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Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs
Garden of the Gods Park was named #1 Park in the US and #2 Park in the World by TripAdvisor® in 2014! The Park is FREE and open to the public.
Location & HoursHistoryMapVisitor & Nature CenterActivitiesDogs
LOCATION & HOURS
Google Map Directions
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
Garden of the Gods Park Hours
May 1 - October 31: 5AM - 11PM
November 1 - April 30: 5AM - 9PM
HISTORY OF THE PARK
Overview
Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado is owned by the City of Colorado Springs. Annually, visitors 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. The Park is a unique biological melting pot where the grasslands of the Great Plains meet the pinon-juniper woodlands characteristic of the American Southwest, and merge with the mountain forest of the 14,115-foot Pikes Peak - America's Mountain. 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.
How was Garden of the Gods named?
In August, 1859, two surveyors started out from Denver to begin a town site called Colorado City. While exploring locations, they came upon a beautiful area of sandstone formations. M.S. Beach suggested that it would be “a capital place for a beer garden,” when the country grew up. His companion, Rufus Cable, exclaimed, “Beer Garden! Why it is a fit place for the Gods to assemble. We will call it the Garden of the Gods.” The name stuck.
How did an area of such national significance become a city park?
The answer to that question is a story of friendship, of 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.”
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.”
GARDEN OF THE GODS VISITOR & NATURE CENTER
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. You can learn more about Garden of the Gods at the Visitor & Nature Center located at 1805 N. 30th Street in Colorado Springs. Inside you can also find great exhibits, a fun 14-minute HD video on the formation of the park as well as a gift shop.
Visitor Center Summer HoursMemorial Day - Labor Day: 8AM - 7PM Daily
Visitor Center Winter Hours
Labor Day - Memorial Day: 9AM - 5PM Daily
Visit the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center website for more information.
ACTIVITIES
Hiking
There are 15 miles of trails in the park. The Perkins Central Garden Trail is a 1 1/2 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.
Biking
Mountain biking is permitted on select trails in the park. All one-way roads have paved bike lanes. Bike Trail Map
Horseback Riding
Guided horseback riding is provided by Academy Riding Stables. They offer 1 & 2 hour rides fitted for beginners and experts.
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.
Birding
Garden of the Gods Park is listed on the Colorado Birding Trail. There are more than 15 types of birds that you can see there.
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? Check out these outfitters and they will teach you in Garden of the Gods Park.
DOGS
Dogs are allowed on a leash throughout the park. An off-leash area is open south of Gateway Road near the main entrance and Rock Ledge Ranch. Please pick up after your pet, it is the law.
MAP OF THE PARK
