How long should you spend at Garden of the Gods? Allow about 60 to 90 minutes for touring through Garden of the Gods. You could make it faster, you could make it slower, but that would be a decent pace for stopping and taking some pictures. The Pikes Peak Highway suggests that you allow at least 2 hours for your trip.
Is it worth visiting Garden of the Gods? Garden of the Gods is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Colorado Springs. The prominent landmark ascending from the ground with Pike’s Peak looming high above in the background is considered a “must-see” for first-time visitors.
Which is Better Garden of the Gods or Pikes Peak? On balance, Garden of the Gods scores significantly higher than Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Garden of the Gods comes in at #1 in Colorado Springs with approval from 9 reviewers including Afar Magazine, Travel + Leisure and Afar Magazine.
How long does it take to hike through Garden of the Gods?
Trail Snapshot: Garden of the Gods
| Hike Distance |
Six Trails: 1/2 to 3 miles Round Trip – Depending on Trail |
| Hours |
5AM to 9PM |
| Cost |
Free to the Public |
| Dogs |
Allowed On 6′ Leash |
| Hike Trail Map |
Click for a Map of Garden of the Gods Area Hikes |
How long should you spend at Garden of the Gods? – Additional Questions
Is reservation required for Garden of the Gods?
Special programs are offered year-round and some may require a reservation. School Programs are offered during the school year and Junior Ranger Programs are available as well. Garden of the Gods Nature Presentations also take place on a daily basis at the Visitor Center.
Can you do Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak in one day?
Yes you can visit both Garden of the Gods Park and Pikes Peak in one day. The trip up Pikes Peak via the Cog Railway or the Pikes Peak highway takes approx. 3 hours round trip.
How long is the Garden of the Gods loop?
Explore this 6.3-mile loop trail near Manitou Springs, Colorado. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 37 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and walking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.
How do you spend a day at Garden of the Gods?
Things To Do In Garden of The Gods
- Perkins Center Garden Trail (1.5 miles) – Perkins Center Garden Trail is THE most popular trail in the park.
- Free Guided Nature Walk-
- Take A Guided Tour on Wheels –
- Have a Picnic –
- Hike the 21 Miles worth of Trails –
- See Balanced Rock –
- Try Rock Climbing –
- Take Part in the Weekly 5K.
How do you explore Garden of the Gods?
The Garden of the Gods offers 15 miles of trails winding throughout the formations. Various hiking options include super easy options on paved walkways suitable for families. The best way to approach this is via the Self-Guided Hiking Program. Pick up a free map at the visitor center info desk.
How big is Garden of the Gods?
Today the original 480-acre Perkins land donation, “a gift of inestimable value”, forms the center of Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, which now totals 1,367 acres. It still is free and will always be “Kept forever free to the world.”
Can we drive through Garden of the Gods?
Yes, you can drive through the Garden of the Gods and there are several parking areas. There is no charge to visit the Garden. It is a great place to visit!
Is Garden of the Gods crowded?
During our visit, Garden of the Gods was so Incredibly Crowded! Both Central Gardens Trail and Balanced Rock were absolutely packed with people everywhere you turned. This definitely took something away from our experience and we unfortunately, almost couldn’t wait to get out of this park.
What is special about Garden of the Gods?
Garden of the Gods is a popular natural landmark nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak on the west side of Colorado Springs. Known for its massive red rocks sticking straight out of the ground, tourists come from all over the world to wander the trails, see the wildlife and witness the formations for themselves.
How hard is the drive up Pikes Peak?
Is Pikes Peak Highway Safe to Drive? The drive to the Pikes Peak Summit is 19 miles long, has 156 turns, and climbs 6,715 ft from the entrance of the highway. That might sound scary, but as long as you use common sense, are cautious, and follow the guidelines, driving to the top of Pikes Peak is not dangerous at all!
Can you walk around Garden of the Gods?
Our Favorite Hiking Trails at Garden of the Gods
This is an easy, 1.5 mile roundtrip path, with less than a 30-foot rise. This trail is in the heart of the Park at the base of the highest rock formations. A moderate, 1/2 mile loop, with less than a 100-foot rise in elevation.
Can you visit Garden of the Gods at night?
Not open at night. Note there are no gates to the park. But, there are gates at the Visitor Center parking lot.
Is garden of Gods Open in March?
The GOTG is open year-round (unless a heavy snow results in a temporary closure of the road). You might not enjoy hiking through the garden in cold and/or snow, but you can certainly admire the beauty of the setting from your vehicle!
How much does it cost to ride the train up Pikes Peak?
Standard admission for the 3-hour trip on the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway is $58.00 for adults and $48.00 for children 12 and under for advance e-ticket purchases ($59.50 at the depot ticket window).
Is there a bathroom on the Cog Railway?
Due to space restrictions, trollers, car seats and coolers are not allowed on the train. Carry-on items must be small enough to fit on your lap. Smoking is not permitted on any train or in any of our buildings at any time. There are no restrooms on the train.
What are the best seats on the Cog Railway?
There’s not a bad seat in the two-car trains, but nothing beats a front-row view. That’s true in the back of the train too. On the way up, you’ll have those unobstructed views looking down.
Do you need a reservation to drive up Pikes Peak?
No, a reservation is only required to drive your personal vehicle to the summit. Vehicles can drive up as far as Devils Playground, mile 16 of the 19-hile highway, without a reservation.