Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Jam-packed with dramatic rock formations, the Garden of the Gods is a prime spot for hiking amid beautiful scenery. Stop for a photo by the Steamboat Rock, then set out to trek the 21 miles of trails within the park. The 1.5-mile-long Perkins Central Garden Trail is wheelchair accessible and runs between all the major sights like the Kissing Camels. On your way back, grab a snack and shop for souvenirs at the gift shop. Located on the outskirts of Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods can be visited for free—parking included. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- TBone0910Silver Spring, Maryland248 contributionsSpectacular outdoor experience!Spectacular!! Very cool rock formations. A number of great hiking trails. Don't let the crowds scare you away. It's certainly worth it. Great views of Pikes Peak. Would do it again in a heartbeat. Very nice visitors center.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 September 2023
- Linda MLyndhurst, New Jersey63 contributionsGreat hiking, stunning geologyWe got to the lower parking lot at dawn and took some lovely shots of the sunrise lighting up the peaks and rock formations. Then we hiked up to the top and had good looks at a coyote and mule deer with young on the way. We spent the rest of the time wandering the trails that wind all through the rock formations, and had clear views of Pike's Peak from some places. We saw falcons, swifts, rock doves, and more birds perched up high. Strongly suggest bringing binoculars. Overall, it was a beautiful place to visit. And it's free to just walk around.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 September 2023
- Susie Snowflake149 contributionsNot to Be MissedThis is an amazing place and very popular with tourists so expect crowds. The visitor's center movie is a good introduction and the guided ranger tour helps in understanding what to expect. The "Leave No Trace" policy was discussed, but if it makes an impression I could not tell because within a space of 5 minutes I saw people picnicking off the path, people carrying natural vegetation they had plucked, and a person picking up a stone he was planning to bring home as a memento. Also, climbing is allowed and there were many people scaling the monuments. Given that these are sandstone it made me wonder how much damage is done by allowing it. The park is free to visit, but the movie and ranger tour are not.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 September 2023
- vagabond01Stockholm, Sweden294 contributionsCant be overestimatedAbsolutely beautiful, can’t overestimate this place! We walked for a few hours in the early evening while it was a bit cooler and the formations and shadows were dramatic. Quite a lot of people, which is understandable. Hopefully I can visit here again. Easily accessible, clean bathrooms avaliable:)Visited October 2022Travelled with friendsWritten 28 September 2023
- lizamarie2016Houston, Texas102 contributionsA must seeI thank the past generations for making sure that the entrance and to get close to these mountains are for free . I am very appreciative that I didn’t mind paying full price on the things I bought. You will be asked by the cashier if you want to donate a dollar for the park, and I’ve never heard a no from the customers. There’s going to be a long line of cars which are trying to get to the park, so please be patient. Ahhmazing rock formations to see and touch for free. Why not.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 11 October 2023
- Lisad1919Spencer, Massachusetts11 contributionsAbsolutely Beautiful Place!!!This is an absolutely beautiful place! The red rocks against the blue sky, and green trees was gorgeous! The park is extremely well maintained and the walking paths in great shape. We decided to visit twice just to enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of this area again! The visitors center and the outpost are a must to see as well. Lots of history and again, absolutely beautiful!!Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 October 2023
- Debbie RPrinceton Junction, New Jersey11 contributionsA Must-See and Free!Towering rocks rising high into the sky! This attraction is one that you should not miss if you are visiting Colorado Springs, CO. Get there early so that you can see the rock formations illuminated by the sun. It might also help you to avoid crowds. The walk through the park is easy and is a visual delight!Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 October 2023
- Kim d10 contributionsMust visitWe could spend hours here and find new things. Easy-moderate hike. Wear comfortable hiking boots and pack a lunch to enjoy here with a great view. There was a lot of people visiting but it never felt crowded. It's free! Must go!Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 October 2023
- Jen WFort Mill, South Carolina38 contributionsA Must See in Colorado SpringsBeautiful to see up close and in person. We were a part of a Jeep tour that allowed us to see all sides of the formation and see its truly spectacular presence. A must see if you are in the area and surrounded by many trails for hiking, a picnic area and visitors center with souvenirs and snacks.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 October 2023
- hockeyaw19Marlborough, Massachusetts674 contributionsRocks are the flowers of this gardenExcellent free attraction to stop off at in Colorado Springs. I took advantage of a break on a drive from Denver to Pueblo and walked around the red rock formations for about 45 minutes before continuing on. There's bathrooms and clean, well maintained walking paths. Ample parking on a Monday at around 1pm.Visited November 2023Travelled on businessWritten 10 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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5.0
17,990 reviews
Excellent
14,680
Very good
2,738
Average
480
Poor
65
Terrible
27
Lori G
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Solo
I am shocked and incensed by the idea of charging tourists to visit by tour to OUR park. The park was given with the stipulation it was a free space always. I can't believe my city that I've been born and raised in is now charging the very tourist,that we spend so much of our tax money, to in invite to our beautiful city touting the Garden as a big attraction. I can't believe this level of greed has come to our city. I consider myself a co owner of the Garden due to the fact I'm a citizen of Colorado Springs. I say shame on whoever's thought this scheme up! This is embarrassing our city. Stop this scheme now!
