How to Visit Garden of the Gods, Colorado (7 Best Things You Can’t Miss)

Garden of the Gods is one of Colorado’s coolest places to visit. This free park in Colorado Springs is packed with giant red rock formations, stunning views of Pikes Peak, and plenty of ways to explore.

Wondering how to visit Garden of the Gods? It’s easy to get there from Colorado Springs or Denver, and once you arrive, you’ll find parking and trails that cater to every fitness level.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the most of your visit, from the best times to go to tips on getting around the park.

Garden of the Gods is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, just a short drive from the city center. Its central location makes it easy to access whether you’re coming from nearby or traveling from out of state.

Closest Airports:

• Colorado Springs Airport (COS): Only 20 minutes from the park, this is the most convenient option.
• Denver International Airport (DEN): About 1.5 hours away, it’s a good choice if you’re flying in from farther away and want more flight options.

Directions:

• Driving: The best way to visit Garden of the Gods is by driving your own vehicle. If you’re flying in, car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to get around once you’re in town.

From I-25, take Exit 146 (Garden of the Gods Road). Head west for about 2.5 miles, then turn left onto 30th Street. Follow the signs to the park entrance.

• Public Transit: Public transit options are not the best and are limited. You can use the Mountain Metro Bus service in Colorado Springs. From downtown, take Route 3 to the Old Colorado City transfer station, then Route 9 toward Garden of the Gods.

GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in mind you’ll still need to walk or arrange a ride for the final stretch to the Visitor Center. Once at the Visitor Center, you can use the free shuttle.

• Hours: Winter Hours (Nov 1 – Apr 30): Open daily from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm. Summer Hours (May 1 – Oct 31): Open daily from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm.
• Fees: Entry to the Garden of the Gods Park is completely free, including access to the Visitor & Nature Center​
• Best Time to Visit: The park is open year-round, but spring and fall are considered the best times to visit due to mild temperatures and stunning scenery.

PRO TIP: Early mornings or late afternoons are also ideal for fewer crowds. The winter months offer a quieter experience, perfect for those looking to avoid the crowds.

Garden of the Gods Entrance Sign / How to Visit Garden of the Gods

• Pets: Pets are allowed in the park but must be on at least a 6’ leash at all times and all pet waste must be removed.
• Parking: Parking is free and available throughout the park, but spots fill up quickly, especially during the summer months. A free shuttle service operates during peak seasons, helping with transportation and parking.

• Shuttle Service

There is a free shuttle service that operates during peak seasons. It makes navigating through the park super easy. The shuttle makes a loop that connects all the key areas of the park.

The shuttle runs daily from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm from mid-spring through the third week in August, with extra service during Labor Day weekend.

Shuttles depart approximately every 15 minutes, so you’ll never have to wait long for a ride. You can hop on and off at any of the shuttle stops.

PRO TIP: A great way to make the most of the shuttle is to park your car in the overflow parking lot across from the Visitor Center. From there, you can take the shuttle directly to the Visitor Center or enjoy a short walk through a pedestrian tunnel to reach it. This allows you to skip the main parking lot, which can fill up quickly on busy days.

Garden of the Gods Shuttle Map / Map Credit GGVNC

Shuttle Stops:

Number 1: Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center

Number 2: Central Garden

Number 3: Overflow Lot

Number 4: Historic Rock Ledge Ranch Entrance

• Driving Your Car

While the shuttle service is a great option, you can also choose to drive your own vehicle around Garden of the Gods.

Several parking areas are throughout, including the Visitor Center, Overflow Parking Lot, and other spots along Gateway Road and Juniper Way Loop.

However, be aware that parking can be limited, especially during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.

Map Credit: City of Colorado Springs

The Visitor and Nature Center is the perfect place to begin your adventure at Garden of the Gods!

It’s packed with exhibits and resources that will help you understand the park’s unique geology, wildlife, and cultural history.

You will learn about the fascinating rock formations, including the discovery of a dinosaur species (Theiophytalia kerri), and explore the deep connections the Ute people have to the area.

The center is also a convenient spot to grab a bite at the Gateway Cafe, which offers stunning views of the park. Afterward, you can stop by the gift shop for locally inspired souvenirs and items that help support the park.

View from the Cafe at Garden of the Gods / How to Visit Garden of the Gods 

GOOD TO KNOW: The Visitor and Nature Center is open daily, with winter hours from 9 am to 5 pm and summer hours from 9 am to 6 pm (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Note that it’s closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. You’ll find it right at 1805 N. 30th Street in Colorado Springs, just minutes from the park entrance.

After visiting the Visitor Center, I highly recommend hopping in your car to explore the scenic roads of Garden of the Gods. It’s the best way to get an overview of the park, take in its iconic rock formations, and enjoy the breathtaking views.

This drive lets you experience the park’s highlights at your own pace while setting the stage for deeper exploration later.

