📷 Photo by Melanie Magdalena on UnsplashGarden of the Gods
Colorado Springs, CO
A free city park where red sandstone fins stand upright in front of Pikes Peak. The paved loops are easy.
Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs (Colorado) is a city park of about 1,341 acres (543 ha) where red sandstone fins stand upright in front of Pikes Peak. The rock layers were tilted when the Rocky Mountains rose and were later shaped by Ice Age erosion. About 862 acres (349 ha) have been a National Natural Landmark since 1971. The surveyors Melancthon Beach and Rufus Cable gave the park its name in 1859.
In 1909 the children of railroad executive Charles Elliott Perkins gave the city about 480 acres (194 ha) on the condition that the park stay free to the public; the Visitor & Nature Center is free too. There are more than 12 miles (20 km) of trails; the paved, wheelchair-accessible Perkins Central Garden Trail is just under 2 km (about 1 mile) long. More than two million people visit each year.
A drive through the park takes only about 20 to 30 minutes. Start early or in the late afternoon, when it is cooler, the light is better and there are fewer visitors; in summer the parking lots fill up early. You can pick up a free map at the Visitor & Nature Center on 30th Street.
- Nearest town
- Colorado Springs, CO
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 38.8784, -104.8698
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Garden of the Gods RV ResortMotorhome stopover2 mi from Garden of the GodsMotorhomes
- Fountain Creek CampgroundMotorhome stopover2 mi from Garden of the GodsMotorhomesElectricity
- Foot of the Rockies RV ResortMotorhome stopover4 mi from Garden of the GodsMotorhomes
- B52 Scout Camping AreaCampsite10 mi from Garden of the GodsTentsFree
- The Meadow CampgroundMotorhome stopover10 mi from Garden of the GodsMotorhomesElectricity
- Falcon/Colorado Springs NE KOA HolidayMotorhome stopover17 mi from Garden of the GodsTentsMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
All campsites in Colorado · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Garden of the Gods?
Garden of the Gods is in Colorado Springs, CO, at GPS 38.8784, -104.8698. It is about 3 mi from Manitou Springs.
Can you camp near Garden of the Gods?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Garden of the Gods RV Resort, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 48 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Garden of the Gods?
Garden of the Gods is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Colorado Springs to Rocky Mountain National Park and Red sandstone, gold-rush roads and dark nights – by camper from Pikes Peak via the Gold Belt Tour to Pueblo.
What is there to see near Garden of the Gods?
Places worth a stop nearby: Pikes Peak Summit (10 mi), Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument (23 mi), Royal Gorge Bridge (38 mi) and Red Rocks Amphitheatre (57 mi).
When is the best time to visit Garden of the Gods?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)