SHAME SHAME SHAME
Lori Grimes,
Colorado Springs citizen for over 64 years,daughter of residents that lived here 73 years
SHAME SHAME SHAME
Lori Grimes,
Colorado Springs citizen for over 64 years,daughter of residents that lived here 73 years
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CraftBeers
Plano, TX24,970 contributions
Jul 2020
This is my second visit to Garden of the Gods. It was much better than the first. Interestingly, this visit was while it was raining, and I think that made the difference.
Garden of the Gods is a privately donated land with unique rock structures and spires that are beautiful to see. The owner put a stipulation on the land that a fee never be charged to enjoy the area. As a result, this is a free place to visit.
There are three main issues that will impact your ability to enjoy this place:
- Heat
- Crowds
- Parking
When you approach the area you will see small parking areas and pull outs all around the rocks. It takes a long time to find an open one. It usually means sitting and waiting for someone to pull out.
Colorado Springs is very hot in the summer. This area is totally exposed to the sun and heat. You will get very hot walking around. People are everywhere. It's unlikely you will get a picture without a stranger in the shot.
During my first visit, I told myself I would not come back here. It's too hot and too many people. On our second visit, my daughters really wanted to see it. We arrived in a light rain. That ran everyone off. We found parking. Plus, it was actually pleasant to walk around in cool temperatures.
Garden of the Goods is a cool looking place. If you haven't been at least once, do give it a go. It's pretty.
Garden of the Gods is a privately donated land with unique rock structures and spires that are beautiful to see. The owner put a stipulation on the land that a fee never be charged to enjoy the area. As a result, this is a free place to visit.
There are three main issues that will impact your ability to enjoy this place:
- Heat
- Crowds
- Parking
When you approach the area you will see small parking areas and pull outs all around the rocks. It takes a long time to find an open one. It usually means sitting and waiting for someone to pull out.
Colorado Springs is very hot in the summer. This area is totally exposed to the sun and heat. You will get very hot walking around. People are everywhere. It's unlikely you will get a picture without a stranger in the shot.
During my first visit, I told myself I would not come back here. It's too hot and too many people. On our second visit, my daughters really wanted to see it. We arrived in a light rain. That ran everyone off. We found parking. Plus, it was actually pleasant to walk around in cool temperatures.
Garden of the Goods is a cool looking place. If you haven't been at least once, do give it a go. It's pretty.
Written 12 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
llwid
Oak Creek, WI187 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
Loved the unique (to a Wisconsinite) rock formations. They have walking trails that are appropriate for most abilities. The visitor center is informative, has restrooms, a cafe and gift shop as well as informational displays. You can also book tours here that range from$25/person to $95/person. We took the keep photo tour which was $75/person and two hours through Garden if the Gods, Manitau Springs and a couple other spots. Our guide shares info about the geology, anthropology and history of the area. He showed us pictures of the people and area from the late 1800’s to mid 1900s. We stopped at beautiful sites for our own photos. After, we went for a walk along the trails and saw some big horned mountain sheep. I really appreciate the range from free walks to multiple expense levels of tours.
Written 4 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judy C
Saint Louis, MO130 contributions
Sept 2020
Amazing rock formation park that is free. Very nice Visitors Center with gift shop and bathrooms. Can walk or drive closer (4 lots, one at visitors center, one below that, one closer to the loop, and one small lot 6 or 7 cars for disabled individuals. All parking lots are free but the closest one can fill up on weekends quickly. There is a half mile paved loop which is great for individuals using wheelchairs or families with strollers. Enjoyed watching the rock climbers (permit needed) climb up the high rocks. Small rocks for kids to climb in a few areas. Be aware that loop for driving is one way so decide where you want to park first otherwise you have to start over if the closest lot is filled which will take time to get back to other lots. Great photo opportunity but bring sun hat and binoculars. Highly recommend this park for all.
