Does it cost to drive through Garden of the Gods?

If you’re trying to decide whether or not to make a stop at the Garden of the Gods, we’ve got you covered. Spoiler alert – if you’re in the area, it is worth it to at least do a quick drive through the Garden of the Gods and find a spot to park and hike if you have the time.

day hiking gear list

Use this guide to figure out where you want to go inside the Garden of The Gods park and find the perfect hiking trail for your schedule and ability.

Garden of the Gods history and geology

Garden of the gods trails

While Garden of the Gods is fairly small, it is packed full of unique geological features and natural history. The park was originally called the “Garden of the Titans” after a man who climbed up to Pikes Peak in 1820 and saw the area.

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The park’s name was changed in 1859 when General William Jackson Palmer donated it to the city of Colorado Springs. Palmer had purchased the land from Charles Thomas, a prospector who discovered gold and silver in the area.

Garden of the Gods is such a unique area because it is one of the only places in Colorado where you can find red sandstone and Pikes Peak granite together. The colors are so vibrant that it’s easy to see how the park got its nickname – “Garden of the Gods.”

Garden of The Gods hiking trails

How many trails are there in Garden of the Gods?

There are a total of 16 hiking trails at Garden of the Gods, from beginner-level hikes to more difficult trails ranging from .25 miles to almost six miles long. If you’re looking for an easy hike that is still beautiful, we recommend taking the Siamese Twins trail or the Prospector’s Trail.

No matter what hiking trail you choose, be sure to bring your camera so you can capture the beautiful views!

What is the best hiking trail in Garden of the Gods?

There are a few different hiking trails at Garden of the Gods. The easiest is probably Perkins Central Garden Trail, which takes about an hour and has no elevation gain. If you have time for only one trail, we recommend this one because it’s short enough that even kids can do it, but it’s still a lot of fun.

If you’re just looking for a quick stop and don’t have time to do a hike, we recommend checking out the Siamese Twins or stopping at the Balanced Rock.

If you’re looking for something a little more difficult, try the Garden of the Gods Loop. This hike is a bit longer than the other trails – it takes about two hours – but it’s also more difficult with some moderate elevation gain.

Tips For Hiking Garden of the Gods

Graden of the gods hiking trails

The biggest tip I can give you is hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Bring more water than you think you’ll need – and drink it all. Garden of the Gods sits at about 6,400 feet above sea level, so if you’re coming up from a lower elevation be aware of that and know the high elevation could slow you down.

And dehydration, even just a little bit of dehydration, can greatly exacerbate symptoms of altitude sickness. In its mildest form, this means you might be much more winded or out of breath on trails that you might consider very easy walking. But could be more severe and lead to bad headaches, GI upset, and lack of appetite.

Bring and wear lots of sunscreen, the classic Colorado bluebird sky is beautiful but the sun is harsh. You’ll burn much more easily and more quickly than you might at lower elevations.

If at all possible, try to visit this small park in the off-seasons to avoid giant crowds. Avoid holidays, weekends and try to go before schools let out or after they go back in session.

Getting To Garden of the Gods

Garden of the gods colorado

From Denver, take I-25 south toward Colorado Springs. Exit at Garden of the Gods Road and take a right (west). The park entrance is about two miles down on the left.

From Colorado Springs, go north on I-25 to the Garden of the Gods Road exit and head west. The park entrance is about two miles down on the left-hand side.

Garden of the Gods Hours: Open daily from dawn until dusk

Garden of the Gods Entrance Fees: Free!

No fees or permits are required to visit this public land.

Can you drive through Garden of the Gods?

Yes! You can drive through the Garden of the Gods. However, the parking areas at many of the trailheads and pull-offs are extremely small and are likely to be filled up if the weather is nice.

The loop through the park is fairly short, so you could drive it yourself first and stop where you fancy if any spots are available. If no spots are available, stop back at the visitor center and see if the park shuttle is running. If it is, you’re in luck! And can take the shuttle to the trailheads you’d like to hike.

Where to stay near the Garden of the Gods

Check out these top-rated lodging options in Colorado Springs or very close to the Garden of the Gods.

Garden of the Gods Club and Resort

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Updated Home near Garden of the Gods (rated as Exceptional!)

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4BR Garden of the Gods Retreat (rated as Wonderful!)

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Camping Near Garden of the Gods

There is no camping allowed inside Garden of the Gods. You also have to keep in mind that Garden of the Gods is smack dab in Colorado Springs which is a rather large city and heavily developed area just outside the park. However, there are a couple of camping spots nearby.

If you’re looking to camp out, check for availability at either Garden of the Gods RV Resort or Lone Duck Campground.

Either of those campgrounds is great to stay at if you plan on visiting Garden of the Gods one day and want to climb the Manitou Incline the next day, or vice versa. If you’ll be traveling throughout other parts of Colorado, be sure to check out our guide on dispersed camping in Colorado.

The Garden of the Gods hiking trails are a great way to get outside and enjoy nature. Remember that each hike has its own unique challenges, but be assured that you can find one that suits your ability level at this beautiful park in Colorado Springs. We hope this post helps you plan your next trip to the Garden of the Gods.

For more outdoor adventures in Colorado, check out these posts:

  • The Ultimate Guide To Colorado Mountain Ranges
  • How To Hike The Manitou Incline
  • Backpacking The Lost Creek Wilderness Loop
  • How To Hike Your First Colorado 14er

About the author, Mallory:

After studying Recreation, Park & Tourism Management, Mallory spent several years teaching environmental education, guiding hikes, and leading backcountry trips. Her life-changing trek from Georgia to New York on the Appalachian Trail is what sparked the creation of Your Adventure Coach, to share backpacking tips and resources with as many new hikers as possible.

Can you drive through Garden of the Gods for free?

Garden of the Gods is very user friendly. Free to enter, you can drive through the whole thing. There are pullouts where you can walk trails if you wish. If you want to spend some bucks there are tours available by jeep and by the old open car jalopy where you can learn a lot of history about the area.

How much does it cost to drive through Garden of the Gods?

Pikes Peak & Garden of the Gods – 3.5hrs – $149/pp Pikes Peak is America's Mountain and the summit of adventure.

Can I just drive through Garden of the Gods?

Drive a car Driving yourself through Garden of the Gods is free and only takes about 20 minutes (depending on how fast the car in front of you is going!) We still recommend you stop by the Trading Post for a map, but the loop is pretty easy to follow and most of the main formations are visible from the road.

Do you need a park pass for Garden of the Gods?

Bighorn sheep, deer, and mountain lions roam Garden of the Gods (spotting a lion is rare). The park's distinct sandstone fins frame stunning views of America's mountain: Pikes Peak. All of this is free to the public – forever.