Garden Of The Gods Park & Natural Landmark - Colorado Springs

Garden of the Gods is a must-see if you’re in the Springs area. It’s a registered National Natural Landmark and one of the most popular attractions around. Pikes Peak hovers in the backdrop of these magnificent, sandstone rock formations.

It’s the most widely visited Colorado Springs park with magnificent sandstones. The municipally-owned park is open year-round to the public and free for use.

Free Public Park and National Natural Landmark

Garden of the Gods Vintage 1897-1924 — Vintage Garden of the Gods, circa 1897-1924.

What makes Garden of the Gods a unique national natural landmark is its breathtaking physical characteristics, or lithologic nature, of sedimentary rocks at the outcrop. The vertical forces that formed the Rockies’ Front Range are on full display.

The honey ant is an uncommon insect species found in the park. It’s also a wonderful location for bird-watching, including canyon wrens, swallows, and white-throated swifts. This city park is full of outstanding recreation, from biking and hiking, to rock climbing and horseback riding.

Activities at Garden of the Gods

View of Pikes Peak in the background with Garden of the Gods in the front — Pikes Peak rises over the Garden of the Gods. Photo by: Simon Foot

Biking/Hiking: Multi-use trails open to bikers and joggers.

Horseback Riding: Some trails are open to horses.

Rock Climbing: Permitted; see the visitor center for info.

Scenic Drives: The park is easy to tour in your car. There are numerous named natural landmarks in the Garden of the Gods, some of the famous rock formations include:

Tours: Take a tour of the Garden of the Gods on a segway, jeep, or trolley.

Visitor Center: Explore fun exhibits, a gift shop, a cafe, and a new high-def video explaining the region.

Auto Tour of Garden Of The Gods

Cars lined up for the Garden of the Gods Auto Tour — Driving into Garden of the Gods. Photo by: Han Zheng

Garden of the Gods is a remarkable natural landmark home to towering red rocks and a beautiful road that drives through the heart of the park.

Pikes Peak hovers in the distance over a garden of sheer sandstones. There are lots of exceptional trails suitable for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. The autoroute through takes anywhere from 20 minutes and up, depending on how long you stay.