PRO TIP: For a better understanding of the scenic roads in Garden of the Gods, take a look at the map that I included in this post. It will help you navigate the park and plan your drive to see the best views and formations!

Scenic Drive in Garden of the Gods / How to Visit Garden of the Gods 

GOOD TO KNOW: This drive consists of two key routes: Juniper Way Loop, which forms the core of the park’s one-way paved road system, and Garden Drive, which leads south to additional highlights like Balanced Rock.

Juniper Way Loop

This one-way loop takes you through the central part of Garden of the Gods, showcasing some of its most famous formations.

Famous Spires in Garden of the Gods / How to Visit Garden of the Gods 

As you drive, you’ll encounter Gateway Rocks, which frame the park’s entrance and provide a dramatic introduction to the area’s geology.

Gateway Rocks / How to Visit Garden of the Gods 

The loop continues past other highlights like Kissing Camels, visible from various viewpoints, and culminates at High Point Overlook, a spot offering sweeping vistas of Pikes Peak and the surrounding landscapes.

The loop is well-paved, marked with clear signage, and features multiple pull-offs for photography and exploration.

Kissing Camels Rock Formation / How to Visit Garden of the Gods 

Garden Drive

Extending southward, Garden Drive will connect you to the southern section of the park.

The main attraction here is Balanced Rock, a massive, gravity-defying sandstone formation that is a favorite for photos. Nearby is Steamboat Rock, another striking formation worth a stop.

This area is slightly less crowded, providing a quieter experience compared to Juniper Way Loop.

Steamboat and Balanced Rock / How to Visit Garden of the Gods

Balanced Rock / How to Visit Garden of the Gods

GOOD TO KNOW: The entire route can take as little as 30 minutes to drive, but with plenty of pull-offs for photos, it’s worth taking your time.

Now it is time to do some hiking and the first hike I recommend is the Central Garden Trail. This is a must-do for anyone visiting Garden of the Gods, as it offers a fantastic introduction to the park’s iconic rock formations.

The trail is paved, making it accessible to strollers and wheelchairs, and it’s a relatively flat 1.5-mile loop, perfect for a relaxed walk while soaking in breathtaking views.

Perkins Central Garden Trail / How to Visit Garden of the Gods 

As you walk, you’ll pass by some of the park’s most famous formations, like the Kissing Camels, Sentinel Spires, Cathedral Spires, Tower of Babel, Pulpit Rock, and Three Graces.

Sentinel and Cathedral Spires / How to Visit Garden of the Gods

Three Graces / How to Visit Garden of the Gods 

​A great highlight of this trail is the opportunity to watch rock climbers in action, especially near the Gateway Rocks, which are prime spots for technical climbing.

PRO TIP: This trail is connected to the Central Garden area, where you’ll find picnic areas and spots perfect for taking a break.

Another one of my favorite hikes that you can’t miss is the Siamese Twins Loop Trail in Garden of the Gods. It is an easy hike with absolutely stunning views!

The trail starts from the Siamese Twins parking area on Garden Drive.

The trail is approximately a half-mile. It winds through red rock terrain dotted with junipers and pinyon pines. It will eventually lead you to a unique Siamese Twins rock formation.

Siamese Twins Rock Formation / How to Visit Garden of the Gods  

The Siamese Twins are two spires connected by a natural arch that perfectly frame the distant Pikes Peak. The view through the arch at the Siamese Twins is definitely the highlight of the trail.

View of Longs Peak Through the Opening in Siamese Rock Formation 

The next hike that should be on your list is the Ridge Trail.

It’s a half-mile loop starting near the South Garden parking lot. This trail offers less than 100 feet of elevation gain, making it an easy hike suitable for most visitors.

What makes this trail special is the close-up perspective of formations like Sleeping Giant.

The trail should take you no more than 20-30 minutes, and give you time to enjoy other parts of the park.

Sleeping Giant Rock Formation / How to Visit Garden of the Gods 

Next, check out the High Point Overlook in Garden of the Gods. It offers some of the most expansive and picturesque views in the park!

Located along Ridge Road, this spot is easily accessible by car and has its own designated parking area, making it a convenient stop.

From here, you can enjoy sweeping vistas of the park’s dramatic rock formations against the backdrop of Pikes Peak and the surrounding foothills. This overlook is especially popular during sunset when the warm light enhances the stunning landscape, creating perfect conditions for photography.

High Point Overlook / How to Visit Garden of the Gods 

GOOD TO KNOW: If you still have time, there are a few other hikes that I’d recommend to get even more out of your visit to Garden of the Gods.

The Palmer Trail is a longer option for those looking to explore more of the park’s natural beauty. It stretches around 5 miles and offers more of a wilderness experience, giving you a bit of everything: views of the rocks, trails through the forest, and peaceful spots to enjoy the outdoors.

Palmer Trail / How to Visit Garden of the Gods