Garden of the Gods - Colorado

by Nicole
(Paragould, Arkansas, USA)

When I visited Colorado, one of my favorite activities was visiting Garden of the Gods in Manitou Springs. The Garden of the Gods is a huge park full of beautiful rock formations.

There is a visitor’s center with information about the park, an HD movie you can watch explaining how the rocks were formed, a gift shop, and there are hourly tours that you can take so you can get more up-close with the formations.

To look at photos online is nothing like seeing the huge structures up-close. They are truly awe-inspiring. In addition to the free visitor’s center and park, you can do a variety of things while at Garden of the Gods.

You can take a horseback ride through the park, ride a mountain bike on the trails or roads, take a hike, have a picnic, or even go rock climbing on the rocks! There are also American Indian dance exhibitions, and a beautiful cafe with a terrace that overlooks the park.

When I visited, it was summer and very hot, but the park was still packed with families. There are several areas where there are great photo opportunities. I saw many families taking group photos in front of the huge, red structures, and there are some areas where if you stand in a certain spot, it looks like you are holding up the leaning rocks. Even if you just drive through, take some photos, and never pay for any of the extras it will be a great activity for the whole family!