

Colorado Hiking & Backpacking Trails
Garden of the Gods Recreation Area Hiking Trail

Garden of the Gods Hiking Trails
Four main hiking trails provide access to Garden of the Gods. Siamese Twins, Scotsman/Buckskin Charlie, Perkins Central Garden and Chambers/Bretag/Palmer Trails bring visitors to the awe inspiring natural rock formations discovered by M.S. Beach and Rufus Cable. The park is free and open from 5AM - 11PM during the summer and 9AM - 5PM in the winter.
Perkins Central Garden Trail - Originates at the main parking lot and travels through the largest rock formations. The trail is paved with only a 30 foot vertical gain and accessible to all visitors.
Scotsman/Buckskin Charlie Trail - From the Scotsman Picnic Area the trail is a challenging 1 mile loop with excellent distant views of the Central Garden.
Siamese Twins Trail - Begins at the Spring Canyon Trailhead with 150 foot vertical gain. Provides access to the Siamese Twins Rock formation.
Chambers/Bretag/Palmer Trail - Travels nearly the entire distance of the Garden. A challenging 3 mile hike with access to many of the parks rock formations.


The following landmarks/formations are a guide to some of the sights while visiting Garden of the Gods Recreation Area (refer to map for location):
- North Gateway Rock
- Kissing Camels
- South Gateway Rock
- White Rock
- Sentinel Rock
- Tower of Babel
- Gray Rock
- Cathedral Spires
- Three Graces
- Pulpit Rock
- Sleeping Giant
- Keyhole Window
- Scotsman
- Siamese Twins
- Balanced Rock
- Steamboat Rock
There are many resources at the Visitor & Nature Center including the 12 minute movie, "How Did Those Red Rocks Get There?" explore the geologic history of Garden of the Gods. If that's not enough, the park offers a 30 minute bus tour and hands on exhibits to better explain the parks existence.
Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do


Colorado Springs is Olympic City USA! Pikes Peak inspired the song America the Beautiful. Visitors find plenty to explore and experience: affordable lodging, mountains, outdoor adventures, and 55 attractions!


At the entrance to Garden of the Gods Park is the oldest and largest gift shop, trading post, art gallery in CO: jewelry, apparel, artwork, Buffalo Burgers at Balanced Rock Cafe, Kissing Camels Coffee Shop!


Camp in Old Colorado City! Park wide Cable TV and WiFi included! Full hookup pull-thru resort RV sites. Goldfield Camp Store. 3 miles to GARDEN of the GODS HIKING! Open all year. Walk to shopping, dining.
More Activities & Information
Colorado Springs Metro, Colorado includes: Black Forest, Falcon, Fountain, Monument
Pikes Peak Area, Colorado includes: Cascade, Chipita Park, Deckers, Green Mountain Falls, Manitou Springs, Woodland Park