Written 8 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark L
O'Fallon, MO111 contributions
Jul 2020
What can you say is “The Garden of the Gods” it’s beautiful if you get a chance you need to go. It only takes an hour or two, but worth every second. We spent about 3 hour’s and over 2 days. If possible, go early morning, it has less people and better views. When we were leaving on our 2nd day a lady stopped us and asked if we had seen “The Crying Indian”? We were standing right by it (see pic) she said when it rains it looks like a tear coming out his eye. We had a fantastic trip in early July 2020 I have videos on YouTube @ mjlcarguy54, again if you can it’s a must stop.
Written 20 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jennifertravelsworld
Lexington, MA215 contributions
Mar 2022
While in Colorado Springs for an event, I actually ended up visiting Garden of the Gods twice, once by myself and once with my daughter and her friends. The scenery is stunning, a photographer's dream.
I stopped at the visitor center when I went alone and got a map and talked to a couple of people. I love that the locals really love this place and use it regularly. I chatted with an older gentleman who was meeting up with his weekly hiking crew and a mother and son who were just returning from a sunrise hike. Everywhere you went, you would see dogwalkers, hikers, bikers, even horseback riding.
I went fairly early in the morning, on a warm late winter/early spring morning. The sun on the rocks was stunning, everywhere I turned was gorgeous vistas. With the construction near the visitors center it was a bit confusing to access the driving loop, but once I was on it, it was easy. I stopped and walked around at several spots, including hiking up to the Siamese Twins vista which I would highly recommend. It was a bit of a scramble but doable.
I stopped at the visitor center when I went alone and got a map and talked to a couple of people. I love that the locals really love this place and use it regularly. I chatted with an older gentleman who was meeting up with his weekly hiking crew and a mother and son who were just returning from a sunrise hike. Everywhere you went, you would see dogwalkers, hikers, bikers, even horseback riding.
I went fairly early in the morning, on a warm late winter/early spring morning. The sun on the rocks was stunning, everywhere I turned was gorgeous vistas. With the construction near the visitors center it was a bit confusing to access the driving loop, but once I was on it, it was easy. I stopped and walked around at several spots, including hiking up to the Siamese Twins vista which I would highly recommend. It was a bit of a scramble but doable.
Written 5 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lorna B.
Bechtelsville, PA884 contributions
Sept 2021
My husband & I recently drove from our home in eastern PA out to Utah. On our way back home, we spent two days in the Colorado Springs area, with seeing this site as our top priority. What a stunningly scenic area of the USA! We were so glad to be able to enjoy such great scenery outside of a National Park. It was very easy to see great views here by car, bike, horseback, or on foot (at no cost), or by trolley, jeep, or Segway (for a fee).
We arrived early (9:45 a.m.) on a weekday and were able to get a very close parking spot. (Both parking and admission is free here.) The crowds were light when we arrived (but became moderate by noontime and then fairly high by mid-afternoon). After we signed up first thing for a trolley tour, we looked over the exhibits in the Visitor Center’s small nature center; they were well done, albeit not extensive. (We skipped the movie one could view for a small fee.) Our 40-minute trolley tour was led by “Mustang Sally,” who provided great narration throughout our ride. At $17 each, we thought it was a great way to get an overview of the park’s layout. Along the way, we could see the driving loop’s many pull-off areas waiting for us to explore on our own afterwards. We had lunch at the café at the Trading Post (which has its own parking lot); our food was very tasty, and the gift store there was huge and fun to explore.
All in all, we spent about 4 hours here and enjoyed every minute. Our visit here was a highlight of our trip out West!
We arrived early (9:45 a.m.) on a weekday and were able to get a very close parking spot. (Both parking and admission is free here.) The crowds were light when we arrived (but became moderate by noontime and then fairly high by mid-afternoon). After we signed up first thing for a trolley tour, we looked over the exhibits in the Visitor Center’s small nature center; they were well done, albeit not extensive. (We skipped the movie one could view for a small fee.) Our 40-minute trolley tour was led by “Mustang Sally,” who provided great narration throughout our ride. At $17 each, we thought it was a great way to get an overview of the park’s layout. Along the way, we could see the driving loop’s many pull-off areas waiting for us to explore on our own afterwards. We had lunch at the café at the Trading Post (which has its own parking lot); our food was very tasty, and the gift store there was huge and fun to explore.
