Only a short drive away from Denver and Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods lies at the foot of Pike’s Peak like a treasure of fantastic sculptures. Who knows, maybe the giants just got bored one day and left their game pieces lying around here? It’s easy to imagine as you stroll past wonders like Montezuma’s Tower and The Sleeping Giant.
This self-paced walking and driving tour covers approximately 6 miles of the free public park. The walking portion covers the Central Gardens, an easy-rated, mile-long walking path that leads you past can’t-miss sights in the park, including the Kissing Camels and the Three Graces. Did we mention the path is paved? Enjoy a scramble up some orange rocks if you like (if you have a free permit, that is), or just take in the scenery on a gentle stroll. Native wildflowers planted along the path embellish the stones’ beauty with gentle blue and purple blooms. You might even spot some bighorn sheep roaming around!
Then, hop in your car to discover the western side of the park, where the magnificent Tower of Babel reigns over its shorter cousins. The Giant Footprint is the perfect spot to hear some geology tales that give you a peek inside the ancient history that sculpted these unlikely-looking stone formations. And don’t forget Balanced Rock! This physics-defying formation is easily one of the most famous sights in the park. It’s not hard to see why – one rock looks like it’s balancing on its tip atop its partner, but it’s just a trick of geography.
The entire tour – both walking and driving -takes about three hours total, but you might want to allow a little extra time to take the optional Siamese Twins Trail or spend a little more time marveling at the watercolor sunset over the otherworldly orange stone. Whether you’re on a solo adventure or traveling with kids and pets, Garden of the Gods is at once easy enough for anyone to enjoy and stunning enough for seasoned travelers to catch their breath at the stunning vistas.
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Garden Of The Gods Map
Starting Point
You can join the route at any point or begin at the suggested starting location provided below.
3032 Gateway Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Begin from 3032 Gateway Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
How Does It Work?
- Access your tour: Download the Action Tour Guide app and sign in with the same email used for your website purchase. Your tour will appear under My Tours.
- Download your tour: Download it before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
- Start your tour: Open My Tours, select your tour, and tap Start Touring when you reach a starting point.
- Listen your way: Use your phone’s speaker or headphones, or connect to your car’s audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not currently supported, compatibility is in development.
- GPS-triggered audio: Stories play automatically as you reach each location along the route.
- Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day. Tours are valid forever (one year for Action+).
Garden of the Gods Audio Tour
Things to do on the Tour Include:
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Balanced Rock
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High Point Overlook
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Chuckwagon Pavilion
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Three Sisters
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Gateway Rocks
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Kissing Camels
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Sentinel Spires
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Tower of Babel
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Geology
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Giant Footprints
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Beginnings of the Ute
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Siamese Twins
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Mount Manitou
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Balanced Rock
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Trading Post
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What's in a Name?
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The Lost Dinosaur of Garden of the Gods
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Sleeping Giant
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High Point Overlook
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Conclusion
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
Any season has its charm, but for mild weather and vibrant scenery, spring and fall are delightful. The park and Visitor & Nature Center are open all year, with varying hours across seasons.
Absolutely! It’s a National Natural Landmark featuring dramatic sandstone rock formations against the backdrop of Pikes Peak.
Don’t miss iconic formations like the Three Graces, Steamboat Rock, and the Siamese Twins. For hiking enthusiasts, the Perkins Central Garden Trail offers a unique perspective of the largest rock formations.
The park is open to the public for free, with guidelines to ensure it stays pristine. Activities like rock climbing require registration and adherence to safety rules.
Yes, pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash. It’s a great place for a walk with your furry friend amidst stunning natural beauty.
Colorado Springs is well-served by rental agencies. If you’re coming from Denver, a drive south on I-25 will get you to the park in about 1.5 hours, making car rental a convenient option for the trip.
Combine your visit with our Rocky Mountains Tour which is just a run away of 4-5 hours.
Bring water, sunscreen, comfortable hiking shoes, and a camera to capture the park’s stunning views. Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses for sunny days!
Absolutely! With our easy to moderate audiobooks, it’s a fantastic place for explorers of all ages.
The Gateway Cafe offers refreshments for visitors, ensuring you have the energy to explore the park’s wonders.
The Junior Rangers Program is a hit, offering engaging and educational activities that make the park’s wonders accessible to younger visitors
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Inclusions and Exclusions
Action Tour Guide app: Download the app to access your purchased tour.
GPS-triggered audio: Stories and directions play automatically as you reach each location.
Tour anytime: Single tours and bundles never expire and can be used anytime. Action+ is an annual subscription that automatically renews each year unless canceled.
Narrated stories: Hear local history, culture, and stories from experienced narrators.
Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day.
Offline access: Download your tour before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
Stories, stops, and directions: Follow the route to key attractions with automatic directions and stories at each location.
Transportation: Transportation, parking fees, and tolls are not included.
Admission: Entry tickets and reservations are not included.
Food and drinks: Meals and drinks are not included.
Rental car: A rental car is not included and may be required for driving tours.
