Discovering the Garden of the Gods

If you love to hike, explore, and admire nature, then you must take a hike in the Garden of the Gods. It is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at 1805 N. 30th St. This beautiful park is owned by the city. It was originally purchased by Charles Elliott Perkins, head of Burlington Railroad, intending to build a summer home in 1879. He never did, and actually added to it for a total of 481 acres. His desire was to donate the land to the city, as it was always open to the public anyway. While he never formally did so, his heirs knew of his wishes and donated it to the city after his death. After hiking in the Garden of the Gods, discover the majestic beauty of Pikes Peak.

Park Hours and Trails

The park is open every day, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Summer hours are from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and winter hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, allowing visitors to pick and choose which trails they want to walk. There are several different trails of varying lengths, with a total of 15 miles if you choose to do all of them. The shortest trail is about 1/2 mile, while some of the longer ones are 3 miles. The Perkins Central Garden trail, which is about 1 1/2 miles, is designed for people in wheelchairs, with an all-concrete path and only about a 30-foot rise overall. You are welcome to explore at your own pace or take a guided tour.

Summer Shuttles

During the busy summer months, shuttles are provided from the city to the park to alleviate parking issues, as there are only 366 parking spaces. This service is offered from around May 25th to Labor Day, running continuously every 15 minutes from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Make sure to check their website before going to plan accordingly.

Preservation and Safety

The park and city request that you stay on the designated trails and do not climb on the rocks, as the land and ecosystem are very fragile. There are specially designated areas for rock climbing enthusiasts, but you must first get a free permit and use proper climbing equipment to ensure everyone’s safety. You can also sign up for an adventure at $69 per person. Dogs are allowed but must be on leashes. Please pick up after your pets; baggies are provided at the park entrance for this purpose.

Biking and Tours

If you wish, you can rent a bicycle, electric or manual, or take a guided tour. You are also welcome to bring your own bike. The trails should be easy enough for all ages to ride through the park, but you must yield to pedestrians. One trail is quite hilly, so good physical condition is necessary for that route. Stop by the visitors’ center to get maps and information on which trails are more challenging.

Make this a stop on your next visit to Colorado Springs. It will be an adventure that the whole family will enjoy and talk about for years to come. You might even find yourself making multiple visits back. And while you’re at it, visit One Stop Dental, just around the corner. Have fun!