Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs
We spent a week in Colorado the first week of June. This was our big vacation for the year (the second being our week at the beach at Thanksgiving) and we have a few smaller trips plans including an anniversary trip that I need to brainstorm about. For this trip, I had my 19 year old plan the whole vacation from plane tickets, lodging and activities. He did a great job! We had to make a few adjustments, but all in all we did most of what was on our list.
After spending the afternoon in Manitou Springs the day of our arrival, we got ready the next day for our first adventure. I packed us a lunch (it helps even out the budget) and we brought layers since it was in the mid 50s that morning. We headed to the Garden of the gods and were in awe by all of the rock formations as soon as we drove up. We headed to the first parking area which gives you access to a paved trail to most of the formations.
We saw magpies and a mule deer, a hawk and many pigeons on the rocks. Garden of the gods is free and was deeded to the city of Colorado Springs in 1909. It is considered a free natural city park and national landmark. There is also a nature center an gift shop across from the entrance and an area were you can rent bikes, climbing equipment and more.
We really enjoyed exploring at our own pace and had fun taking pictures against the beautiful formations. If in Colorado Springs, this is definitely a must see!
We had our picnic lunch by the Scottsman above and walked the trail there too. We had to avoid horse poop on this trail which made for an interesting walk.
Since we visited the Garden of the gods in Colorado Springs, we decided to completely skip Denver on our second part of our trip and did not go to the Red Rock amphitheater in Morisson. Next up, is Pike’s Peak which was another must see in the area!
A bientôt!
Please take a minute to subscribe to the blog to receive an email letting you know when a new post goes live. I usually post Monday, Wednesday and Friday but sometimes have a bonus post during the week. You can also follow me on Instagram @chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
14 Comments
Amy Johnson
Oh, I love Garden of the Gods! One of my favorite spots in Colorado. Enjoy Pikes Peak! Hope you have a clear day. I wish I had a 19 year old to plan my vacations. Planning a vacation is the worst part of vacationing to me.
mimifce
I am getting to the point of getting tired of organizing our trips and wanted a break, so this was a nice treat for him to do all the leg work.
Joanne
That looks really lovely!
mimifce
It was beautiful!
Nancy
How good of your 19yo! I’ll bet it’s great to cycle there too . Enjoy your weekend!
mimifce
For sure!
Cat
That looks amazing!
mimifce
It was quite spectacular.
Marsha Banks
I’ve never heard of this place, but it looks spectacular!! I love that your son did all the arrangements. Is this something he’s thinking of doing professionally?
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
mimifce
No, but he wanted to go to California for spring break so we paid for most of his flight and that was his pay for doing the work for me!
jodie
It’s quite an amazing place, eh?? It reminds me of Sedona.
XOOX
Jodie
mimifce
It sure does!
Gail
Love seeing your vacation pics. Intriguing formations in Garden of the gods! Your son did a great job organising. Thanks for linking at #TuesdayTwirl!
mimifce
Thanks, Gail! It was fun to visit a new state.