WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR VISITING GARDEN OF THE GODS

Residents of our senior living center in Denver have many options when it comes to spending a day among nature’s most popular attractions. Rocky National Park is just a short drive from our assisted living facility in Denver, and another wildly popular day trip destination sits less than a two-hour drive south of retirement communities in Denver.

We are talking about Garden of the Gods, which represents one of the most impressive natural attractions in the United States that is located in Colorado Springs.  Massive red rock formations form columns that look like they are reaching for the sky. The views inside the 1,367-acre natural attraction are some of the most spectacular of any other view in the State of Colorado. Open to the public throughout the year, here is what you need to know for visiting the Garden of the Gods.

Hiking

Although you can find spectacular views from the comfort of your car, experiencing the Garden of the Gods is best done on foot. More than 15 miles of trails run through the massive red rock formations, with most of the trails offering short excursions that do not take a lot out of you physically. For example, the Perkins Central Garden Trail is an easy, 1.5 round-trip trail that provides a concrete pathway for easy navigation. The family-friendly trail also does not gain elevation as you absorb your natural surroundings. For a more challenging hike, the Chambers/Bretag/Palmer Trail is a three-mile round-trip, with an elevation gain of more than 250 feet.

Other Outdoor Activities

The Garden of the Gods offers much more than trails where you get to traverse among the massive red rock formations. Front Range Climbing schedules rock climbing trips every 30 minutes for the more adventurous visitors. You have the option to rent a bicycle to ride on the designated paths established by park management. One of the most popular park events is the annual Starlight Spectacular bike ride that takes place at night. Academy Riding Stables organizes horseback riding trips that take place on horse-friendly trails. Several educational classes present information that ranges from the park’s history to nature-specific topics.

Planning a Visit

The first place to visit when you arrive at the Garden of the Gods is the Visitor & Nature Center, which includes shopping, interactive exhibits, and a movie theater. The park is open every day of the year from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. Parking spaces fill up quickly, which means you should arrive early and ride one of the complimentary shuttles that run from early June through the Labor Day weekend. Although you cannot camp inside Garden of the Gods, several camping spots located nearby give you a convenient place to call home while you visit the park. Cheyenne Mountain State Park offers full-service camping that includes showers and a laundry facility. Colorado Springs is renowned for its lodging options, such as the Broadmoor Hotel and Great Wolf Lodge.

Explore Colorado While Living at MorningStar-Observatory Park

One of the primary reasons why seniors move into retirement communities in Denver, Colorado is the numerous choices available to soak in the natural beauty present in the Rocky Mountain State. At our senior living center in Denver, our staff organizes several day trips throughout the year that provide residents with up-close views of the state’s natural wonders such as the Garden of the Gods. Learn more by scheduling a tour of our assisted living facility in Denver, CO.