A Hiking Guide for a Day at Garden of the Gods

A place like Colorado’s Garden of the Gods has a lot to live up to. The name suggests some pretty magnificent, if otherworldly, things happening inside.

Based on our experiences in the park, this one gets pretty close. Those red rock formations are all drama against a stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

This one is no secret, though. The public park in Colorado Springs is a registered National Natural Landmark and one of the most visited places in the region. That also makes it quite busy, but that shouldn’t dissuade you from seeing it for yourself.

With just one day in the park, hit the trails, and all of a sudden, some of those crowds start to fall away. Explore the best way to see the park with my guide to the best Garden of the Gods hikes.

You should hike at Garden of the Gods.

Once known as Red Rock Corral, the name of the park has a few different origin stories, but they all come back to the same theme. Several folks over the years have compared the park’s beauty to a garden fit for deities.

The best way to see it all is on your feet.

You need at least two hours to explore the park if you’re here for trails. You can certainly spend the better part of a day there if you want to do a few longer hikes and linger at the formations, though.

You don’t have to pay to hike here, either. The park is free to visit, just as the founders intended it. That means it can get very crowded. Arrive early and bring lots of water, sunscreen, and patience and you should do fine with the crowds. 

Your Options for Garden of the Gods Hikes

There are 21 miles of trails at Garden of the Gods. Color maps are available at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center at no extra charge. 

I’d recommend grabbing one even if you believe this to be the most comprehensive hiking guide you’ve ever seen.

It’ll give you an idea of what you’re looking at when you’re in the middle of a crowd of influencers, and give you an idea of where the parking lots are.

Perkins Central Garden Trail

Mileage: 1.1 miles
Difficulty Level: Easy

If you’re short on hiking time, this easy trail of just over a mile round-trip cuts through the center of the park. As you look at your map, you’ll notice that most of the major rock formations are found along this route or near the popular Central Garden trails.

Along the way, don’t miss:

• Tower of Babel: This tall rock at the North Gateway Rock marks the northern end of the Garden of the Gods. Take a look at it at a distance for a more impressive view of its height.
• North Gateway Rock: Also known as Gate Rock, this formation marks the entrance to the northern end of the park. You may see some climbers scrambling up the face of this one, but keep in mind that you need a permit to do so yourself.
• Three Graces: Three narrow rock fins make up this popular Garden of the Gods attraction. If you want a shot of it without people, you’ll have to wait in line for that.
• Cathedral Spires: These rocky spires look like they’re reaching for the sky. You’ll see them next to the Three Graces, so expect some foot traffic around this one, too.
• Kissing Camels: You’ll have to walk around this rock formation from both sides to see the outline of two camels that would appear to be mid-smooch. Once you see it, you won’t unsee it.

Fun fact: The trail is named after Charles Elliott Perkins, a respected businessman and head of the Burlington Railroad who was urged to add Colorado Springs as a stop along the railway. 

While that never happened, the 240 acres he bought in the area would eventually become the Garden of the Gods. He died before making any future arrangements for the park, but his children knew that he had intended to open it up to public use. 

That’s exactly what happened by 1909. His children transferred ownership of the land to the city of Colorado Springs with the intent to offer it to locals and visitors alike free of charge.

The rest is history!

Siamese Twins Trail

Mileage: 1 mile
Difficulty Level: Easy

This easy one-mile loop trail offers access to the Siamese Twins rock formation and views of Pikes Peak. With elevation gains of just 100 feet or so, this is a family-friendly trail at the park.

Access the trail at Parking Lot 14 to make your way to the Siamese Twins formation.

Ridge Trail

Mileage: 0.5 miles
Difficulty Level: Easy

This easy half-mile loop takes you to the Sleeping Giant rock formation, a series of spires and mesas that may require a little imagination on your part. 

If you’re traveling with kids, they may want to do some scrambling on this one along the surrounding rocks, as you’re in the thick of it on this one. Just make sure they stick to under 10 feet if they do so. You need permits for actual bouldering and climbing here. 

Access the trail from the South Garden Parking Lot.

Susan G. Bretag Trail

Mileage: 0.5 miles
Difficulty Level: Easy

Take this Garden of the Gods easy hike to loop around for a better view of White Rock, a rock formation that stands in stark contrast to the red rocks that surround you here.

This is also a popular connecting trail. Add it to the Palmer, Scotsman, Buckskin Charlie, and Ute trails for an epic 3.7-mile hike that will give you a broad overview of the best landscapes in the park.

Ute Trail

Mileage: 1 mile
Difficulty Level: Easy

We bounced on and off the Ute Trail as a connector to other hikes in the park. If you’d like to hike the full loop, it’s an easy dirt track that gives you a nice view of the eastern edge of the park.

I’d probably recommend using it as we did as a thoroughfare, though, unless you’ve been to the park a few times now and have seen the main highlights.

You can access this one from the South Garden Parking Lot.

Scotsman Trail Loop

Mileage: 1 mile
Difficulty Level: Easy

The highlight of this easy loop is certainly the Scotsman rock formation, and you’ll get quite close to it on this hike. The Sleeping Giant formation and Keyhole Window are also visible along this trail.

This is a loop accessible from several different spots in the park. Many hikers pick it up at the Scotsman Picnic Ground or Scotsman Picnic Area if you’re looking at your park map.