All in all, we spent about 4 hours here and enjoyed every minute. Our visit here was a highlight of our trip out West!
Written 26 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MelissaL0715
Tampa, FL912 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We visited Garden of the gods yesterday. It was beautiful in every way. It is completely free to the public, so you can’t pass it up. There were definitely locals all around, but plenty of tourists like ourselves. I would highly recommend you visit there and plan to stay for a couple of hours as you don’t want to miss the different viewpoints on both ends. Keep an eye out for the mule deer and the mountain goats. We saw both.
Written 17 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trelen
Warrington, UK730 contributions
May 2019
On our way from Denver down to Manitou Springs we had planned to make a stop at the Garden of Gods for a wander around the rock formations.
We popped into the visitor centre at first to get our bearings, and to take a look at the interactive exhibits to learn about the geology, ecology, and cultural history of the park. Whilst the museum is modest in size it’s accessible and fun for children.
We then drove in to the park, we went mid-week in spring, it wasn’t particularly busy but the car parks were more or less full inside the park and we had to do a full loop of the park before we could get a spot in one of them. We then wandered in and around the rock formations and the sun finally showed it’s face so we got a good view after climbing up to the Siamese Twins.
Visit with fewer crowds to really appreciate the beauty as we were lucky enough to be able to do.
We popped into the visitor centre at first to get our bearings, and to take a look at the interactive exhibits to learn about the geology, ecology, and cultural history of the park. Whilst the museum is modest in size it’s accessible and fun for children.
We then drove in to the park, we went mid-week in spring, it wasn’t particularly busy but the car parks were more or less full inside the park and we had to do a full loop of the park before we could get a spot in one of them. We then wandered in and around the rock formations and the sun finally showed it’s face so we got a good view after climbing up to the Siamese Twins.
Visit with fewer crowds to really appreciate the beauty as we were lucky enough to be able to do.
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lv2T
Parker, CO136 contributions
Nov 2020
Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark with over 400 acres, numerous paved and unpaved trails with parking available. It is much more crowded in summer months but the fall and winter months are also enjoyable if dressed appropriately. It has some 300' towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of Pikes Peaks making the views breathtaking. As a result numerous rock formations, many climbers can be seen both training and scaling the formations. The Visitor, Nature Center and museum has interactive exhibits enjoyable by all ages and a 20 minute film. Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods can be a short visit but if you are a hiker, you can spent a day on trails and enjoy a picnic by the formations. Rangers are available throughout the park for questions and programs which sale out quickly in summer months. Truly one of the most beautiful places on earth. I know locals who go frequently if the weather permits.
Written 4 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the fee? Is it free if you walk or bike in?
Written 28 August 2024
Hello David. No fees to enter or park at the Garden of the Gods because the children of Charles Elliott Perkins donated it to the city in 1909 and wanted it to remain free. However our group took the trolley tour and you do have costs on that. We really enjoyed that, the tour guide Sidewinder and the information he shared was wonderful. Hope this helps!
Written 2 September 2024
is there any signal if you hike or around the gardens of the gods? Please help
Written 4 October 2023
Can you drive thru garden of the gods?
Written 29 May 2023
Yes, but only if you get there EARLY, like by 9 am at the latest. Or you can take a (paid) trolley or Jeep tour and let them drive so you can enjoy the view. You can still drive thru later, but it's a bumper-to-bumper crawl.
Written 1 June 2023
Do you have to wait until 9 am in order to drive through the garden of gods?
Written 21 June 2022
No gates; open 24/7. Arrive early to beat the crowds.
Written 23 June 2022
Is it possible to drive only part of the park, or do I have to make the entire loop?
Written 17 June 2021
I think you can drive almost all of the park. There are a few pull-over spots to see areas that would be difficult for handicap or walking challenged forks.
Written 18 June 2021
Hello ! I am visiting in October and I was wondering how long people usually spend in the park . Should I spend 1 or 2 days exploring the area?
Thanks
Written 9 June 2021
You should plan on 2-3 hours at Garden of the Gods. It has well-maintained trails and the scenery is beautiful. There is a lot to do in the area so I would recommend 2 - 4 days depending on your interests. And consider staying in Manitou Springs. It is really close to most points of interest and has a great downtown area to walk around.
Written 11 June 2021
Trying to plan which day to visit Garden of the Gods in July. Are we crazy to go on a Saturday or Sunday? ...or are weekends too overrun with visitors compared to weekdays?
Written 29 May 2021
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