Explore the park on Foot
For those looking to get some fresh mountain air without having to travel too far, come explore the 21 miles of trails in the Garden of the Gods. Trails range from beginner to advanced in addition to being paved and dirt.
If you have questions or need suggestions about available trails in the park, visit the information desk located on the 2nd level of the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center.
Sign Up for a Guided Nature Walk
Daily at 10:30a, enjoy a 45 – 60 minute guided walk to introduce you to the Park. Each tour leaves from the Visitor and Nature Center and follows the Gateway Trail to the Central Garden Trail.
Price: $5 – reservations are required.
Our Favorite Hiking Trails at Garden of the Gods
PERKINS CENTRAL GARDEN TRAIL
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.
RIDGE TRAIL
A moderate, 1/2 mile loop, with less than a 100-foot rise in elevation. This path gives you the feeling of being among the rocks.
SIAMESE TWINS TRAIL
This is an easy 1-mile roundtrip, with less than a 150-foot rise. There is a unique view of Pikes Peak through the natural window of the twins.
GATEWAY / CENTRAL GARDEN TRAILS
An easy, low-grade, 2.5-mile hike from the naturally surfaced Overflow Parking Lot (located at the main entrance). Follow the paved Foothills Trail to connect with the paved Gateway Trail. This trail will cross the road to start the Central Garden Trail where you can explore short loops at the base of the tallest rock formations (1.5 miles total). Return to the Overflow Parking Lot along the Gateway Trail again.
SCOTSMAN/BUCKSKIN CHARLIE TRAIL
A moderate trail that loops through the Park. Enjoy the distant views of the Central Garden formations from these rolling, rocky trails.
FREE full-color trail maps are available at The Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center information desk.
What our Guests Who Visit The Park Have Said
See what some of our guests have to say about the park and tours
Easy place to visit on your own, or with friends and family. I signed up for the ranger-led tour, a great intro to the park. The Visitor and Nature Center had fantastic views, exhibits, a spacious cafe, an information desk with friendly staff, an interactive scale model, gift shop, and restroom facilities, all wheelchair accessible. The walk from The Visitor and Nature Center to the central “garden” is 10 – 15 min. It’s a city park, it’s free, and its landscape I stunning. If you are short on time, you can drive the loop, stop for photos. I took an Uber from downtown, the cost was $10.
Catnip
Great place to visit and go for a hike. The visitors center was very crowded, but we were there during Christmas break. The bathrooms were clean. The cocoa was good. The hike was just beautiful. I got some cute stickers for my hydro flask! If you’re a hiker this is a great place to visit!
Private User
An excellent way to see the Garden of the Gods, especially on a hot day or for those less able to get around due to the high altitude. We were also 1st time Segway riders and were quickly able to pick it up with the pre-training our guide gave us. Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommended.
Khrista