Garden Of The Gods! ~ Colorado Springs

There are few places on earth more fitting to be called the Garden Of The Gods than the majestic red rock outcrop area that is located near Colorado Springs! In places like this, the follies of mankind pale in comparison to overwhelming beauty of Mother Nature. Ominous, majestic and mysterious are words that aptly describe this place where the towering red rock spires touch the heavens above. The feeling that one gets when visiting such an inspirational place does have a way of divining truth from fiction, as well as enlightening spiritual beliefs. Walking through the Garden Of The Gods truly is an experience that visually can inspire choosing a better path to follow in the game of life.  

The Garden Of The Gods is a registered National Landmark that is easy to find when visiting Colorado Springs. This destination is managed like a city park, so the mode is comfortable and casual. All that one has to do is to carry some water to stay hydrated in the high elevation air, because it is easy to stroll around for hours in this place. The back country trails go deep into the mountain wilderness and the views of Pikes Peak in the distance are a picturesque background for the immortalized red rock spires. When visiting the Garden Of The Gods, it is best to just let your feet be the guide, simply because the views are so captivating!

There have been many changes in how this National Landmark has been managed in recent times.  Parking, traffic and congestion have been the cause of environmental problems in the past, so a few new regulations addressed this matter. The latest changes involved eliminating the drive through traffic, so now this park is designated for pedestrians only. The Colorado Springs public transportation system swings by this scenic destination on a regular basis, so there really is no need to bring the car along.  

The best place to start a Garden Of The Gods venture is at the visitor center. This is where fees are paid and plenty of good information can be found.  The visitor center sits on a hill that overlooks the Garden Of The Gods, so the view is spectacular, especially since Pikes Peak looms tall in the background. From this vantage point it is easy to get one’s bearings on the task ahead, which is a casual stroll through a place that looks and feels as if it is the home of the all powerful immortals.

The Garden Of The Gods paths are paved, so even those who have mobility challenges can enjoy this scenic place. The visitors center provides maps, but most folks need no assistance finding their way around. The walking paths are basically loops that weave around the tall red rock outcrops, so where you begin is also where the trail loop will end.  

Walking the scenic pathway is what most visitors do and there are a few dirt side trails for those who are a bit more adventurous. The dirt side trails go to unique looking rock formations that have names and some continue on to distant viewing spots in the back country. Colorado is a rock climber’s paradise and going vertical can be done at the Garden Of The Gods after registering for a permit at the visitors center. Watching the rock climbers as they scale the tall red rock spires is a pastime for visitors too.

It is not till a visitor starts to follow the paths that the intensity of this majestic place is felt. The tall eroded red rock spires and bluffs have a way of making anybody feel small, thus the feeling of being in a garden that is a home of the gods almost becomes real. The ravens and magpies roost in the towering red rock cliffs high above and they taunt the onlookers on the ground below like spirits in the wind. With each step a new view appears and with each angle the thin rock spires seem to morph into a different shape that has a new meaning. This is definitely a place where the earth spirits communicate with those who take the time to look.

The Garden Of The Gods truly simply must be chalked high up on the lifetime travel bucket list! The walking paths only take about an hour to cover, but even a short visit seems to take much longer because there is so much beautiful scenery to experience. Spending a day at this National Landmark is worthwhile too and there simply is no better place for a lazy afternoon picnic when rest and recuperation are needed. Visitors will find majestic views and a chance to atone the spirit when strolling through the Garden Of The Gods, so it is well worth the venture!