Garden of the Gods – A Fit Place for the Gods to Assemble

In the shadow of Pike’s Peak, and in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Colorado Springs, lies a 480 acre park donated to the city by a railroad magnate and his family.

From the park’s website: It would be known forever as the Garden of the Gods “where it shall remain free to the public, where no intoxicating liquors shall be manufactured, sold, or dispensed, where no building or structure shall be erected except those necessary to properly care for, protect, and maintain the area as a public park.”

Thousands of hikers, rock climbers and photographers are among the park’s visitors annually. On the day of our visit, a beautiful spring afternoon, the huge sandstone formations were being challenged by many climbers. Technical climbing, the use of ropes and professional rock climbing gear is permitted in the park. Climbers who are regular visitors can apply for an annual climbing permit. The permit, like most of the benefits of the park, is free.

The trails through the park that are closest to the parking lot are paved and handicapped accessible. There are 15 miles of nature trails in the park, and mountain bikes and horses share many of the trails with hikers. Birders will appreciate the website which features photographs of birds commonly found in the park.

The collection of photos in this post are but a fraction of the number that I shot in that short afternoon visit. I submit for your enjoyment a Gallery from the Garden of the Gods.

John Steiner