Colorado Hiking & Backpacking Trails
Garden of the Gods Recreation Area Hiking Trail
Garden of the Gods Hiking Trails
Four main hiking trails provide access to Garden of the Gods. Siamese Twins, Scotsman/Buckskin Charlie, Perkins Central Garden and Chambers/Bretag/Palmer Trails bring visitors to the awe-inspiring natural rock formations named by M.S. Beach and Rufus Cable. The park is free and open from 5am-11pm during the summer and 9am-5pm in the winter.
Perkins Central Garden Trail - Originates at the main parking lot and travels through the largest rock formations. The trail is paved with only a 30 foot vertical gain and accessible to all visitors.
Scotsman/Buckskin Charlie Trail - From the Scotsman Picnic Area the trail is a challenging 1 mile loop with excellent distant views of the Central Garden.
Siamese Twins Trail - Begins at the Spring Canyon Trailhead with 150 foot vertical gain. Provides access to the Siamese Twins Rock formation.
Chambers/Bretag/Palmer Trail - Travels nearly the entire distance of the Garden. A challenging 3 mile hike with access to many of the parks rock formations.
The following landmarks/formations are a guide to some of the sights while visiting Garden of the Gods Recreation Area (refer to map for location):
- North Gateway Rock
- Kissing Camels
- South Gateway Rock
- White Rock
- Sentinel Rock
- Tower of Babel
- Gray Rock
- Cathedral Spires
- Three Graces
- Pulpit Rock
- Sleeping Giant
- Keyhole Window
- Scotsman
- Siamese Twins
- Balanced Rock
- Steamboat Rock
There are many resources at the Visitor & Nature Center including the 12 minute movie, "How Did Those Red Rocks Get There?" explore the geologic history of Garden of the Gods. If that's not enough, the park offers a 30 minute bus tour and hands on exhibits to better explain the parks existence.
Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do
Home of Pikes Peak the mountain that inspired the song America the Beautiful. Visitors find plenty to experience and explore Colorado Springs: outdoor adventures, affordable lodging, and 55 attractions!
At the entrance to Garden of the Gods Park is the oldest and largest gift shop, trading post, art gallery in CO: jewelry, apparel, artwork, Buffalo Burgers at Balanced Rock Cafe, Kissing Camels Coffee Shop!
Camp in Old Colorado City! Park wide Cable TV and WiFi included! Full hookup pull-thru resort RV sites. Goldfield Camp Store. 3 miles to GARDEN of the GODS HIKING! Open all year. Walk to shopping, dining.
OUTDOOR HOT TUBS! Green Mountain Falls is central to Manitou Springs, Woodland Park, Colorado Springs. Lakeside cottage vacation rentals. Walk to lake fishing, winter ice staking, in our mountain town.
Cozy rocky mountain guest cabin suite in Cascade at base of Pikes Peak. Romance Packages, Adults Only, King Bed, Kitchenette, Outdoor Hot Tub. Near Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, Woodland Park.
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Colorado Springs Metro, Colorado includes: Black Forest, Falcon, Fountain, Monument
Pikes Peak Area, Colorado includes: Cascade, Chipita Park, Deckers, Green Mountain Falls, Manitou Springs, Woodland Park
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