Updated October 2026
Planning a visit to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs? This free park was one of our favorite stops during our campervan road trip through Colorado. We spent several hours exploring its massive red rock formations, hiking the Central Garden area, visiting Siamese Twins and Balancing Rock, and taking in views of Pikes Peak.
In this guide, I'll show you the trails and rock formations we explored, where we parked, how much time to allow, and a few things I wish we'd known before visiting.
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Planning a Trip to Garden of the Gods?
Here are a few resources to help you plan your visit and explore more of the area.
Find a Place to Stay in Colorado Springs → Manitou Springs and Old Colorado City are nearby
Visit Pikes Peak → Read about our experience driving to the summit of Pikes Peak
See our West Coast Road Trip Itinerary → See how Garden of the Gods fit into our campervan road trip
Garden of the Gods Quick Guide
Address: 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs, CO
Admission: Free
Parking: Free at the Visitor & Nature Center and throughout the park. Lots fill up on busy days, so arrive early. Parking for larger vehicles is across the street from the Visitor Center.
Time needed: 2–4 hours
Best time to go: Early morning for easier parking and fewer crowds. Spring and fall for comfortable hiking weather.
Park hours: 5 am–10 pm (May 1–October 31); 5 am–9 pm (November 1–April 30)
Visitor & Nature Center: 9 am–5 pm in winter; 9 am–6 pm Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Free shuttle: Runs in summer, roughly Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, about 9 am–5 pm. It stops at the Visitor Center, Central Garden, and Rock Ledge Ranch. Check the park’s website for this year’s dates.
Pets: Allowed on leash on trails and in the Visitor Center, except carpeted areas and the café
Good for kids: Yes
Don’t miss: Central Garden, Siamese Twins, and Balanced Rock
Our favorite: The Upper Loop Trail and Siamese Twins
Pikes Peak is about a 30-minute drive from Garden of the Gods, so it’s easy to visit both on the same trip. Read more on my [Pikes Peak blog post]. Did you know you can see Garden of the Gods from the summit of Pikes Peak? It’s so cool to spot!
Visitor Center at Garden of the Gods
Once you arrive, you will want to start at the Visitor Center to pick up a few souvenirs and get a map of the park. The visitor center includes all your souvenir needs from apparel, Native American jewelry, toys, books, maps, snacks, geological rocks, and more. There are also restrooms and a Café available at the visitor center.
Visitor Center Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Winter months), 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (Summer months). However, the visitor center is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and New Year's Day
Gateway Trail and Map
You can park at the Visitor Center and hike directly from there along the Gateway Trail which will lead you directly to the Central Garden Trail.
Central Garden Pedestrian Walkways trail
Central Garden Trail
After you have finished visiting the Visitor Center, head to your car and out of the parking lot toward the stop sign. From the stop sign you will go straight and follow the road to the right to find parking.
We chose to park at the first Main Parking Lot P2 on the left so we could walk the Central Garden Trail. This parking area was very full, and we had to drive around the lot several times waiting for someone to leave before we found a parking spot. There are a few spots for large vehicles as well.
There is a restroom at the start of the trail.
Perkins Central Garden Trail
The first section we hiked was at the Central Garden Pedestrian Walkways. This area makes way to some of the highest rock formations in the park including the Tower of Babel. You will also find the North Gateway Rock, Kissing Camels, Signature Rock, White Rock, South Gateway Rock, Sentinel Spires, Pulpit Rock, Giant Footprints, Three Graces, Cathedral Spires, Gray Rock, and Sleeping Giant.
This area has such a surreal landscape with its towering sandstone formations, sculpted millions of years ago, making it the perfect backdrop for any hiking experience.
We started hiking at the Perkins Central Garden Trail which is an easy trail and is 1.5 miles round trip on a paved path.
Juniper Way Loop
You can hike around the Central Garden on Juniper Way loop.
Tower of Babel
Tower of Babel
Once on the trail, you will walk past the restrooms and will come to an area that divides into three ways. You can go right, straight, or left. The right and straight path lead back to this same location whereas, the path to the left leads to the road and crosses over to the visitor center.
