Your Time, Your Adventure: Garden of the Gods for Every Schedule
by Melody Monberg, Hike for Life Operations Manager
The best time to visit Garden of the Gods? When my kids were in high school, they discovered it was 6 AM with Dutch Bros coffee in hand, perched on a red rock watching the sunrise paint the formations gold. I learned it was during those stolen moments between soccer practices, when I’d walk the trails and watch how completely different the same rocks looked depending on where I stood and what time of day I visited. After years of these quick visits and long explorations, I’ve figured out exactly where to go depending on how much time I have.
Here are my personal favorites for one hour, two hours, or half a day.
If You Have 1 Hour: The Soul of the Garden
My pick: Perkins Central Garden Trail with a detour to the Sleeping Giant viewpoint
The details: The Perkins Central Garden Trail is paved and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, and is an easy, 1.5-mile loop that has less than 30-feet of elevation gain. Start at the main parking lot, but here’s my secret—halfway around the loop, look for the wooden railroad-tie steps on your right near the Three Graces formation. This winding path with wood ties and gravel leads up the hill to the Sleeping Giant viewpoint, where I always take first-time visitors. Note: The trail to Sleeping Giant is not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.
Yes, it’s a climb uphill and you’ll feel the altitude, but when you reach the top you’ll have unobstructed views of Pikes Peak. You’ll be sitting at the base of Sleeping Giant, one of the park’s largest formations—ancient sand dunes turned to stone. The sweeping views are absolutely spectacular.
Why I love it: This spot captures everything magical about Garden of the Gods in one breathtaking moment. It’s where I’ve watched countless visitors stop mid-conversation, completely captivated by the view, and where I still go when I need to remember why I love living here.
If You Have 2 Hours: The Complete Experience
My favorites: VoiceMap audio tour + Siamese Twins Trail Bruce at Hike for Life put me onto this VoiceMap audio tour, and it’s become my favorite way to really experience the Garden when I have time. Park at the gravel overflow lot across the street from the visitor center, then start at the Garden of the Gods sign. As you walk, you’ll hear fascinating stories about the rocks, the Garden, the Ute tribe and overall history of this magical place—things I never knew after all these years of living here.
After the tour, drive to the Siamese Twins trailhead for that iconic 0.5-mile hike. The keyhole view of Pikes Peak through the twin rocks is absolutely worth it—and you can actually climb on these rocks safely, which my kids always loved.
Why I love it: The audio tour gives you the stories behind what you’re seeing instead of just pretty views. It’s like having a knowledgeable friend walking with you, pointing out details you’d miss on your own. Following it with the Siamese Twins hike gives you some of the most unique views in the park—crazy red rock formations that perfectly keyhole Pikes Peak, with rocks to climb around and views all around you. It’s pure Colorado magic in one perfect frame.
If You Have Half a Day: My Personal Favorite Adventure
My route: Palmer, Buckskin Charlie, Niobrara, and Bretag Trail Loop + Balanced Rock + Trading Post
This 4-mile loop is my absolute favorite when I have a whole morning or afternoon to spend in the Garden. You’ll start on Palmer Trail on the north side of the main parking area, heading west then south. After about a mile, there’s a short 400-yard branch trail to the Siamese Twins formation—totally worth the detour! Then you’ll continue on Scotsman Trail to Buckskin Charlie Trail, then Niobrara Trail to Chambers Trail, and finally connect back with Susan G. Bretag trail.
Don’t worry if it sounds confusing; just keep the big formations in the center visible and you’ll end up back where you started. Along the way, you might spot Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep grazing near Queens Canyon—pure Colorado magic when it happens.
These trails are more off the beaten path, offering quiet moments away from the main crowds. You’ll likely run into locals who make this their weekly hike—always friendly and happy to share their favorite spots.
If you take the loop clockwise, it’s mostly uphill but worth it—you’ll get incredible views of the Garden from the ridge that overlooks both the Garden and Rock Ledge Ranch. Stop and take it in! Going counterclockwise is easier if you prefer less climbing.
The Trading Post sits on the southwest edge of the park and makes a perfect stop before or after your loop—it’s got restrooms with flush toilets and running water sinks, plus Colorado’s oldest gift shop and that famous fudge if you’re feeling indulgent.
When you’re done with the loop, you’ll see Balanced Rock on your drive out of the park—it’s that famous 35-foot rock that everyone “holds up” in photos. It’s wildly popular, so expect crowds, but it’s become a bit of a tradition, and honestly, it never gets old.
Why I love it: This is the Garden of the Gods experience that shows you both the iconic views and the hidden corners. It’s the route I take when friends visit from out of town, and it’s long enough to really disconnect from the everyday rush.
My Best Advice
Get your map: Download the free AllTrails app and search for “Garden of the Gods,” or stop by the Visitor Center and scan the QR code for the official park map (paper maps are no longer available). Both give you trail details and help with navigation.
Go early or late: After almost 30 years of living here in Colorado, I’ve learned that the park transforms completely in different light. Those crack-of-dawn adventures offer pure magic—the sun rises behind you, lighting up the red rocks like they’re on fire, and you’ll practically have the place to yourself. Early morning (before 8 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM) offer the most magical lighting and fewer crowds.
Trust the signage: The park’s trail markers and signs are excellent. You don’t need to overthink navigation—just follow the paths and stop when something catches your eye.
Take your time: The best Garden of the Gods visits happen when you’re not rushing. Find a rock, sit for a moment, and let the place work its magic. Winter hiking is seriously underrated here—while everyone’s hibernating, we’re out there enjoying 40-degree days and frost-covered trails with red rocks dusted in snow.
Bring layers: Colorado weather changes quickly, but that’s part of the adventure. A light jacket and comfortable shoes are all you really need. Protection is one of the Five Fundamentals of Hiking we teach at Hike for Life. The sun in Colorado is no joke—we’re closer to it because we’re higher—so don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses even on cloudy days.
Garden of the Gods isn’t just a park—it’s a place where memories are made, where busy parents find peace, and where the simple act of watching light dance on red rocks can restore your sense of wonder.
Whether you have an hour or half a day, you’ll leave feeling grateful for this incredible, free gift right here in Colorado Springs.
Ready to find your own perfect rock to sit on?