The Garden of the Gods, with its stunning rock formations, is a great place to go hiking in magnificent scenery. Stop for a photo at Steamboat Rock before beginning your walk around the park’s 21 miles of trails.
The 1.5-mile-long Perkins Central Garden Trail is wheelchair accessible and connects all of the major attractions, including the Kissing Camels. On the way back, stop for a bite and maybe mementos at the gift store.
The Garden of the Gods, located on the outskirts of Colorado Springs, is free to visit—parking included. Below are 10 fascinating facts about the Garden of the Gods:
1. Garden of the Gods is a stunning natural landmark located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA. It is known for its unique and dramatic rock formations that rise dramatically from the ground.
2. The park is over 1,300 acres in size and is open to the public, offering various trails and recreational opportunities for visitors to explore the area’s natural beauty.
3. The rock formations at Garden of the Gods are made up of red sandstone and conglomerate, which were formed millions of years ago through geological processes such as erosion and uplift.
4. The park’s most famous rock formation is called Balanced Rock, which features a large boulder precariously balanced on top of a much smaller pedestal rock. It has become an iconic symbol of Garden of the Gods.
5. The area has a rich cultural history dating back thousands of years. Native American tribes, including the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho, considered the park a sacred place and believed it to have spiritual significance.
6. In 1859, two surveyors who were exploring the area named it “Garden of the Gods” because they thought the rock formations resembled a divine garden. The name stuck and the park became a popular tourist attraction.
7. Garden of the Gods was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1971, recognizing its exceptional geological features and its value for scientific and educational purposes.
8. The park offers various recreational activities, including hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and guided nature walks. There are also designated areas for picnicking and wildlife viewing.
9. Garden of the Gods is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. Visitors may spot wildlife such as mule deer, foxes, rabbits, and numerous bird species while exploring the park.
10. The Visitor & Nature Center located within the park provides educational exhibits, interactive displays, and guided tours to help visitors learn more about the park’s geology, ecology, and cultural history.