We chose to go to the right first. At the next fork in the road, we continued right. This way was quieter as I think most people hang out toward the left where the Sentinel Spires are. This path has wide paved sidewalks making it very easy to navigate as seen in the picture below.
During this hike we passed the North Gateway Rock which made way to the Tower of Babel as seen in the pictures above and below this text. The rocks are so red and absolutely amazing to look at. These rocks were formed millions of years ago due to erosion of the earth. These red rocks are made up of sandstone and limestone giving it a beautiful red/pink/white color.
Our view as we continued on the Perkins Central Garden trail.
Three Graces
Three Graces
Our next stop was the Three Graces. We took time to stop and enjoy the beautiful red rock formations in this area while our youngest climbed the rocks as we relaxed helping to get out some of his energy. Every view from this location is absolutely breathtaking as you enjoy the earth beneath your feet while viewing the rocky landscape, against juniper trees and sweet wildflowers.
Kids' hiking shoes with great traction for climbing and hiking
Pulpit Rock
While we were in this area, we enjoyed watching a couple rock climb the Pulpit Rock. Rock climbing is available only in certain areas with a free annual permit. Climbing is at your own risk. You must stop at the Visitor Center or register online prior to climbing. Proper equipment is required to climb in designated areas only.
Pulpit Rock
Upper Loop Trail
The Upper Loop Trail was my favorite hike at Garden of the Gods. This 0.8-mile round-trip trail climbs about 62 feet on an unpaved, rocky path. It’s doable for anyone steady on their feet, and the views are worth every step. The photo below was my favorite of the whole park, even on a cloudy day. There are plenty of large rocks for kids to climb but keep a close eye on younger ones around the bigger boulders. I hiked in my Chacos or Teva sandals with no trouble, but hiking shoes are the better choice.
Sun gear. The park is exposed and at high elevation, so a sun hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle are perfect additions to this hike.
Don’t forget your camera and tripod/selfie-stick as this is a popular spot for a picturesque view of the park.
Cathedral Spires and Sentinel Spires
Despite the cloudy day, isn’t the below picture just beautiful? You are viewing the Cathedral Spires (on the left) and Sentinel Spires (on the right). Look how majestic those spires both look towering, tall above the trees! A cloudy day made for easier hiking with less heat. It did rain briefly while at this park in June, so take your umbrella or rain poncho if there is a chance of rain.
Siamese Twins
The next stop was the Siamese Twins trail as seen in the picture below. This is a 0.5-mile round trip easy hike from parking lot P14. This will take you to two connecting towers of rocks protruding from the earth with a “window” between them. What a spectacular view this was! You can see Pikes Peak through the “window” as seen below. In every direction, there was a breathtaking view of red rocks stretching as far as the eye can see. I loved this spot!
Balanced Rock
Our final stop was the Balanced Rock. Drive to Parking lot P15 and at the base of the rock is easy access to the trail. From below Balanced Rock you can view the rock and pretend to hold up the rock. Or you can view the rock from above by climbing up onto the rocks for a front view and take a picture.
More Garden of the Gods hiking trails
Garden of the Gods has more than 22 miles of trails ranging from easy paved walks to more rugged routes. If you have additional time, consider Ridge Trail, Scotsman/Buckskin Charlie Trail or one of the longer loops through the park. Free digital trail maps are available from the Visitor & Nature Center.
Visiting Garden of the Gods in Winter
Garden of the Gods is open all year, and winter is one of the best-kept secrets for visiting. Crowds are lighter, parking is easier, and after a snowfall the red rocks against white snow and blue sky make for stunning photos.
Tips for a winter visit:
Watch for ice. Shaded parts of the trails can stay icy after a snowstorm. Traction cleats that slip over your shoes make a big difference.
Dress in layers. Mornings can be cold, but the sun warms things up quickly at this elevation.
Plan around holiday closures. The park stays open, but the Visitor & Nature Center closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Go mid-day. With shorter days, late morning to early afternoon gives you the warmest temperatures and the best light on the rocks.
Want to Explore Garden of the Gods with a Guide?
Garden of the Gods Jeep Tour
Best for someone who wants to see a lot without hiking all day.
Garden of the Gods E-Bike Tour
Good for an active way to explore more of the park.
