Garden of the Gods Tours

Garden of the Gods featuring a gorge or canyon
Get a taste for the Colorado landscape as you explore this huge city park on your own or during a guided bus or Segway tour.

The rugged landscape of the western states of America has long been central to the region’s reputation as the Wild West and the Garden of the Gods is a stunning example of this terrain. As the low, grassy plains around Denver give way to dense woodlands, a series of rock formations rise dramatically upwards. These phenomenal red rocks are the centerpieces of the 1,367-acre (553-hectare) Garden of the Gods park, a favorite destination for hikers, mountain bikers and other lovers of the great outdoors.

Spend a day exploring the expansive natural landscape of Colorado. A network of scenic drives will take you through the park and many of the biggest attractions can be seen from the road. Stop a while at the site of the delicately poised Balanced Rock, one of the most photographed rock formations in the area. 

While you may feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, the Garden of the Gods is located just outside of Colorado Springs and just an hour's drive from Denver. Those eager to really go off the beaten track will love the trails that take you through gorges, over mountains and between the huge rocks. Trek through the wilderness on the Siamese Twins Trail, one of the park’s most popular hikes. 

There are also 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) of paved paths, which are accessible by people in wheelchairs or families with strollers.

Guesthouses and restaurants are located on the edge of the park. Pack a picnic and find a quiet spot to enjoy the scenic views of Pikes Peak. 

Pick up maps and trail recommendations at the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center. The park is located approximately 67 miles (108 kilometers) south of Denver and is best reached by car. There is no fee for entry. Parking is also free. On some of the busier public holidays, a four-wheel drive vehicle or coach bus tour is available for a fee to take you around the park. Segway tours are another option to explore this amazing landscape.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Garden of the Gods

Reviews of Garden of the Gods

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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4 - Good
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Sep 24, 2019

Be prepared for crowds!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Sep 10, 2019

We went to the trading center also.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Aug 2, 2019

Get there early or later in the afternoon.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jul 18, 2019

This is a small park of rock formations. You drive through it, with occasional parking stops to get out and walk through the formations... very scenic.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 4, 2019

Beautiful place to walk and enjoy the scenery. Many picture ops

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 28, 2019

Take enough time to see the whole area, and hike around its many trails. A full day trip is worthwhile, particularly if the weather is good. The Trading Post has quite a bit of artistically created items that would be of interest to those aesthetically inclined. Nearby is a beautiful place called Glen Eyrie, now owned and run by the Christian group called the Navigators. It is also exceptionally unusual in its location and scenery, and has a unique history as well as an ongoing relationship to larger communities in the area as well as internationally that is very impressive,

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Best Lodging Options Near Garden of the Gods

Quality Inn & Suites Manitou Springs at Pikes Peak
Quality Inn & Suites Manitou Springs at Pikes Peak
2.5 out of 5
103 Manitou Avenue, Manitou Springs, CO
Quality Inn & Suites Manitou Springs at Pikes Peak
Garden of the Gods Resort and Club
Garden of the Gods Resort and Club
4 out of 5
3320 Mesa Rd, Colorado Springs, CO
Garden of the Gods Resort and Club
Glen Eyrie Castle & Conference Center A Ministry of the Navigators
Glen Eyrie Castle & Conference Center A Ministry of the Navigators
2.5 out of 5
3820 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO
Glen Eyrie Castle & Conference Center A Ministry of the Navigators
Days Inn by Wyndham Manitou Springs
Days Inn by Wyndham Manitou Springs
2.5 out of 5
120 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO
Days Inn by Wyndham Manitou Springs
Magnuson Grand Pikes Peak
Magnuson Grand Pikes Peak
2.5 out of 5
45 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO
Magnuson Grand Pikes Peak
Best Western Plus Executive Residency Fillmore Inn
Best Western Plus Executive Residency Fillmore Inn
3 out of 5
3150 N Chestnut St, Colorado Springs, CO
Best Western Plus Executive Residency Fillmore Inn
Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort
Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort
2 out of 5
2 El Paso Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO
Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort
TownePlace Suites Colorado Springs Garden of the Gods
TownePlace Suites Colorado Springs Garden of the Gods
2.5 out of 5
4760 Centennial Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO
TownePlace Suites Colorado Springs Garden of the Gods
Rainbow Lodge and Inn
Rainbow Lodge and Inn
2 out of 5
3709 W. Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs, CO
Rainbow Lodge and Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.