How to plan a day trip to Garden of the Gods from Denver

In 1859, two surveyors exploring Colorado stopped in their tracks when they spotted a series of large, red sandstone formations protruding from the earth. The awe-inspiring geological marvels allegedly caused one of the men to proclaim, “Why, it is a fit place for the Gods to assemble. We will call it the Garden of the Gods.”

That name stuck and, more than 160 years later, Garden of the Gods continues to amaze visitors with its otherworldly landscape. Formed some 65 million years ago by colliding tectonic plates, the red rocks now sit within an 1,367-acre park just 70 miles from downtown Denver, making it a perfect hike- and photo op-filled day trip. Here’s how to make the most of your visit.

From Denver, the easiest way to reach Garden of the Gods is by car—the trip usually takes a little more than an hour. Be forewarned: traffic on this stretch of Interstate 25 can get pretty hairy with commuters, so give yourself a cushion, especially if you're driving during rush hour. Located northwest of downtown Colorado Springs, the park is free to visit and opens at 5 a.m. It closes at 9 p.m. during the winter and spring, and at 10 p.m. during the summer months.

If you don’t have a car, you can take the Bustang South Line from Denver to downtown Colorado Springs, which takes about two hours and 15 minutes. From there, you can take public transit all the way to Garden of the Gods, but it'll take at least two bus transfers, so we'd suggest ordering a rideshare from downtown Colorado Springs for the final leg of the journey to the park's visitor center.

Garden of the Gods tends to be busiest during the summer, when families flock to the park and the weather is idyllic with temps in the 70s and 80s. For fewer crowds (but decidedly chillier temperatures), consider a winter or early spring visit, when the red rock formations and evergreen trees are dusted with a bit of snow. You could spend a full day exploring the park, but plan to set aside at least several hours—an entire morning or afternoon, for example—to take it all in.

Kick off your trip at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center. Yes, you can grab a map and fill up your water bottle here, but don't miss the on-site exhibits and galleries. You'll get a primer on the area’s unique geology, as well as the various plants, animals, and people who have called this region home for centuries. For even more background, watch the short film inside the Geo Trekker Theater to learn about the area’s geology, which dates back more than a billion years ($6 adults; $4 kids 5-12; free for kids 5 and under).

One of the most popular ways to experience the park is by taking a scenic drive or ride. Drive yourself, or join a guided Jeep, trolley, or safari vehicle tour offered by Adventures Out West ($21 to $149). If you choose to explore in your own vehicle, be sure to listen to the informative free audio tour along the way.

If you'd rather take the park on two wheels, you can bring your own bike or rent one from the visitor center and explore the trails on your own. (You can rent an e-bike—$35 per hour, two-hour minimum—or a mountain bike—$20 per hour, two-hour minimum—with a helmet.) But our suggestion is to join a guided electric bike tour with Amp’d Adventures, which offers options at a bunch of exertion levels. Since the e-bike’s electric motor gives you a little boost as you ride, these year-round tours are open to visitors of all ages and varied ability levels. Tour prices start at $99 and vary depending on which tour you book and which style of e-bike you choose.

Get up close and personal with park's rock formations on a climbing excursion with Front Range Climbing. Choose from a four- or six-hour customized guided experience for groups of up to eight people; prices range from $195 to $919, depending on the group size and duration. Whether you’re totally new to the sport or an experienced pro, your guide will tailor the outing based on your climbing skill level. Climbing trips are offered year-round.

Whether you want a mellow stroll or a more challenging trek, the park offers 21 miles of hiking trails for exploring on two feet. Among the many red rock formations, there are two must-sees you can hit on one route, the Perkins Central Garden Trail. Paved and accessible for both strollers and wheelchair users, the trail weaves past both the Kissing Camels—a rock formation that looks like two camel heads smooching against the blue-sky backdrop—and the Cathedral Spires, a series of towering rocks that look like they belong on top of a Gothic church.

There’s no lodging or camping in the park itself, but if you choose to extend your trip, you’ll find an array of overnight options nearby.

On the more budget-friendly end of the spectrum, you can’t beat the Garden of the Gods RV Resort, located about a half-mile from the park’s south entrance with RV sites, tent sites, bunkhouses, and cottages.

For a stay that’s fit for royalty, book a room at Glen Eyrie Castle. Built in 1871 and set on 750 acres, the castle’s grounds have their own impressive red sandstone formations—and they’re much less crowded than the park. Even if you don’t stay, you can still visit for afternoon tea ($36 per person) or a guided tour of the grounds ($12).

Or, treat yourself to a stay at The Broadmoor, which has been a Colorado Springs icon since 1918. This luxury resort is set on 5,000 acres roughly 10 miles south of Garden of the Gods, but the extra travel time is worth it to spend the night (or, ideally, a long weekend). Home to two expertly designed golf courses, two swimming pools, 19 retail shops, multiple restaurants, hiking trails, and a spa, the resort is “as close to perfect as any place I have ever stayed or ever hope to,” as one of our community members said.