Date Hiked February 19, 2022

Distance: 2.3 mi (RT)

Elevation Gain:195 ft

Min/Max Altitude: 6,343 to 6,513 ft

Latitude/Longitude:(38.87003, -104.87817)

Managing Agency: City of Colorado Springs

Fee: None

Directions:

There is currently construction and road closures at the park, so check the park’s website for detour information. https://coloradosprings.gov/parks/page/garden-gods?mlid=30541

From I-25, exit Fillmore Street and head west on Fillmore. Pass Mesa Road where Fillmore St. becomes Fontmore Rd and then W. Fontanero St…confused yet? Turn right (north) on North 30th Street. 30th Street will take you to the park and the intersection of the visitor center and a large parking lot. Turn left to enter the main section of the park and look for parking.

Hike Description:

Garden of the Gods... How do I explain this place... Think, National Park in the summer time... Garden of the Gods is busy, it's just really busy, all the time... But, the park is amazing. The rock formations are incredible and it's clear to see why its so busy. Have that in mind when you visit...embrace the crowds...put on your patience cap...just go with it. Going to Garden of the Gods is just something that you have to do if you are a Colorado hiker.

The start of this hike will depend on where you get a parking spot. Your goal for this hike is to get to the Central Garden Area. If you can park at the main parking lot P2 (the north lot), then great, you can immediately explore the main section of the park. However...your chances of getting a spot there are slim... Wherever you park, it won't take long to reach the Central Garden and it will be a nice hike, the entire park is beautiful.

We parked at the P10 lot, which starts you off on the Ute Trail. This is a great addition to the route. The Ute trail takes you down a small hill and across some grasslands. Along the way, you'll get awesome views of the Sleeping Giant and Grey Rock. The Ute Trail will lead you to the intersection with Gateway Road. Turn left (west) and start the paved Central Garden Paved Walkways. Head straight towards the towering rock formations.

On the right you'll see the Kissing Camels and North Gateway Rock, to the left, South Gateway Rock. In between the rock formations is a small plaza with benches, rocks for kids to climb on, and some information signs. From here, head south on the west side of the rock formations following a series of small loops. The trails are mostly paved, making them good for the winter and spring when mud is prevalent across the Front Range.

As you head south, there is a paved loop, which encircles the Cathedral Spires and the Three Graces, stunning formations. At the far end of the loop is a natural surface trail that climbs some steps and leads to an area where you are allowed to climb amongst the formations, great for kids (and adults to be honest). The views from here are incredible. The views of the rock formations are some of the best in the park and the view of Pikes Peak to the Southwest is remarkable.

The loop returns you to the first loop, which leads you back to the plaza and eventually the Ute Trail. This option is a wonderful 2.5 mile hike. Your hike will likely be a bit different, depending on where you park. This hike covers the Central Garden Area which is the most popular section of the park, but also, just a small section of the park.

I have visited Garden of the Gods a number of times but it was long ago, before I started keeping track of hikes for this website. I've avoided the park recently due to the crowds, but I was looking for a fun, easy but dramatic hike for my two young boys and Garden of the Gods did not disappoint. I'm glad we came back and I'm looking forward to exploring the less visited areas and maybe find an easier place to park and enter the park.