If you’re a culture buff or a nature lover, then Colorado should be on your list of places to see in the USA. The states breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of seven major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 13 national parks and monuments, and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet.
Colorado is a great autumn or winter destination, especially for the family. A visit to Colorado Springs is a must. Colorado Springs is the second largest city in the state and is located directly off the Interstate 25, just 20 minutes from Colorado Springs Airport or 70 miles south of Denver’s International Airport by car.
In Colorado Springs parks are an ideal place take a stroll, walk your dog, see great geological formations or spend some time in nature.
Colorado’s Garden of the Gods public park is officially the 3rd best park in the world and the 2nd best park in the USA, according to TripAdvisor.
Here’s our 10 favourite things to do in Colorado’s Garden of the Gods Park.
Guided Horse Back Ride – Enjoy the natural splendor and serene landscape of the Garden of the Gods Colorado as our ancestors did a hundred years ago-on horseback. The whole family will enjoy Colorado horseback riding, guided by real cowboys who will point out some of the interesting red rock formations of the Garden of the Gods Park including; the Sleeping Giant, Snakehead Rock, Kissing Camels and SiameseTwins.
Picnic in the Park – Pack a basket and enjoy one the scenery from one of two uncovered picnic areas in Garden of the Gods Park; Scotsman picnic area and the South Spring Canyon picnic area. Propane grills are allowed in the picnic areas for use.
Bird Watching – More than 15 different species of fowl call this gorgeous national natural landmark home. Take a self-guided tour of the grounds to seek out Prairie Falcon and Western Scrub Jay.
Hear Colorado Tales – Take a free, guided hike Enjoy free 30-minute, naturalist-led walks daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. presenting fascinating facts and lore regarding wildflowers, rattlesnakes, gold-seekers and many other Colorado-themed topics.
Capture a postcard – For the Colorado photographer, Garden of the Gods Park is a paradise of creative opportunities. You can take great photos from the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center terrace or from the Gateway or Balanced Rock parking lots. Try the Siamese Twins Trail for a unique view of Pikes Peak framed by this beautiful rock formation
Seek Colorado’s State Mammal – Colorado’s state mammal, the Big Horn Sheep, roams the red rock spires of Garden of the Gods Park and the nearby grounds of Glen Eyrie Castle. View these beauties in their natural habitat.
Discover a Brand New Dinosaur – An entirely new dinosaur species has been discovered in the park, but wasn’t truly identified until May 2008. The new genus and species known is known as Theiophytalia kerri (Theio for short) is currently exhibited at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center.
Learn How the Red Rocks Came to Be – Learn the history of the Park and the Pikes Peak region of Colorado, and find out ‘how those red rocks got there!’ You haven’t “ascended” to the pinnacle of these rock spires until you’ve seen the show which dramatically captures the origin of the rock formations, the beauty of the Park landscape and the account of its people.
Find a Colorado Memento – Visit the Visitor & Nature Center’s two shoppes for custom souvenirs and specialized Colorado-made items. There is something for visitors of all ages including American Indian jewelry, American Indian pottery, Porcelain sculptures, Books and the famous Fudge made in their very own kitchen.
Browse Native American Art – The Garden of the Gods Trading Post located inside the park features a large collection of Southwest and Native American art including Pueblo pottery, Native American Indian Jewelry, Sand paintings, Navajo Weavings, Baskets and various Southwest artists (many of which are available for purchase).
Images courtesy of Denise Chambers/Miles and VisitCOS.com
