The Garden of the Gods is one of the most popular attractions in the Pikes Peak Colorado Springs area. It was dedicated in 1909 as a free city park. Throughout the Garden of the Gods Park, you will find an abundance of plant and animal life. Visitors will also be fascinated by the magnificent red sandstone rock formations, for which the Garden of the Gods is most famous. Many of these rock formations are over 300 million years old and have been sculpted throughout the years by erosion.
Charles Perkins, president of the Chicago Burlington & Quincy Railroad, is the "godfather" of the Garden of the Gods, Colorado. He purchased much of the land upon which the park stands. After his death, his family honored his request and gave the land to the City of Colorado Springs to be used as a park, on the condition that it would remain free forever to all visitors.
The Garden of the Gods, Colorado is home to one of the most famous rocks in the country: the Balanced Rock. This huge rock is balanced on a small base layer of mud. However, the Balanced Rock and the sandstone formations are not the only attractions in the garden of the Gods, Colorado. The Garden is a fantastic place to experience Colorado hiking, picnicking, horseback riding and photography. Naturalist talks that cover the geology and natural history of the Park are also available.
Many people automatically assume that the Native Americans named the Garden of the Gods, Colorado. However, in this case, they are mistaken. In August of 1859, two surveyors started out from Denver City to begin a town site, which would soon be called Colorado City. As they explored the nearby locations, they came upon an intriguing area of sandstone formations. One of the men suggested that it would be a "capital place for a beer garden" when the country grew up. His companion exclaimed, "Beer Garden! Why it is a fit place for the Gods to assemble. We will call it the Garden of the Gods." The rest, as they say, is history. If you are interested in exploring more of this history, be sure to visit the Historic Rock Ledge Ranch, which is located in close proximity to the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center. The Rock Ledge ranch has been designated as a National Landmark.
Although there are a number of Colorado Springs hotels in the vicinity of the Garden of the Gods, you might consider staying at the Garden of the Gods Campground. The campsites at the Garden of the Gods campground are nestled amongst the trees. A bubbling mountain creek runs through the property. The campsite also offers full-hookup and pull-thru RV sites that fit even the largest RVs and trailer rigs, as well as motel rooms, camper cabins and camping sites for those who prefer to pitch a tent. Free Internet access is available at selected sites and in the check-in area. Wireless, high-speed and dial-up Internet connections are also available.
