With 21 miles of trails ranging from beginner to advanced, extensive trail uses, and impressive natural wonders, Garden of the…
Garden of the Gods Park
Don’t miss one of the most incredible geological wonders of the world!
Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center winter hours are 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily. Summer hours (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend) are 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. daily. Garden of the Gods Park opens at 5:00 a.m. year-round with a closing time of 9:00 p.m. November - April and 10:00 p.m. May - October. Both the Park and Visitor & Nature Center are FREE and open to the public.
The Park is a unique biological melting pot where the grasslands of the Great Plains meet the pinyon-juniper woodlands characteristic of the American Southwest and merge with the mountain forest of the 14,115-foot Pikes Peak - America's Mountain.
TRIP ADVISOR'S ® #1 PARK IN THE U.S.
The 300 million years of geological history of the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs reveal one of the most extensive pictures of earth history found anywhere in the United States. It is a true geological wonder.
Hours, Admission & Visitor Info
Location
In your GPS, use the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center for the main entrance of the park: 1805 N. 30th St. Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Park Hours
- May 1 - October 31: 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- November 1 - April 30: 5:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year's Day
Admission
Both the park and Visitor & Nature Center are FREE and open to the public.
Construction Update
The 30th Street construction project is now complete, providing improved roadway safety for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists along three miles of 30th Street between Mesa Road and Fontanero Street. Project highlights include wider roadways, the addition of paved multi-purpose shoulders, intersection improvements to ease congestion, a new roundabout at Gateway Road, better connectivity to Foothills Trail from the overflow parking lot, and a new storm sewer system, among other updates. For more information, visit the project landing page.
Shuttle Information
Enjoy a free public shuttle in Garden of the Gods Park during the park’s most visited months. The shuttle typically starts running the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and operate daily from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. through the third week in August. The shuttles will also run during Labor Day weekend.
The shuttle fleet is comprised of two 14-passenger vans that will complete a four-stop loop at the parking lot at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center and the intersection of Gateway Road and Juniper Way Loop, which connects to a trail into the Central Garden zone. Shuttles will also stop at the Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site during its operating hours. Shuttles will depart the parking lot approximately every 15 minutes and are accessible to persons with disabilities.
Top Things to Do in Garden of the Gods Park
Hiking
There are 15 miles of trails in the park. The Perkins Central Garden Trail is a 1 1/2 mile paved trail that is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Stop by the Visitor & Nature Center to pick up a free map with all of the hiking and biking trails or take one of their guided walks.
Events
From nature walks, Geo-Trekker Theater, arts and crafts, children’s programs, and history talks — the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center hosts a wide variety of fun and educational experiences year-round. Every guest has different passions and interests, so a variety of programs have been created to encourage visitors to enjoy the park in the way which is most meaningful to them. There is rock climbing, hiking, yoga, adventure tours, interpretation, meditation, painting — the sky’s the limit at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center!
Biking
Guided electric bike tours provided by Amp'd Adventures, who also rent e-Bikes and standard mountain bikes. Mountain biking is permitted on select trails in the park, and all one-way roads have paved bike lanes. View a Bike Trail Map for more details.
Horseback Riding
Guided horseback riding is provided by Academy Riding Stables. They offer 1- and 2-hour rides fitted for beginners and experts.
Tours & Other Ways to See the Park
Explore Garden of the Gods on a Segway or on a Jeep tour! Short and long tours are provided by Adventures Out West and Mountain Jeep Tours.
Birding
A variety of birds can be seen in Garden of the Gods Park, including the red-tailed hawk, prairie falcon and American kestrel, among others.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is permitted in the park. You must fill out the free registration form and abide by all rules. Want to learn how to rock climb? Consult a local rock climbing outfitter for lessons in Garden of the Gods Park.
Uncover the Garden of the Gods history and learn how this geological wonder was formed.
Begin your dventure at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center, home to free maps and information about the park, guided nature walks, free interpretive presentations, and features over 30 state-of-the-art interactive exhibits.
TIP: Some of the most spectacular views of Garden of the Gods Park are accessible from the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center terrace, which spans the entire front of the building.
The Garden of the Gods Trading Post is one-of-a-kind gift shop, where you'll find something for everyone on your list. Browse our vast array of collectible hand made jewelry, books, souvenirs, toys for kids, apparel, and home decor items, or admire contemporary, local, international and Native American artwork in the gallery.
Fuel your Garden of the Gods experience with the many food and beverage options available at the on-site restaurant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people visit the park each year?
Annually an estimated six million visitors per year from all 50 states and more than 60 countries discover the beauty and history of the 1,367-acre Garden of the Gods Park, which has been designated as a National Natural Landmark.
Is Garden of the Gods free to visit?
Yes, both the Park and Visitor & Nature Center are free and open to the public.
Do I need a reservation to visit Garden of the Gods?
No advance reservations are required to visit the park itself, however special activities and events held throughout the year — such as guided nature walks or rock climbing lessons — may require reservations or ticket purchases in advance.
Where can I find a map of the park?
Click the link below to view or download a PDF map of the park.
