We made a day trip to Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs from Denver. This park is famous for its stunning red rocks formed millions of years ago. The rocks are conglomerates of red, pink, and white sandstones and limestone. You can learn all about these rock formations by watching a 15-min film at the visitors center. From the visitors center there is a stunning overview of the park (see below), including Pikes Peak between two of the larger rock formations.
It takes about 3 hours to hike through the park and visit all of the formations. You can also drive through the park as there are several parking areas throughout the park.
Northern Gateway Rock – As you park in the main trailhead lot, you will be greeted with this huge red sandstone formation called the Gate Rock or the North Gateway Rock. This rock also has the Kissing Camel formation.
Balanced Rock – This 700-ton rock juts out from a small base area and appears to be balancing above its surroundings. It’s certainly a natural piece of art.
Steamboat Rock – located next to the balanced rock, this steamboat shaped rock used to be privately owned and tourists climbed upon the rock for a photograph. Climbing is now prohibited.
Siamese Twins – situated close to balanced rock the Siamese twins rock formation has a window through which you can get a great view of Pikes Peak.
Three Graces – Another popular rock formation, the Three Graces are 3 towering red sandstones that stand close together giving them their name.
Cathedral Spires – You can see a collection of needle-like rock formations close to the Three Graces Rocks. The tallest spire is around 200 feet tall.
Sleeping Giant – Sleeping giant is one of the largest sandstone formations at Garden of the Gods.
