When surveyors first discovered the outcropping of giant red and white sandstone rock, back in 1859, one described the area as a fitting place for the Gods to assemble. The name stuck.
There are quite a few hiking trails that lead around and over the rock formations. From some places, you can also see Pike’s Peak. I could not, however, because of the cloudy weather.
By far, the most popular trail at the Garden of the Gods takes you to the center of the rock formations. The path is paved, and winds around the biggest rocks. At the center you’ll find this plaque, reading:
The Garden of the Gods
Given to
The City of Colorado Springs
in 1909
by the children of
Charles Elliott Perkins
In fulfillment of his wish
that it be kept forever
free to the public.
As you wander around the park you’ll marvel at the out-of-this-world formations…
… although they would have been better backed by a little blue sky.
The Garden of the Gods is popular with rock climbers, and no matter what day you visit, you’ll probably see someone scaling the rock walls. You must obtain permission from the park, though, and climbing or scrambling up rocks by amateurs (or anyone without the proper equipment) is forbidden.
If you take the long paved sidewalk out to the east side of the garden, then walk up the road a short distance…
… you’ll find this shot, one of the best pictures I took in the park. Of course, blue skies (and a view of Pike’s Peak) would have made it much nicer.
Because of the gloomy weather, I decided to head back to Denver for the final day of the trip.
Note: This trip was first published in 2005.
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