Private Garden of the Gods Rock-Climbing Experience
Good for adventurous travelers who want to actually climb the formations with a guide.
Want to rock climb, but don’t know how? Take this amazing 4-hour guided rock-climbing tour at Front Range. Whether you're a beginner or advanced climber, this tour company has you covered.
Where We Camped Near Garden of the Gods — For FREE
Pike and San Isabel National Forest
We camped for free in Pike and San Isabel National Forest near Woodland Park, and our campsite had incredible views of Pikes Peak. → See exactly where we camped near Garden of the Gods
Things to Do Near Garden of the Gods
Pikes Peak. Explore Pikes Peak with a drive to the summit.
Manitou Springs. A walkable small town right next to the park. Grab a hotel nearby Manitou Springs and enjoy this quaint little town.
Pikes Peak tour. Prefer to have a small, guided tour drive you to Pikes Peak? Join this Pikes Peak tour group.
Mount Blue Sky. Keep the adrenaline pumping as you drive to Mount Blue Sky summit for another amazing view of Colorado.
Continue Your Colorado & Western U.S. Road Trip
11 things to do in South Dakota with kids including Mt Rushmore
Take an exhilarating 4x4 u-drive guided tour through the hills of Moab
Explore unique red rock arch formations at Arches National Park
If You Only Have 2 Hours at Garden of the Gods
If this is your first visit and you only have a couple of hours, I wouldn't try to hike every trail. First, I would stop at the visitor center and grab a map, and probably a souvenir, then I'd concentrate on the Central Garden area, then drive to Siamese Twins and finish at Balanced Rock.
Garden of the Gods FAQ
Is Garden of the Gods worth visiting?
Absolutely. Garden of the Gods was one of our favorite Colorado stops because you can spend a few hours surrounded by towering red rock formations, easy hiking trails, and views of Pikes Peak without paying an entrance fee. It's an easy addition to any Colorado Springs itinerary.
Is Garden of the Gods free?
Yes! There is no entrance fee, and parking is free at the Visitor Center and throughout the park. It's one of the best free things to do in Colorado Springs.
Do you need reservations to visit Garden of the Gods?
No reservations are required. You can simply drive in during park hours: 5:00 am to 10:00 pm from May 1 to October 31, and 5:00 am to 9:00 pm from November 1 to April 30.
Are dogs allowed at Garden of the Gods?
Yes, dogs are allowed on the trails as long as they're on a leash. They're also welcome in the Visitor Center, except on the carpeted areas and in the café.
How much time do you need at Garden of the Gods?
Plan on 2–4 hours for a first visit. That gives you time to walk the Central Garden, hike the Upper Loop Trail, and drive to Siamese Twins and Balanced Rock. If you only have a couple of hours, focus on the Central Garden, then drive to Siamese Twins and finish at Balanced Rock.
What's the best time to visit Garden of the Gods?
Go early in the day. When we visited in June, the Central Garden parking lot was so full that we circled several times waiting for a spot. Arriving in the morning gives you easier parking, fewer crowds, and cooler temperatures for hiking. Summer afternoons can bring quick rain showers, so pack a rain poncho just in case.
Is Garden of the Gods good for kids?
Yes! The Perkins Central Garden Trail is paved and easy for little legs, and there are plenty of rocks for kids to climb on to burn off some energy. Just keep a close eye on young children around the larger boulders, especially on the Upper Loop Trail.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods was easily one of our favorite stops in Colorado. Between the towering red rock formations, views of Pikes Peak, easy hiking trails, and the fact that the park is completely free to visit, it’s a place I would happily explore again.
Whether you have just a couple of hours or most of the day, take your time, explore a few trails, and don’t miss Siamese Twins and Balancing Rock. If you’re planning a Colorado road trip, Garden of the Gods definitely deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Have you visited Garden of the Gods? I’d love to know your favorite trail or viewpoint in the comments below.
Enjoy your journey,
Jennifer
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About the author: Jennifer
I’m just a girl who loves to travel. My favorite travels have been traveling across the US in a campervan, visiting all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, marking National Parks off my list, & many smaller trips. I love to share my adventures to inspire others to travel more. If you can dream it, you can do it! Want the whole story?
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