Garden of the Gods: Complete Visitor's Guide (Trails, Parking, Tips)

Why Garden of the Gods is Colorado's most visited free attraction

Nearly 2 million people visit Garden of the Gods each year, and it's completely free. The 300-foot red sandstone formations rising against the Pikes Peak backdrop create one of the most photogenic landscapes in North America.

Parking tips (this is crucial)

The Visitor Center parking lot fills by 9am on summer weekends. Arrive before 8am, park at the overflow lot on 30th Street, or use the free park shuttle from the Garden of the Gods Marketplace on the north side.

Best trails by difficulty

• Perkins Central Garden Trail (1.5 miles, Easy) — The classic loop past the Kissing Camels and Cathedral Rock. Do this one first.
• Bretag Trail (1.5 miles, Easy) — Quieter alternative on the west side with equally dramatic views.
• Palmer Trail (4 miles, Moderate) — Connects to Bear Creek Regional Park for a longer adventure.

After Garden of the Gods: Add the Royal Gorge

Once you've seen the red rocks, most visitors head 45 minutes south to the Royal Gorge. The combination of Garden of the Gods in the morning and whitewater rafting through the Royal Gorge in the afternoon is the definitive Colorado Springs day trip. Book your rafting trip with Royal Gorge Rafting in advance — summer weekends sell out weeks ahead.