Garden of the Gods in Manitou Springs

A Colorado Springs Area Tourist Attraction Not to be Missed

Sep 7, 2009

Anyone sightseeing in Colorado should make time to visit the Garden of the Gods Park in Manitou Springs. Its breathtaking rock formations are worth the trip.

Garden of the Gods in Manitou Springs is a registered National Natural Landmark. A family could spend an entire day at the park and still have more to see and do. Best of all, admission to the park is free.

A Tourist Attraction Not Far Off the Beaten Path

Garden of the Gods is located in Manitou Springs, just minutes away from downtown Colorado Springs and near other local attractions. Visitors will be amazed at how the park is well removed from the city, yet the city is literally just minutes away.

The park does not charge admission. Anyone can enter and drive around or walk on any of the trails. The Visitors Center doesn't charge admission either, and visitors can obtain a free map that lists all parking areas, rock formations, and trails. The Center also offers free "Nature Talks" and guided walks for those who don't want to venture on a trail alone.

The Rock Formations

Garden of the Gods is best known for its rock formations. Sightseers can enjoy viewing the Balanced Rock, the Tower of Babel, and Cathedral Spires, among others. The formations are mostly beautiful red rock; these majestic, towering rocks, set up against the backdrop of Colorado's clear blue skies, are a sight to behold.

Visitors would do well to park in designated areas and walk the trails to see some of the formations or to drive around the park, stopping at pullover areas to properly view all there is to see.

Natural Trails and Picnic Areas

Tourists can literally make a day of their visit. The park features several picnic areas, but even better are the various trails.

There are several trails in the park, from ones like the Perkins Central Garden Trail, which is a short, easy trail, paved and wheelchair accessible, to ones like the Chambers/Bretag/Palmer Trail, which offers a moderate path, three miles long. While the latter is certainly the most challenging, it offers one of the best, largest views of the park on foot.

The Trading Post and More

There are several indoor attractions at the park, the first of which is the Trading Post. The Trading Post features the Balanced Rock Cafe, a coffee shop, books and other tourist collectibles, including Native American gifts. The Trading Post states that Charles Stausenback built the structure in the 1920s, and it has been expanded several times.

The Visitor Center also features dining-its cafe offers "lunch with a view," and the sights are phenomenal. Visitors are far enough away to see most of the largest rock formations against the horizon. The Visitor Center is also where one can find nature presentations and lots of information, including xeriscape gardens.

An Ideal Family Vacation Spot

Any family visiting Colorado should make sure to include Garden of the Gods as one of their must-see attractions. It is inexpensive and offers lots to do to fill up a day or weekend.

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The copyright of the article Garden of the Gods in Manitou Springs in Colorado Travel is owned by Cynthia Jones-Shoeman. Permission to republish Garden of the Gods in Manitou Springs in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.