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Garden Of The Gods
Park in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Travel Tips
Dining and Accommodation
Stay at The Broadmoor for a luxurious experience and dine at Salsa on the Rock for top-rated meals. 1
Hiking and Outdoor Activities
Allocate more time for hiking if possible. 2
Enjoy horseback riding, hiking, and the accessible Perkins Central Garden Trail. Rock climbing permits available. 3
Photography and Scenic Views
Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most spectacular views. The park offers free admission. 4
Visit in the late afternoon for fewer crowds and better lighting for photos. 5
Visitor Center and Tours
Don't miss the visitor center and the short film for an overview. 6
Explore various tours to enhance your visit. The park is open daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. 7
Additional Attractions
Consider visiting Cave of the Winds and Pikes Peak while in the area. 8
Explore nearby attractions like waterfalls, hikes, and interactive space centers. 9
About
History
- ๐ Donation: Charles Elliott Perkins donated 480 acres of land to the City of Colorado Springs in 1909, with the provision that it be a free public park.
- ๐ Geological Formation: The red rock formations in the park were created millions of years ago during the Laramide Orogeny event.
- ๐๏ธ Native American Connection: Native American tribes, including the Utes, have a spiritual connection to Garden of the Gods and camped in the area.
- ๐ถโโ๏ธ Exploration: Spanish and European American explorers traveled through the park in the 16th century, recording their visits in journals.
- ๐ฅ Visitor Center: The Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center was opened in 1995, offering educational exhibits and a short film on the park's formation.
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Activities
- ๐งโโ๏ธ Rock Climbing: Rock climbing is a popular activity in the park, with proper equipment and annual permits required.
- ๐ถโโ๏ธ Hiking Trails: There are 15 miles of trails in the park, including the wheelchair-accessible Perkins Central Garden Trail.
- ๐ฆ Bird Watching: Visitors can spot over 130 species of birds in the park, including white-throated swifts and canyon wrens.
- ๐ดโโ๏ธ Biking: Mountain biking is permitted on select trails, and all one-way roads have paved bike lanes.
- ๐ฟ Nature Programs: The park offers free naturalist-led walks, daily nature presentations, and educational exhibits at the Visitor Center.
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Ecology
- ๐ณ Flora and Fauna: The park is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, and foxes.
- ๐ฆ Unique Species: A unique species of dinosaur skull was found in the park, identified as Theiophytalia kerri.
- ๐ Honey Ant Subspecies: A subspecies of honey ant not previously recorded was discovered in the park and named after it.
- ๐ฆ Bird Species: Garden of the Gods Park hosts over 130 species of birds, providing a rich birdwatching experience for visitors.
- ๐ Geological Contrast: The park offers a striking contrast between plains and mountains in North America, with diverse biology, geology, and climate.
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Visitor Information
- ๐ฐ๏ธ Park Hours: Garden of the Gods Park is open year-round, with varying hours depending on the season.
- ๐๏ธ Admission: Both the park and Visitor & Nature Center are free and open to the public.
- ๐ Shuttle Service: Free public shuttle service is available during peak months, operating from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
- ๐๏ธ Gift Shop: The Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center features a gift shop with a variety of souvenirs and local artwork.
- ๐ฝ๏ธ Dining Options: On-site restaurant offers food and beverage options for visitors to fuel their park experience.
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Rock Climbing
- ๐งโโ๏ธ Permits: Annual permits for rock climbing in the park are required and can be obtained from the City of Colorado Springs.
- ๐ซ Regulations: Climbers must follow Technical Climbing Regulations and Guidelines, including using proper equipment and climbing in parties of two or more.
- ๐ง๏ธ Weather Restrictions: Climbing is not allowed on wet or icy rocks, as precipitation makes the rocks unstable.
- ๐ฐ Fines: Unregistered climbers may face fines, and there are possible rescue costs in case of emergencies.
- ๐จ Safety: Climbers are advised to adhere to safety guidelines to prevent accidents and ensure a positive climbing experience.
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Events
- ๐โโ๏ธ Annual Races: The park hosts summer running races and recreational bike rides, attracting participants from all over.
- ๐ดโโ๏ธ Cycling Challenge: Pro Cycling Challenge Prologue event takes place in Garden of the Gods Park, offering a unique cycling experience.
- ๐จ Art Exhibitions: Special events and art exhibitions are held in the park, showcasing local talent and creativity.
- ๐ค Educational Talks: The park organizes educational talks and programs on various topics related to nature, history, and geology.
- ๐ Festivals: Seasonal festivals and events are organized in the park, providing entertainment for visitors of all ages.
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FAQs
- ๐ฅ Visitor Count: The park attracts an estimated six million visitors annually from all 50 states and over 60 countries.
- ๐ Driving: Visitors can drive through the park and access various parking areas to explore different sections.
- ๐ Pet Policy: Dogs are allowed on a leash throughout the park, with an off-leash area available near the main entrance.
- ๐ฐ๏ธ Best Time to Visit: Early or late in the day is recommended to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
- ๐ Location: The main entrance to Garden of the Gods Park is located at 1805 N. 30th Street in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
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Travel Information |
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๐ย ย ย Phone: (719) 634-6666 |
๐ย ย ย Website: https://gardenofgods.com/ |
๐ย ย ย Hours: See hours |
๐ย ย ย Address: Colorado Springs, CO 80904 |
๐ย ย ย Profiles: ![]() |
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