Garden of the Gods Park Map
How long does it take to go through Garden of the Gods Park?
The average visitor spends at least 90 minutes to 2 hours exploring the park, especially if driving from location to location. However, depending on which activities you'd like to participate in — such as rock climbing, long hikes or nature walks — visitors can expect to spend anywhere from 3 to 6 hours in the park. Visits can also be much shorter — as quick as 20 or 30 minutes — if just driving through the park, depending on how quickly traffic moves through the park.
Can you drive through Garden of the Gods?
Yes, you can drive through Garden of the Gods Park. There are several parking areas throughout the park. The northern parking area is an ideal location to park for those wishing to explore the Central Garden, conveniently accessed via a paved trail from the lot. This northern lot is also the starting point for most nature walks and is home to a restroom. Additional parking areas can be found at the Spring Canyon Trailhead, South Garden Parking Lot, Balanced Rock Area, High Point Overlook, Spring Canyon South Picnic Area and Scotsman Picnic Area. Smaller vehicle pull-offs are also available throughout the park.
When is the best time of day to visit Garden of the Gods Park?
Visiting early or late in the day is recommended for visitors looking to avoid crowds.
Is the Garden of the Gods a National Park?
The Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark in Colorado Springs.
Where is Garden of the Gods Park located?
The main entrance for Garden of the Gods Park is located at 1805 N. 30th Street in Colorado Springs, Colorado, approximately 70 miles from Denver, Colorado.
How did Garden of the Gods 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. You can travel back in time to learn more about the history of these rock formations by watching an entertaining 15-minute film during your visit to the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center. There is a small fee for the film.
Are dogs allowed in Garden of the Gods Park?
Yes, dogs are allowed on a leash throughout the park. An off-leash area is south of Gateway Road near the main entrance and Rock Ledge Ranch. Please pick up after your pet, it is the law.
What is the elevation at Garden of the Gods?
Garden of the Gods sits at about 6,400 feet or 1,951 meters above sea level. Find more tips on high-altitude travel here.
How far is Garden of the Gods from Manitou Incline and other attractions?
Below are approximate times from Garden of the Gods to nearby attractions and points of interest.
- Manitou Incline: Approximately 14 minutes (longer if you park in Manitou Springs, which is recommended)
- Pikes Peak Highway Toll Gate: Approximately 16 minutes
- Cave of The Winds Mountain Park: Approximately 16 minutes
- The Broadmoor Seven Falls: Approximately 22 minutes (park at Norris Penrose Event Center, 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road, and take shuttle)
Should I visit the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center?
We highly recommend a stop inside Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center before heading into the park for insider tips on the best trails, access to maps, food and refreshments, as well as the most spectacular view of the garden as it frames Pikes Peak-America's Mountain. Inside you can also find educational exhibits, a fun 15-minute HD video on the formation of the park and a gift shop.
Where is the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center located?
The Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center is located at 1805 N. 30th Street in Colorado Springs.
What are the hours of the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center?
- Memorial Day - Labor Day: 9 am - 6 pm
- Labor Day - Memorial Day: 9 am - 5 pm
- Entry into the Visitor & Nature Center is free and open to the public.
- Tickets must be purchased to see the fun and educational film about how the red rocks got there.
- Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year's Day.
Who donated Garden of the Gods Park and when was it founded?
The answer to that question is a story of friendship, of a strong commitment to the common good and of children fulfilling their father’s dream. This part of the story begins in 1879 when General William Jackson Palmer, founder of the city of Colorado Springs, convinced his good friend, Charles Elliott Perkins to buy 240 acres of land known as the Garden of the Gods. In 1899, Perkins purchased another 240 acres and in his letters to General Palmer, expressed his desire to donate his 480 acres to the City of Colorado Springs. Perkins was undoubtedly influenced by General Palmer, who already had donated more than 1,000 acres of his own land to become public city park lands.
In 1907, Charles Perkins died before he had officially arranged for the Garden of the Gods in Colorado to become a public park. However, knowing their father’s wish for the Garden, Perkins’ children deeded the 480-acre Garden of the Gods to the City of Colorado Springs on December 22, 1909, with the stipulation that it remain “free to the entire world.” Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado is currently owned by the City of Colorado Springs.
Today the original 480-acre Perkins land donation, “a gift of inestimable value”, forms the center of Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, which now totals 1,367 acres. It still is free and will always be “Kept forever free to the world.”
Why is it called "Garden of the Gods"?
The first European explorers referred to this site as Red Rock Corral. Then, in 1859 a new group of surveyors explored the site and one gentleman remarked that the area would be a great location for a beer garden. His companion retorted that this place of incredible beauty was suited for more than just a beer garden, that it was a place fit for gods to assemble. And that’s how “Garden of the Gods” got its name!
Can you do Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods in one day?
Yes, absolutely! There are a number of efficient ways to reach the summit of Pikes Peak in a timely manner, such as the Broadmoor Manitou Pikes Peak Cog Railway, as well as van, bus or jeep tours that travel Pikes Peak Highway. These leave plenty of time to explore Garden of the Gods Park as well, either by car or by foot.
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