Exploring the Hallowed Grounds of Garden of the Gods in Colorado
Exploring Garden of the Gods: A Family-Friendly Adventure
Nestled just an hour away from Escape's Denver camper van rental location lies the breathtaking Garden of the Gods, a collection of stunning sandstone formations that has captured the hearts of visitors since the mid-19th century.
This unique park, known for its numerous opportunities for hiking and rock climbing, offers a variety of trails suitable for families with children. One such trail is the Gateway Garden Trail, a 1.5-mile paved hike that provides a gentle introduction to the park's awe-inspiring landscape. Along this trail, young explorers can enjoy yelling and hearing their echoes bounce off the towering formations.
One of the most popular spots along the Gateway Garden Trail is Balanced Rock, a naturally balanced rock formation that has become one of the most photographed rocks in the world. Here, children can climb around safely while parents marvel at the geological wonder. It's essential to practice Leave No Trace principles when visiting Balanced Rock to ensure its preservation for future generations.
The visitor center at Garden of the Gods keeps everything up to date and well-maintained. Inside, you'll find exhibits about dinosaurs and the history of the park, making it a four-year-old's dream. For those interested in a more guided tour, the Garden of the Gods Welcome Center offers tours to help visitors delve deeper into the park's rich history and geology.
The Gateway Garden Trail offers views of several famous rocks, including White Rock, Signature Rock, Gateway Rock, and the Kissing Camels. One of the trail's highlights is a stairway that leads to a viewpoint at the top of South Gateway rock, offering an unbelievable view of the entire park.
The name "Garden of the Gods" originated in 1859, proposed by surveyor Rufus Cable, who exclaimed it was a fit place for the gods to assemble. The name reflects the reverence early settlers and explorers had toward the extraordinary natural scenery.
Before a snowstorm cut our visit short, we opted for self-guided hiking trails due to having little ones in our packs. Our visit to Garden of the Gods was a memorable family adventure, and we highly recommend booking a campervan for a road trip to see Garden of the Gods and other Colorado landmarks.
For more detailed information about the park and its attractions, visit the Garden of the Gods website.
- A road trip to the Garden of the Gods, an hour away from Escape's Denver camper van rental location, offers a unique outdoor lifestyle experience for families, with camping opportunities nearby.
- The Gateway Garden Trail, a family-friendly adventure within the Garden of the Gods, provides a gentle introduction to the park's stunning landscape and offers views of famous rock formations like White Rock and Balanced Rock.
- After exploring the park, those interested in learning more about its rich history and geology can partake in guided tours offered by the Garden of the Gods Welcome Center.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts might appreciate the educational exhibits about dinosaurs and park history found in the visitor center at Garden of the Gods, making it an engaging visit for children and adults alike.
