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Often ranked among the top parks in the nation, Garden of the Gods is a National Natural Landmark that showcases a stunning blend of over 300 sandstone formations that are set against a backdrop of soaring snow-capped peaks.
TripAdvisor named it the No. 1 park in the entire U.S., noting: “Beautiful and majestic. One of the best city parks in the entire country.” One of the best ways to experience it, getting up close and personal to those unique red rock formations, is to hike the 15 miles of trails that wind through the park’s nearly 1,400 acres.
The park also hosts an outstanding Visitor & Nature Center where you can learn more about the formations and find out how they got here. Its Geo-Trekker theater hosts a film about the area every 20 minutes.
While you’re here you can shop for gifts and souvenirs as well as dine in a glass-enclosed cafe on the terrace while enjoy views of the park and Pikes Peak.
There are free guided walks and hikes led by top naturalists, historians and interpreters, like the Full Moon Astronomy Hike and the Garden of the Gods History Hike.
Or, as an alternative to getting out on foot, you can join one of the Segway or Open-Air Jeep Tours to explore the landscape. Its onsite bike rental shop offers e-bikes and traditional pedal mountain bikes for self-guided tours of the Garden.
The 2018 Garden of the Gods Gateway Adventure Series features classes monthly presentations, classes, and demonstrations like wildflower photography or even an intro to rock climbing. This is one of Colorado’s top destinations for the sport.
While you’re in this area you’ll find multiple other attractions to enjoy nearby, including Cave of the Winds, Old Colorado City, Pikes Peak and Seven Falls, which a series of waterfalls, and the only waterfall in the entire state to make National Geographic’s list of the most spectacular international waterfalls.
