Garden of the Gods - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Garden of the Gods is a world-renowned parking spot for outdoors enthusiasts of all levels. It is one of the must-see places in Colorado and has something for everyone. The views are incredible, the history is fascinating, and there are plenty of things to do. 

For those who love to hike, Garden of the Gods is a dream come true. There are miles and miles of trails to explore, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. The natural rock formations are also fun to scramble on and make for some great photo opportunities. For those who prefer to stay on solid ground, there are plenty of scenic spots to enjoy picnic lunches or simply take in the views. 

Garden of the Gods is also a great place for wildlife watching. Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mule deer, and white-tailed deer can all be seen in the park, along with a variety of birds and other small animals. The best time for wildlife viewing is early morning or evening, when animals are most active. 

Whether you’re looking for a strenuous hike or a leisurely stroll, Garden of the Gods has something for everyone. So add it to your Colorado bucket list – you won’t be disappointed!

The Garden of the Gods is a nationally known rock formation in Colorado. The site is located in Prowers County, and it is made up of sandstone and limestone. The rocks are red, pink, and white, and they are arranged in a strange and beautiful way. The first people to see the Garden of the Gods were Native Americans. They believed that the gods had created the rocks, and they called the site Mah-to-toh-pa, which means “the bamboo maker”. In 1859, two surveyors were looking for a route through the Rockies, and they came upon the Garden of the Gods. They were so impressed by what they saw that they decided to name the area “Garden of the Gods”. Today, the Garden of the Gods is a popular tourist destination, and it is also a National Natural Landmark.

However, the best time to visit Garden of the Gods is during the summer months. During this time, the temperatures are warm and the days are long, making it ideal for hiking, biking, and picnicking. 

1. Arrive early. Garden of the Gods is a popular spot, so try to arrive before the crowds. The park opens at 5 a.m., so an early start will give you a chance to explore in peace.
2. Bring your hiking shoes. Garden of the Gods is a great place to hike, with miles of trails to explore. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.
3. Take your time. There's no need to rush when exploring Garden of the Gods. Take your time and enjoy the scenery.
4. Don't miss the sunrise or sunset. Both are spectacular from this vantage point.
5.  Keep your distance from the wildlife. Garden of the Gods is home to many different species of animals, so it's important to give them their space.
6. Be respectful of the rock formations. Remember that these rocks are fragile, so don't climb on them or disturb them in any way.
7. Stay on designated trails. Some areas of Garden of the Gods are off-limits to visitors, so be sure to stay on marked trails at all times.
8. be respectful . Remember that you're sharing this space with other visitors , as well as plants and animals . Be courteous and respectful of others , and do your part to Leave No Trace .
9. Know yourlimits . Garden of the Gods has some steep trails and rock formations. Don't attempt anything beyond your skill level - know your limits and stick to trails that are appropriate for your fitness level.
    

1. The Garden of the Gods is a public park with more than 15 miles of hiking trails. 
2. Garden of the Gods is known for its red rocks which were formed by sedimentary deposits from an ancient sea. 
3. The park is home to a variety of plant and animal life including mule deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and red-tailed hawks. There are also more than 130 types of birds that have been spotted in the park. 
4. The park contains a variety of geological features including Balanced Rock, Siamese Twins, and Kissing Camels. 
5. Garden of the Gods is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colorado with more than two million visitors each year.
6. In 2016, Garden of the Gods was named one of America's best parks by USA Today readers.
7. Garden of the Gods gets its name from the large sandstone formations that resemble figures from Greek mythology. 
8. The area was first designated as a National Natural Landmark by the Department of the Interior in 1971. 
    

While it's possible to see some of the highlights in just a couple hours, if you really want to experience everything the park has to offer, plan on spending at least half a day. And if you have the time, spending a full day (or even two!) at Garden of the Gods is an unforgettable experience.

The best way to reach it is by car or bike. From Denver, take I-25 south to Colorado Springs. Then, take US 24 west to Manitou Springs. From there, follow signs to the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center. You can also reach Garden of the Gods by taking the shuttle from downtown Colorado Springs. The shuttle runs every 30 minutes from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

There is no entrance fee to explore Garden of the Gods, making it a great option for families on a budget. 

Garden of the Gods is open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.