Garden of the Gods is a free City of Colorado Springs park and National Natural Landmark west of central Colorado Springs. You can plan a visit around its rock formations, more than 22 miles of hiking trails, and free visitor center; the park also has paved roads with bike lanes.
- Admission to the park and Visitor & Nature Center is free.
- The park is west of central Colorado Springs.
- Park hours change by season: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. from May 1 to October 31, and 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. from November 1 to April 30.
- The park has more than 22 miles of hiking trails, with paved and dirt options.
Where the Park Is and How to Arrive
Garden of the Gods is west of central Colorado Springs, and the Visitor & Nature Center sits across from the park’s main entrance. Use the center’s address, 1805 N. 30th St., as your GPS destination for the main entrance.
The park is a City of Colorado Springs park, not a state or national park. In 1909, it was deeded to the city on the condition that it remain free to the public. There is no park admission charge, and admission to the Visitor & Nature Center is also free.
Main Rock Formations and Viewpoints
Central Garden’s paved trails provide access to the park’s signature rock scenery. Gateway Rock and Balanced Rock are visible from their respective parking lots, so you can see these formations without setting out on a longer trail.
For a different perspective, take the Siamese Twins Trail: the rock formation frames a view of Pikes Peak. The park’s trails range from beginner to advanced, with both paved and dirt routes, so choose a walk that suits your plans and stay on official trails.
If you’re also planning a mountain outing, Pikes Peak summit visit planning can help you consider how to fit that trip into your Colorado Springs itinerary.
Walking and Cycling Routes
Garden of the Gods has more than 22 miles of hiking trails, while the paved one-way park roads offer a separate cycling option. The Garden Drive/Juniper Way loop is about 6 miles and has hills as steep as a 15% grade.
Bicycles, including e-bikes, are allowed in the road bike lanes. Traditional bikes and Class 1 e-bikes are also permitted on the Foothills Trail, Gateway Trail, and Palmer Mesa Trail; e-bikes are not allowed on dirt trails generally.
For a longer ride or walk, the South Garden parking lot gives access to approximately 5 miles of trails for mountain biking, hiking, or horseback riding.
Keep to the designated routes and leave natural features in place. Dogs must stay on a leash at least 6 feet long, and owners must remove pet waste. Camping and overnight stays are not allowed in the park. Rock climbing requires a climbing permit and safety gear.
A day trip to Manitou Springs can add another Colorado Springs-area stop to your plans.
Visitor Center and Park Rules
The Visitor & Nature Center is across from the park’s main entrance and has free digital, full-color trail maps at its second-floor information desk. Its winter hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; summer hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. It closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
The center is wheelchair accessible, with an elevator serving all floors and accessible restroom stalls. Free wheelchair rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis. At the park, accessible parking is available at the main lot, with a designated accessible area in Lot 4. Paved trails from those lots lead into Central Garden.
A guided nature walk lasts 45–60 minutes, costs $5, and requires a reservation. The park also has a free shuttle that typically runs from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through the third week in August, with additional service on Labor Day weekend. It makes a four-stop loop and is accessible to people with disabilities.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 5 AM–10 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Park and visitor-center hours, shuttle service, and guided-walk arrangements can change, so check the official City of Colorado Springs site before you go.
Pairing the Park with a North-Side Stay
Garden of the Gods is about 9.8 miles from this two-star Colorado Springs hotel.
FAQs
Is Garden of the Gods free?
Yes. Admission to both the park and the Visitor & Nature Center is free.
How many hiking trails are in Garden of the Gods?
The park has more than 22 miles of trails, including paved and dirt options ranging from beginner to advanced.
Can you ride a bike in Garden of the Gods?
Yes. Bikes are allowed in the paved-road bike lanes. Traditional bikes and Class 1 e-bikes are also permitted on three named trails, while e-bikes are generally not allowed on dirt trails.
Are there accessible routes at the park?
Accessible parking is available at the main lot and in a designated area of Lot 4, with paved trails from those lots into Central Garden. The Visitor & Nature Center is wheelchair accessible and offers free wheelchair rentals on a first-come, first-served basis.