If you ever find yourself near Colorado Springs, do not skip Garden of the Gods. This place feels like Earth showing off. Towering red rock formations, ancient history, free entry (yes, free), and views that make you forget your phone battery is dying from snapping photos and recording videos.
The Ute people, the region’s original inhabitants, called themselves “People of the Red Rocks.” Archaeologists believe humans have been here for more than 3,400 years. The tribes used to trade, seek shelter, and return seasonally to the mountains. Standing among those rocks, you can literally feel the history humming beneath your feet.
Fast-forward to the 1800s, when General William Jackson Palmer and Charles Elliott Perkins saw the beauty of this area and decided to protect it for everyone. Perkins bought 480 acres in 1879 for just over $10,000 (steal of the century) and later willed it to the City of Colorado Springs, with rules like:
- It must always be free to visit
- No alcohol or commercial buildings
- Only build what’s needed to maintain the park
Because of that generosity, the park now spans over 1,300 acres of red rock magic.
For the explorers and history lovers, there’s also a connection to Pike’s Peak. Back in 1806, Lt. Zebulon Pike spotted a “small blue cloud” in the distance, which turned out to be the 14,000-foot peak we now call Pike’s Peak. His expedition didn’t make it to the top (no winter gear, bad timing), but it became one of Colorado’s most famous landmarks.
Nature nerds and photographers, get your cameras ready. The park is a haven for wildlife: prairie falcons dive up to 120 mph, canyon wrens sing their little hearts out, red-tailed hawks glide overhead, and scrub jays add pops of blue. Even if you’re not a birder, you’ll be one by the end of your hike.
The Sentinel Spires are another must-see. These massive formations are made of 275-million-year-old sandstone, shale, and gravel. What used to be ancient riverbeds were pushed upright by tectonic shifts. You can still see ripple marks from those ancient streams, literal evidence of time frozen in stone.
Trail Tips:
- Entry is free (no catch).
- Hours: 5 a.m.–10 p.m. (May–Oct), 5 a.m.–9 p.m. (Nov–Apr).
- Parking is free but fills up fast.
- No drones, alcohol, or carving initials into rocks (leave no trace, babes).
- Permits are required for climbing.
My Takeaway:
Garden of the Gods is one of those rare places that humbles you in the best way. The mix of history, geology, and natural beauty makes it more than a park, it’s an energy reset. You’ll leave a little dustier, maybe a little sunburned, but 100% more in awe of this planet.
Pin it or plan it:
Official Garden of the Gods Website
Trip Resources
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Hey, I'm Christy Scronce, a Filipina-American Los Angeles native and travel enthusiast. I love visiting new places and trying new food. Welcome to my adventure blog where I capture both State & National Park visits, family excursions, and road trips, while sharing my travel photos and recaps. My goal is to visit as many National Parks using my “America the Beautiful” annual pass. 
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