An Offhand Beer Comment Named Colorado’s Most Dramatic Landscape – It’s Free Entry Forever, Too

The Garden of the Gods, Colorado

Garden of the Gods got its name in a simple yet interesting way. In 1859, two surveyors were exploring the area when one said it would make ‘a capital place for a beer garden,’ and the other replied that it was a garden ‘fit for the Gods.’

The name stuck perfectly, and today this 1,367-acre park in Colorado Springs welcomes more than four million visitors each year. People come from all over to see the massive red rock formations that stretch 300 feet into the sky, with Pikes Peak standing tall in the background.

You can explore this National Natural Landmark completely free of charge, whether you want to hike, climb rocks, or take photos.

The Park Was Once an Ancient Sea

The towering red rocks you see today were once sitting at the bottom of a vast sea. This sea stretched from Colorado to Kansas about 300 million years ago, leaving behind thick layers of sandstone and limestone when it dried up.

Strong forces in the Earth pushed these layers upward, turning them into the tall rock formations we see now. You can spot old sea fossils in the rocks, showing traces of ancient sea life and plants.

The rocks get their reddish color from iron in the stone, while the white stripes you see are made of pure sandstone.

The Land’s Rich Native American Heritage

Native American tribes have considered this land sacred for at least 3,000 years. The Ute, Apache, Cheyenne, and other tribes would meet here for spiritual ceremonies and trading.

People first used this area as far back as 1330 BCE, leaving behind spear points, pieces of pottery, and circles where they built fires. The tribes believed the rock formations had special spiritual powers and often held healing ceremonies near the natural springs.

Some tribes created art on the rock walls, though most of it has worn away over time. Today, local tribes still hold special ceremonies here and treat it as an important spiritual place.

The Park Will Always Be Free to Visit

Charles Elliott Perkins, who owned the railroad, gave Garden of the Gods to Colorado Springs in 1909 with one important rule. He said the park must always be free for everyone to visit.

After Perkins died, his family gave the 480-acre property to the city, following his wishes. It’s official too: the legal document that transferred the land clearly states that no one can ever charge an entrance fee.

The Park Offers World-Class Rock Climbing

Garden of the Gods is one of Colorado’s best places for rock climbing, and you can climb here all year round. The park sits between 6,200 and 6,400 feet above sea level, with at least 149 different climbing routes.

The sandstone and limestone rocks are perfect for climbing, with paths ranging from easy to very challenging. You can climb here for free, but you need to sign up at the visitor center first.

A Home for Native Wildlife

While millions of people visit the park each year, it’s also home to many wild animals. More than 130 types of birds and 60 different mammals live here, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, and golden eagles.

Red-tailed hawks build nests high up in the rocks, and prairie falcons dive for prey at speeds over 100 miles per hour. The park has different types of land, from open grasslands to forests of small pine trees.

Early morning and evening are the best times to spot animals, especially along the Scotsman and Palmer Trails.

Dinosaur Remains Found in the Park

Scientists have found exciting dinosaur evidence in Garden of the Gods from 150 million years ago. They’ve discovered fossil bones from the Jurassic period and footprints preserved in the Dakota sandstone.

One special discovery was the bones of Theiophytalia kerri, a dinosaur species found only in this park. The Morrison Formation, a layer of rock visible in the eastern part of the park, contains many dinosaur fossils.

The Rocks Protect the Park from Weather

The tall rock formations in Garden of the Gods act like natural walls against harsh weather. Some of these walls rise 300 feet high and block strong winds that can reach 50 miles per hour.

The rocks create small areas where temperatures can be warmer than nearby spots. This natural shield helps protect plants and animals in the park, and keeps many trails open even in bad weather.

A Place for Scientific Research

Scientists from more than 15 universities come to Garden of the Gods each year to study the land and wildlife. They research everything from how the rocks wear down to where birds choose to build their nests.

Researchers learn about how heat, cold, and rain affect the sandstone formations over time. They’ve set up permanent study areas throughout the park to watch how plants grow and rocks change.

Athletes Train at High Elevation

Athletes, including Olympic runners and cyclists, often train at Garden of the Gods because of its high elevation and challenging trails. At 6,400 feet above sea level, the air has less oxygen than at lower elevations.

The park’s 15 miles of trails have both steep and gentle slopes, with some areas rising as much as 15%. The Olympic Training Center is just three miles away, making it easy for athletes to include the park in their training.

Both paved and unpaved paths let athletes train in different ways throughout the year.

The Park’s Most Famous Rock Formations

Garden of the Gods features impressive rock formations that draw visitors from around the world. Some towers reach 320 feet high, while others, like Cathedral Rock, stand about 300 feet.

The well-known Balanced Rock weighs about 3,577 tons and looks like it’s balancing on a tiny base. North Gateway Rock stands 6,740 feet tall and has become popular with both climbers and photographers.

These red rocks look especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset, when they seem to glow in the golden light.