moving to Denver, we knew that this spot was one that we had to visit, and it quickly became one of the places where we always bring friends and family when they visit.
Just over an hour’s drive from Denver, Garden of the Gods provides an easily accessible escape to an otherworldly landscape, a place that is “fit for the Gods to assemble,” according to its founder.
How to Get from Denver to Garden of the Gods
The trip from Denver to Garden of the Gods is straightforward and scenic, going from Denver to Colorado Springs. The drive takes just over an hour and 20 minutes and covers around 70 miles.
The most common route is via I-25 S, which offers stunning views and a quick transition from city to nature. This accessibility makes Garden of the Gods a perfect day trip or a must-visit destination on any Colorado itinerary.
Things to do in Garden of the Gods
Learn at the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center
Begin your visit at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center. Here, you can immerse yourself in interactive exhibits that explore the park’s geology, ecology, and cultural history. The center also provides maps, trail advice, and scheduled nature presentations for your visit.
Every time we visit the Garden of the Gods, we always stop by the visitor center first, and we recommend you do the same! This allows you to get an introduction to the park and its history before exploring it up close. Oh, and did we mention you can grab a bite to eat, too?
Go on a Segway Tour
For a unique way to explore, consider joining a Segway tour. These guided tours offer a fun, eco-friendly way to navigate the park’s extensive trails, providing insights into the formation of the landscape and the history of the area and a great way to see more of the park.
Click here to check out a great, highly-rated segway tour of Garden of the Gods. There are other ones too if you find this one isn’t quite what you’re looking for.
Hike on a Trail… or Two
With over 20 miles of trails, hiking is one of the best ways to experience the Garden of the Gods. Trails range from easy, paved paths suitable for all ages to more challenging routes that reward you with solitude and stunning views.
Popular trails include the Perkins Central Garden Trail, an easy 1.1-mile loop, and the Siamese Twins Trail, a 0.5-mile round trip with a great view of Pikes Peak.
Snap a Photo of the Rocks from the Visitor Center
Don’t miss the opportunity to capture the iconic view of the park from the Visitor Center’s observation deck. This vantage point offers one of the most photographed scenes in Colorado, showcasing the towering rock formations against Pikes Peak.
Go on an E-Bike Tour
Explore the park’s beauty with ease on an e-bike tour. These electric bikes provide a boost as you pedal, making it a breeze to cover more ground and see the sights without getting too tired. There are a few e-bike rentals and guided e-bike tour options near the park.
This one is a great option if you’re looking for an e-bike tour in Garden of the Gods.
Find Balanced Rock
A must-see feature of the park is Balanced Rock, a stunning rock formation that appears to be precariously balanced. It’s a great spot for photography if you’re brave enough to stand close to this 1.4-million-pound red rock… and yes, you did read that right.
Having a Picnic by the Rocks in the Park
Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic among the towering red rocks. The park offers numerous picnic areas with breathtaking views. Great spots in the park for a picnic include South Springs Canyon Picnic Area or Scotsman Picnic Area.
Luckily, there are lots of great spots throughout Colorado Springs where you can stop to grab some lunch to bring into the park. Colorado Springs also has a Safeway where you can grab some groceries to make your own deli sandwiches.
Search for the Kissing Camels
One of the park’s most famous rock formations is the Kissing Camels, a set of rocks that, from a certain angle, resemble two camels kissing. Finding this formation is a fun activity for visitors of all ages. There’s even a Kissing Camels Grille & Bar!
Grab a Souvenir at The Garden of the Gods Trading Post
The Garden of the Gods Trading Post, located just outside the park, is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs, art, and crafts made by locals. It’s a great way to remember your visit and support the local community.
Ride on a Guided Horseback Tour through the Park
Experience the park from a new perspective on a guided horseback tour. These tours offer an incredible way to explore the trails and have fun seeing the sites. Academy Riding Stables offers these tours that you can check out!
Final Thoughts: Garden of the Gods Activities
Whether you’re hiking, taking a guided tour, or simply soaking in the views, Garden of the Gods offers an unforgettable experience for all who visit. With activities that cater to a wide range of interests and fitness levels, you’ll never run out of things to do in Garden of the Gods. All you need is some walking shoes and an adventurous spirit!
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