The Garden of the Gods fits its name to a ‘T’. When you see the shear red rock cliffs pointing towards the heavens, you imagine mythical Gods using this area as a playground.
We here at “You, Me and The Dock” encourage our readers to send us photos of their vacations. As a travel site, its only natural to want to hear about other people’s exciting adventures.
This adventure article started with a couple who follow us on social media. They have also been subscribers for several years.
Sandy and her husband Mike live in Minnesota. Which by the way is also known as, “The Land of a 1,000 Lakes!” Sandy was more than happy to share her photos from her recent trip to Colorado Springs and The Garden of the Gods. Along with Sandy’s incredible photos, we added some history behind them. So, sit back and take a few minutes to enjoy one of Western America’s iconic attractions.
The Garden of the Gods was once known as the Red Rock Corral. A name given to this rocky plantation by the Europeans. The park itself sits along the Southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains at the base of Pikes Peak.
A surveyor by the name of Rufus Cable was amazed by the rock’s formations. He initially came up with the name, ‘The Garden of the Gods’. However, in 1893, a Colorado transcript gave credit to Helen Jackson for the naming of the site. But the story doesn’t end there.
In the early 1890s, the park had two attendants who watched over the newly discovered attraction. Helen was a miner heading to Colorado City during the Gold Rush era. She happened to come upon the two attendants. She asked them their names and the man responded by saying, “My name is Jupiter and her name is Juno”. Helen then responded back, “Then this must be the garden of the gods!” Hence the name became solidified in history.
With Colorado being a mountainous state, these indigenous rocks are dated back to the Pleistocene Ice Age. The history of an ancient sea can be told in the multiple layers of sediment.
Evidence shows that prehistoric people visited the park in 1330 BC. In 250 BC, area natives were attracted to the park for its wildlife and natural shelter created by the rocks’ formations.
The park is home to a variety of wildlife which includes Deer, Elk, Big Horn Sheep and Fox. There are also several species of raptures like Prairie Falcons, American Kestrels, and Red-Tail Hawks.
Visitors can sign up for various tours at The Garden of The Gods Visitors and Nature Center. You can motor around the park via a trolley, a specially designed open air truck, or a Jeep.
You can also do a self-guided, bike or for the more adventurous type, a horseback tour. There are plenty of hiking trail as well. Any of these forms of transportation is a great way to experience this magnificent park.
The Garden of the Gods was officially established in 1909 and sits on 1,364 city purchased and donated acres. When most people visit the park, they usually end up walking or biking.
With that said, there are 21 incredible miles of hiking trails. These scenic dirt and paved trails offer various levels of experience.
Some of the park’s favorite trails are the Perkins Central Garden Trail {an easy 1.5 mile-round trip in the heart of the park} and the Siamese Twin Trail {an easy one mile-round trip that highlights Pikes Peak}.
A slightly more challenging hike is the Gate / Central Garden Trails. This 2.5 mile paved trail connects the Foothills Trail to the Gateway Trail. It loops around and provides amazing views of the tallest and most unique rock formations in the park.
The Scotsmen / Buckskin Charlie Trail is geared more for the experienced hiker. This moderate, but somewhat enduring hike navigates through some of the rockier trails. It also offers fabulous views of the Central Garden and it’s rolling landscape. The experience truly matches it’s namesake.
Additional Park Information
The Garden of the Gods’ Visitor and Nature Center is staffed by the Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation & Culture employees. The funds to maintain and make the necessary improvements to the park’s infrastructure come from the cafe, gift shop, and the Garden of the Gods Non Profit Foundation.
The Park, Visitor and Nature Center’s admission is free to the public. Park hours are as follows:
– 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. from May 1 thru October 31.
– 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. from November 1 thru April 30 {Weather conditions permitting}.
– The Visitor & Nature Center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. year around.
When you visit the beautiful state of Colorado, The Garden of the Gods and many other nearby attractions are a must see.
Photography Credit: Sandy Charbonneau Mulford
Article Creator & Formatting: Anthony Scopel
Article Production: Anthony Scopel & Matt Kemper
Associate Editor: Maureen Scopel
Technical Mastering & Web Support: Matt Kemper
Publishing Provide By: You, Me and The Dock
“A special thank you to Sandy and Mike for letting our travel site use your amazing photos!“
Love, Laugh & Travel Lots!”
