Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods


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 favourite 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 kilometres) 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 Centre. The park is located approximately 67 miles (108 kilometres) 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.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Wildlife & nature

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Popular places to visit


Top Garden of the Gods Hotel Deals

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
Quality Inn and Suites Garden of the Gods

Quality Inn and Suites Garden of the Gods

2.5 out of 5
555 W Garden Of Gods Rd, Colorado Springs, CO
Quality Inn and Suites Garden of the Gods
Best Western Plus Fillmore Inn & Suites

Best Western Plus Fillmore Inn & Suites

3 out of 5
3150 N Chestnut St, Colorado Springs, CO
Best Western Plus Fillmore Inn & Suites
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
Magnuson Grand Pikes Peak

Magnuson Grand Pikes Peak

2.5 out of 5
45 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO
Magnuson Grand Pikes Peak
Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort

Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort

2 out of 5
2 El Paso Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO
Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort
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
The Ridge Hotel - Manitou Springs

The Ridge Hotel - Manitou Springs

2 out of 5
229 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO
The Ridge Hotel - Manitou Springs
The San Ayre Court

The San Ayre Court

2 out of 5
3320 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO
The San Ayre Court
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.

Things to do near Garden of the Gods

At the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including scenic hiking trails that offer breathtaking views, exciting rock climbing opportunities, and the chance to witness stunning sunrises. For those looking for leisure, there are also excellent golf courses nearby, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and relaxation seekers alike.

Shopping

In Garden of the Gods, enjoy shopping at Ruxton's Trading Post, only 4.8km away, for unique gifts and souvenirs. Chapel Hills Mall, located 9.7km away, offers a vibrant shopping experience. If you're up for a drive, the Focus on the Family Welcome Center is 11.3km from the park.

Recreation

Explore Red Rock Canyon Open Space for serene hiking trails and peaceful nature spots, perfect for relaxation. At the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, immerse yourself in the vibrant sports atmosphere. For a touch of luxury, unwind at Colorado Springs Country Club, offering upscale amenities and stunning views.

Adventure

The Manitou Incline, a challenging hiking trail 6.4km from Garden of the Gods, offers stunning scenery and outdoor adventure. For family fun, visit the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, located 14.5km away, featuring thrilling water rides. The Sport Climbing Center, 4.8km away, promises an exhilarating climbing experience.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Garden of the Gods is vibrant and diverse. Cosmo's Magic Theater offers enchanting performances just 3.2km away, while the thrilling Arcade Amusements, located 4.8km away, is perfect for adventure seekers. Iron Springs Chateau, 6.4km away, combines culture and entertainment for a delightful evening.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Garden of the Gods

Whether you're seeking culture, family experiences, or a taste of history, the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs offers a variety of attractions, including museums, modern universities, and even a castle. Explore the stunning landscapes of the gods garden and consider excursions to nearby sites for a comprehensive experience of this breathtaking area.

  • Glen Eyrie Castle: Nestled just 1.6km from the Garden of the Gods, this enchanting castle offers a glimpse into a romantic past, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Its impressive architecture and rich cultural heritage make it a perfect spot for history enthusiasts and romantics alike.
  • Cave of the Winds: Located three miles away, this thrilling cave system invites adventure seekers to explore its stunning rock formations and breathtaking underground vistas. Guided tours offer a unique opportunity to experience the wonders of nature in an exhilarating setting.
  • Colorado College: A modern college situated three miles from the Garden of the Gods, Colorado College boasts vibrant city vibes and a lively campus atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy its beautiful grounds and engage with the local culture through various events and exhibitions.

Best time to go to Garden of the Gods

The best time to visit Garden of the Gods can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Garden of the Gods falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Garden of the Gods falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January26.2°F (-3.2°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February27.0°F (-2.8°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March36.3°F (2.4°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September61.3°F (16.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October46.9°F (8.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November36.0°F (2.2°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December26.8°F (-2.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Garden of the Gods

To save on your trip to the Garden of the Gods, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January, February, or November, and aim for a Tuesday stay to avoid higher Saturday rates. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter for budget-friendly, eco-certified hotels, and arrange your results from lowest to highest price. Combine your accommodation with flights and activities for additional savings. Take advantage of free activities in the area, and explore the local public transport options for a cost-effective way to get around Colorado Springs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Garden of the Gods are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Garden of the Gods is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Garden of the Gods is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your hotel stay at the Garden of the Gods with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.