Scotsman & Buckskin Charlie Trail

Mileage: 1.5-2.2 miles
Difficulty Level: Easy

Enjoy one of the best hiking trails in the park as you look at the panoramas of the Central Garden formations from a distance.

The mileage on this one varies. It depends on whether you connect to the Scotsman Trail Loop for a short connection to close the Buckskin Charlie Trail or add on the full Scotsman Trail Loop.

Either way, you’re exploring the park’s interior with less foot traffic than the Central Garden. Start this one at the Scotsman Picnic Ground to connect the two trails.

Palmer Trail

Mileage: 1.8 miles
Difficulty Level: Easy

This out-and-back trail can turn into a Garden of the Gods loop trail by connecting to the Susan G. Bretag and Chambers routes. If you decide to go that route, expect to hike for about three miles, although the elevation never gets challenging even at that length.

Fun fact: If you decide to just stick to the Palmer Trail, you’ll still see quite a few intriguing rock formations along the way, including the Kissing Camels.

Expect more hikers as you get closer to the Central Garden on this one. You can pick this one up at the main parking area by crossing Juniper Way on foot.

Niobrara Loop Trail

Mileage: 1.7 miles
Difficulty Level: Easy

Enjoy views of the Ute Valley and limited crowds on one of the quietest trails at Garden of the Gods. If you’re there early enough, you’re likely to catch some deer taking in their field breakfasts on this one.

The South Garden Parking Lot is the best access point for this one.

Cabin Canyon Trail

Mileage:  0.7 miles
Difficulty Level: Easy

This easy loop near Balanced Rock is a great way to escape all of the people likely lining up at that rock. If you want a bit of a longer leg stretch, you can hike to Balanced Rock from here and avoid the parking cluster.

This one also connects to the Siamese Twins Trail, so there are all kinds of extensions you can make from here.

More Things to Do at Garden of the Gods

If you’re not in the mood for all of these hikes or you’re done trekking for the day, there’s more to do at Garden of the Gods beyond hiking:

• Learn something new at the visitor center. Meet Theiophytalia kerri, a new dinosaur species found here in the park, or learn about the Nuu-ciu (Ute) people, the original inhabitants of the park.
• See the Balanced Rock. Balanced Rock is right off the road for your viewing pleasure. If you’re traveling from Manitou Springs, you’ll start at this end of the park. Otherwise, drive three miles southwest of the visitor center to access it.

Note: Don’t miss Steamboat Rock, just as lovely but not as popular with the influencers, across the street from the Balanced Rock trail.

• Go on a guided hike. The park offers guided nature walks for a small fee. If you’re interested, these walks are offered by reservation only. Book your guided walk ahead of your visit by visiting the park’s website.
• Test your mettle with technical climbing. This is a very popular spot for climbers in this part of the state. Permits are required, but they’re free and available online. Guided excursions are another option.
• Visit the Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site. The Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site is a living history museum and farm that depicts life in the region from 1775-1907. Four different homes are featured here, including an 1860s-era homestead cabin.
• Shop at the Garden of the Gods Trading Post. This is the oldest and biggest gift shop in Colorado. It’s expanded quite a bit since its origins in 1929 and now includes a general store, restaurant, art gallery, games, and more.

READ MORE: Working with more time in the region? Check out my favorite things to do in Breckenridge.

The Best Time to Visit Garden of the Gods

The best time to visit Garden of the Gods is early in the morning. Park hours are:

• 5am-9pm Nov. 1-April 30
• 5am-10pm May 1-Oct. 31

Note: The visitor center doesn’t open until 9am, but if you’re here to hike, getting an early start is a good idea. If you visit in the summer, it can get hot by mid-morning, too.

More Tips for Visiting Garden of the Gods

Whether you’re driving from Colorado Springs proper or Denver, the main parking area is the largest parking area at Garden of the Gods. This is where you’ll park if you’re headed to the visitor center.

Here are a few more tips for visiting this popular park:

• Unless you’re walking straight from the visitor center, you’ll need to drive to parking areas with the easiest access to the trails you’re interested in.
• Arrive early in the day to ensure parking areas still have available spots.  We arrived mid-morning, and that was already too late. We had to park near the Buckskin Charlie Trail, which certainly added some mileage to what we were planning. 
• Dogs are allowed at Garden of the Gods. Just make sure you bring plenty of water for your pups, especially if you’re visiting in the hotter months. We brought Kimmy along and she had a nice time despite the crowds. She’s an introvert.
• About hydration, bring plenty of water for yourself. There is little shade in this park. Honestly, I don’t remember any shade at Garden of the Gods. Bring sun protection while you’re at it, especially if you’re here in the summer.
• If you’re here to climb, I’m psyched for you. Note that even if you’re an expert climber with experience at places like Rocky Mountain National Park, the use of chalk is prohibited in the park.

READ MORE: Climbers, check out my guide to one of the sketchiest hikes we’ve ever done at Rocky Mountain!

Where to Stay Near Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is located in Colorado Springs, but we visited on a day trip from Fairplay. If you’re here for the park and the park only, there are all kinds of accommodations for you to choose from while in Colorado Springs.

Use the map below to get you started:

Garden of the Gods backpacking and camping is also an option at dedicated sites in the park.

Garden of the Gods is worth the trip.

This park is an excellent stop, whether you’re here for the day or visiting Colorado Springs on a longer stay in the state. The park is famous for its large sandstone rock formations AND how accessible those formations are for tourists.

That means even a short stroll through the park is a worthwhile experience.