When the Garden Goes Quiet: Discovering Motorless Mornings
by Melody Monberg, Hike for Life Operations Manager
A few weeks ago, my husband and I rolled into Garden of the Gods before the sun had any real intention of showing up. We were ready for an early morning hike in the fog. It was thick and pillowy, the kind that turns familiar trails into something a little mysterious. What we didn’t realize, until we got there, was that it was the season’s first Motorless Morning.
What a delight.
We hiked the trails. Then we wandered out into the streets free of cars and full of people. Families pedaled past on bikes. Kids ran loose down the middle of the road. Joggers, dog-walkers, scooter kids, and the occasional skateboarder. Just footsteps and laughter bouncing off the red rocks we couldn’t quite see.
Here’s something a little embarrassing to admit: I’ve lived in Colorado Springs for nearly 30 years, and we had no idea Motorless Mornings were a thing. Three decades. So if this is news to you too, welcome to the club.
So What Is a Motorless Morning, exactly?
On select mornings throughout the warmer months, the City of Colorado Springs closes the roads through Garden of the Gods (and Palmer Park) to vehicles. The whole place opens up to walkers, joggers, bikers, strollers, leashed dogs, and anyone else willing to take the asphalt at human speed. Details and the full schedule live here: coloradosprings.gov/motorlessmorning
Early Bird Hike & Bike: May Through August
The City of Colorado Springs also runs Early Bird Hike & Bike mornings throughout the summer, same beautiful idea, just a shorter time. Vehicle-free roads, cool dawn air, the Garden at its most peaceful. You can find this year’s dates and details at: coloradosprings.gov/hikeandbike
If you’re visiting Colorado Springs and one of these mornings happens to fall during your trip, book it there. Bring the kids, the bikes, the camera.
And if you’re a local just hearing about this for the first time, like we were? Consider this your formal invitation.
Here’s the best part: the Garden is yours
Come early. Hit the trails first, then wander the roads on foot or bike and see those massive red rocks from a perspective you’ll never get from a car window. The morning we went, the fog was so dense we could barely make out the iconic formations. Somehow, that made it better. Knowing those famous stones were out there, those silhouettes we’ve walked past dozens of times, just hidden in the mist, we felt like we’d stumbled into a secret.
After? Coffee in Manitou Springs
You’ll have earned it. Just down the road in Manitou, Red Dog Coffee is locally roasted, a little funky, and the kind of place where you’ll end up chatting with whoever’s next to you. The Loft is cozy and tucked away, perfect for a slow second cup. And The Maté Factor is a Manitou classic. Order the maté if you’ve never tried it or grab a chai and something fresh-baked and sit on the patio while you replay the morning.
Whether you’re hiking, biking, or just rolling in slowly with a cup of something warm in your hand, these mornings are the kind of thing that make you fall in love with Colorado Springs all over again.
See you out there!
