Garden of the Gods

Manitou Springs Colorado is the home of the famous Garden of the Gods attraction. This wonderful nature center is in its 101st year of operation and offers visitors dramatic views of 300 ft. sandstone rock formations within the spectacular Pikes Peak region. The park is a registered National Natural Landmark and is one of the most visited attractions in the region. “The Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center is FREE and your gateway to Garden of the Gods Park. Here, the geology, ecology and cultural history of this Colorado region come to life through hands-on-exhibits.” There are exhibits which show how birds nests are constructed, what Jurassic dinosaurs used to roam the area, and which Native American tribes lived here.

Interesting and entertaining facts about the Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs area are found throughout the Garden of the Gods park. Three ‘Talking Rocks’ use touch screen interactive displays and sounds to teach 144 topics about the flora, fauna and history of the area in both Spanish and English. There are 7 hands on displays, 9 colorful information displays and 6 dioramas to enjoy. The four seasons are chronicled with the native wildlife in an outside display and there are 5 geology murals that artistically represent the eras of geologic time.

Group Tours are encouraged for 10 or more people traveling together. Motor coach groups enjoy the convenience of parking and touring this fantastic natural wonder. Groups of 10 or more can order in advance and enjoy a group buffet or box lunches, taking the work out of the day. All you do is enjoy the experience and leave the cooking to the staff. Either option is just $8.86 (All Inclusive). Order in advance by calling 719-219-0101. Horseback riding, guided walks, biking, rock climbing, picnicking, trails and hiking, bird watching and more are available to the visitors and guests of the Park. Perhaps you’ll see the Colorado State Bird, the Lark Bunting during your visit. You may bring your dog to the park, with the understanding that they will remain leashed on a maximum 6 ft. lead and you will be responsible for their clean up throughout the park.

Park Hours and Visitor & Nature Center Hours

The Garden of the Gods Park, is a Registered National Natural Landmark in Colorado Springs.
Park Hours:
May 1 – Oct 31 5am – 11pm
Nov 1 – Apr 30 5am – 9pm

Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center is open from 9 am to 5 pm in the winter months and 8 am to 8 pm Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Both the Park and Visitor Center are Free and open to the public.

Special Activities to look for:

Lectures: A Sunday afternoon lecture series in February and March brings some of the best speakers in Colorado to the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center. From the history of chocolate to live birds of prey, this series has something for everyone. The lectures start at 2 p.m. and last an hour. Donations for the Park are accepted.
Earth Day: Earth Day at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center will be celebrated in April this year. The festivities begin at 9:00 a.m. and continue until 3:00 p.m. Earth Day activities and programs are free and open to the public. Some of the activities to enjoy include Native American Dancer Performances, live birds of prey from Pueblo’s Greenway Nature Center, children’s craft activities, nature walks and free admission to Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site. Call 219-0108 for information. To volunteer for park clean up, call 385-5947.
Races: Two running races are held in the Garden of the Gods Park each summer. The Grand Prix of Running sponsors a 5K/5M run and The Garden of the Gods 10-Mile Run™ which is part of the Colorado Runners Triple Crown. These races have it all — a spectacular setting, a physically demanding course, competition in almost every age group, excellent runner support, unique finisher medals and great shirts. This is one of the most beautiful and challenging race venues anywhere!
The Starlight Spectacular held each summer in the Garden of the Gods Park is a nighttime recreational bike ride benefiting the Trails and Open Space Coalition of Colorado Springs. This race is the first event of Ridefinders Bike Week.
Bighorn Sheep Day: Free family fun! Every February come help celebrate our state mammal and learn all about the Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep. Youth activities, Guided Nature Walks, Door prizes, Bighorn talks, Touch tables, Shuttle rides to bighorn lookouts, and more!
There are two uncovered picnic areas in Garden of the Gods Park; Scotsman Picnic Area, with 11 picnic tables and the South Spring Canyon Picnic Area with 13 picnic tables. The picnic areas are used on a first come-first serve basis, and reservations are not taken for picnic areas. Bar-B-Q Grills are available for use with charcoal or you may bring a propane grill into the park for use in the picnic areas. Please note: Alcohol is not permitted in the park. (Free full-color park maps are available at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center information desk which show the locations of the picnic areas in Garden of the Gods Park. )