Garden of the Gods Tours and Activities

Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods


Experience the rugged cliffs, grassy plains and intriguing red rock formations that have earned this park a reputation for resembling the Wild West. 

Discover a rugged landscape defined by grassy plains and red rock cliffs at the Garden of the Gods. In this picturesque reserve, it's hard not to be reminded of the dusty, open scenery of America's Wild West. Hike, drive or mountain bike through these natural vistas, whose flat plains are separated by fascinating geological formations and dense woodlands.

Take a day to tour this 553-hectare (1,367-acre) landscape. Drive from Colorado Springs and explore a network of scenic roads that connect the area's best natural features. Take a photo of the Balanced Rock, an enormous stone that sits, perfectly poised, on a small point.

Though the wild atmosphere of the Garden of the Gods seems like a world away from the urban sprawl, it is located just outside Colorado Springs or an hour's drive from Denver. These wandering roads take you through curvaceous gorges, between soaring mountain passes and past colossal rock monoliths. Lace up your hiking boots and take the Siamese Twin loop for satisfying views of the region.

The garden also caters for those with disabilities and families with strollers. Just over 2 kilometres (1.5 miles) of paved paths provide easy access to some well-positioned lookouts.

For lunch, enjoy a meal at the park restaurant, found on its boundary. Otherwise, bring a picnic and sit amongst nature with views of Pike’s Peak.

Find the Garden of the Gods around 108 kilometres (67 miles) south of Denver. There is no charge for entry or parking within the reserve. On popular public holidays, the park runs a four-wheel-drive and bus service that can take you around the park. Alternatively, take a Segway tour and explore with ease. For maps, trail recommendations and must-see locations, enquire at the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center.

Plan a trip to see Garden of the Gods

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Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver by IHG
Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown - Union Station by IHG
The Oxford Hotel

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Wildlife & nature

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Popular places to visit


Top Garden of the Gods Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Garden of the Gods Resort and Club

Garden of the Gods Resort and Club

4 out of 5
3320 Mesa Rd, Colorado Springs, CO
Garden of the Gods Resort and Club
Quality Inn and Suites Garden of the Gods

Quality Inn and Suites Garden of the Gods

2.5 out of 5
555 W Garden Of Gods Rd, Colorado Springs, CO
Quality Inn and Suites Garden of the Gods
Glen Eyrie Castle & Conference Center A Ministry of the Navigators

Glen Eyrie Castle & Conference Center A Ministry of the Navigators

2.5 out of 5
3820 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO
Glen Eyrie Castle & Conference Center A Ministry of the Navigators
Best Western Plus Fillmore Inn & Suites

Best Western Plus Fillmore Inn & Suites

3 out of 5
3150 N Chestnut St, Colorado Springs, CO
Best Western Plus Fillmore Inn & Suites
Magnuson Grand Pikes Peak

Magnuson Grand Pikes Peak

2.5 out of 5
45 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO
Magnuson Grand Pikes Peak
Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort

Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort

2 out of 5
2 El Paso Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO
Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort
Villa Motel at Manitou Springs

Villa Motel at Manitou Springs

2 out of 5
481 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO
Villa Motel at Manitou Springs
6k sq/ft Mansion! Views, Pool, Hot Tub, Game Room, Theatre, Epic Experience!

6k sq/ft Mansion! Views, Pool, Hot Tub, Game Room, Theatre, Epic Experience!

Colorado Springs
6k sq/ft Mansion! Views, Pool, Hot Tub, Game Room, Theatre, Epic Experience!
The San Ayre Court

The San Ayre Court

2 out of 5
3320 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO
The San Ayre Court
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Garden of the Gods

At Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, visitors can enjoy a range of activities including hiking, rock climbing, and catching breathtaking sunrises. The stunning natural scenery provides great opportunities for sightseeing, while golf enthusiasts can also find nearby courses to tee off. This iconic park offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for all who visit.

Shopping

The nearest shopping centre is Chapel Hills Mall, located 9.7km from Garden of the Gods, offering a variety of shops and family-friendly entertainment. Focus on the Family Welcome Center, 11.3km away, is perfect for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, explore First & Main Town Center, 12.9km away.

Recreation

Explore Monument Valley Park for serene walks amidst stunning landscapes, perfect for relaxation. At the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, engage in energetic activities and soak up the sports atmosphere. For a touch of luxury, unwind at the Colorado Springs Country Club, enjoying its elegant facilities.

Adventure

Experience thrilling water fun at Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, located 14.5km from Garden of the Gods, perfect for families and adventure seekers. For a challenging trek, tackle the Manitou Incline, 6.4km away, offering stunning scenery and an invigorating outdoor experience.

Nightlife

The vibrant nightlife near Garden of the Gods features Cosmo's Magic Theater, with its enchanting shows just 3.2km away, and Iron Springs Chateau, offering a romantic atmosphere at 6.4km. For arcade fun, check out Arcade Amusements, an exciting adventure zone located 4.8km away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Garden of the Gods

While visiting the stunning Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, immerse yourself in local culture by exploring nearby historical museums and modern universities. Don't miss the opportunity to wander through the national park, where breathtaking rock formations await. Families will find plenty of engaging activities, making it a perfect destination for a memorable holiday. Enjoy the unique charm of this natural wonder and its surrounding attractions.

  • Manitou and Pike's Peak Railway: Experience a stunning journey on this historic railway that takes you up the majestic Pike's Peak. With breathtaking views of the Rockies, this ride offers a glimpse into Colorado's rich culture and history, just 6.4km from Garden of the Gods.
  • Colorado College: Nestled in a vibrant city setting, Colorado College is a picturesque liberal arts institution located 4.8km away. Explore its beautiful campus, enjoy the arts scene, and soak in the dynamic atmosphere of the college community.
  • Garden of the Gods Trading Post: This charming gallery, located 3.2km from the park, showcases local art and crafts. Immerse yourself in the cultural vibes while browsing unique souvenirs and enjoying the scenic surroundings.

Best time to go to Garden of the Gods

The best time to visit Garden of the Gods is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January26.2°F (-3.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February27.0°F (-2.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March36.3°F (2.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
April43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September61.3°F (16.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October46.9°F (8.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November36.0°F (2.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December26.8°F (-2.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Garden of the Gods

To save money on your trip to the Garden of the Gods, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January to February and November, when accommodation prices are lower. Avoid weekends, as Tuesday typically offers the best hotel rates. Use Expedia to compare options and take advantage of package deals that combine flights and accommodation for additional savings. Also, look for eco-friendly hotels and sort your search results by price to find the best deals. Walking is a great way to explore the area at no cost, allowing you to fully enjoy the stunning landscapes.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Garden of the Gods are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Garden of the Gods is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Garden of the Gods is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Garden of the Gods hotel booking with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.