national historic sites and landmarks national historic sites and landmarks

Garden of the Gods Recreation Area

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Garden of the Gods recreation area covers 480 acres in the Colorado Springs area. In the 1850's, two surveyors from Denver City came upon this area of sandstone formations. M. S. Beach, who related this incident, suggested that it would be a "capital place for a beer garden" when the country grew up. His companion, Rufus Cable, a "young and poetic man," exclaimed, "Beer Garden! Why it is a fit place for the Gods to assemble. We will call it the Garden of the Gods." Committed to remaining free to the public, Garden of the Gods Park is open from 5 AM - 11 PM in the summer and 9 AM - 5 PM in the winter, bringing over one million visitors every year.

garden of the gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado, The CVD
garden of the gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado, The CVD

The park is best known for its stunning rock formations, which began forming over 320 million years ago. Sculpted through time by erosion, the 20 sandstone rock formations offer beautiful views. Two of the most well known formations are Balanced Rock and Kissing Camels. Balanced Rock sits upon another rock, looking as if it will fall on the road. However, after a group of college students tried to topple the rock, a cement layer was added to secure the rock. Kissing Camels formation looks as its name implies, two camels kissing each other.

Hiking is a popular activity at the park. The park has eight miles of trails, both paved and unpaved. Perkins Central Garden Trail is the easiest and most accessible trail for all. Usable by wheelchairs and strollers, the 1.5 mile trail only gains 30'. For a more difficult trail, try the Chambers/Bretag/Palmer Trail. Almost circling the entire park, the 3 mile hike is of moderate difficulty, gaining 250'.

garden of the gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado, The CVD
garden of the gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado, The CVD

The Visitor and Nature center offers many exciting ways to learn about the park. Be sure to view the movie "How Did Those Red Rocks Get There?" This twelve minute movie explores the geological history of the park. The center also provides a 30 minute bus tour of the geology and history of the park, as well as, hands on exhibits relating to the geology, ecology and cultural history of the park. The visitor center is open from 9 AM - 5 PM in the winter, and 8 AM to 8 PM in the summer.

Places to Stay and Fun Things to Do

Cave of the Winds book online from advertiser page
Prepare to rock with friends & family! Explore deep down inside some of Colorado's most awesome & jaw-dropping caves in Manitou Springs! Family Cave Tours: Discovery & Lantern. Open 364 days a year!
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El Colorado Lodge email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page
AAA Approved. Historic modernized adobe cabins in Manitou Springs near Colorado Springs. Large heated pool. Majestic Pikes Peak overlooks our 4 acres with giant Blue Spruce trees! LOVE GROUPS!
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Garden of the Gods Campground photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
A Family Place! Quick access to I-25 & Highway 24 in Colorado Springs: RVs, tents, cabins, motel rooms, store, game room, 2 pools (1 adult only), hot tub, playground, Free Wi-Fi and internet access in lobby.
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KOA Colorado Springs photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
Open all year. Large pull-thru RV sites, 30/50amp. FREE High Wi-Fi, instant-on phone hookups. Easy access for big rigs - 22 luxury sites with patios. Kabins. Close to Pikes Peak area. Groups welcome.
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La Fon Motel
Rooms feature: kitchenettes, refrigerators, microwaves, cable TV & phones. Enjoy this Manitou Springs Motel with a picnic/play area & seasonal pool. Pet friendly. Near Garden of the Gods Recreation Area.
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Old Town Guesthouse B&B photos on advertiser page
Voted "Best B&B" in Colorado Springs for 2007. AAA 4 Diamond. Urban luxury in historic Old Town. Upscale amenities for discerning adults. Private hot tubs, WI-FI, elevator. Meeting/retreat facility.
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Pikes Peak Country Attractions Association photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
Member's of PPCAA are family oriented and are in Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, Woodland Park, Cripple Creek and Canon City, with 30 natural and man-made attractions in the Pikes Peak region.
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Sunflower Lodging & Cottages
Low rates In the heart of the Pikes Peak Region bordering Colorado Springs & Manitou Springs. 14 cozy cabins, newly remodeled with kitchens, bath/showers, phones, AC, cable TV, picnic area, and BBQ's.
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More Activities & Information

Garden of the Gods Hiking Trails Map
Colorado Springs Local Area Map
Pikes Peak Area Map
Pikes Peak Road Scenic Byway

Directions:

From I-25 in Colorado Springs, take exit 146 and head west on Garden of the Gods Road. Follow to its end ("T" intersection) at 30th Street; turn left (south) and go about 1.5 miles. The visitor center will be on the left and the park entrance on the right.

Garden of the Gods Recreation Area • Garden Park Fossil Area • Lost Creek Scenic Area • Pikes Peak • Raton Mesa • Roxborough State Park • Russell Lakes • Slumgullion Earthflow • Spanish Peaks • Summit Lake National Natural Landmark • The United States Air Force Academy
 

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