I mentioned on Monday that I’ve lived in Colorado Springs for three years without visiting (or knowing about!) a particular section of Garden of the Gods. In my defense, there’s a lot of great sights and hikes around to visit, and I really prefer to avoid the crowds. But still – it’s Garden of the Gods. I really just need to get out more, be a tourist in my own town sometimes!
But often I really am a loner. I love that so many people visit our city, but I like quiet, solitary rambles more than walking in and around and out according to the dictates of a flow of people. So in case there are any of you out there like me, I thought I’d put together some ideas of unique ways to visit Garden of the Gods without all the people!
Go during the week: If you’re in town for a long weekend or during a weekday, try to get to visit Garden of the Gods sometime Tues-Thurs. Or, if it’s a three day weekend, try Friday or Monday mornings. Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days in the park, so any weekday is practically guaranteed to have about half the crowds, unless it’s a holiday. Similarly, try to plan your visits during the school year! There’s far fewer people here during the months from October-November, and January-April.
Go at night: All the parking spaces are empty at night! If you go after dark, it’s colder (bundle up!) and you’ll need a headlamp. But it’s a great time to get a little star-gazing in. And walking at night will be one of the quietest times to go. Besides, who wouldn’t enjoy the adventure of being out late? Bring a thermos of hot chocolate, some granola bars, and have a little night time picnic. Try it; you’ll thank me.
Go for the sunrise: There will probably be more people here at dawn than after dark, but they’ll be there for the sunrise too and they won’t be super conversational. There’s something soft and sacred about the moment the sun rises, and Garden of the Gods is one of the loveliest places to experience that. Bring coffee and donuts. Find a quiet place to sit near one of the side trails. Enjoy watching the alpenglow on Pikes Peak behind you, and the warm sunlight washing over the city in front of you.
Go rock climbing: There are climbing guides who can take you rock climbing in Garden of the Gods! Just imagine yourself standing on top of one of those beautiful red rock formations – dozens of feet above all the crowds. Their seasons will probably mostly coincide with tourist season/summer, but what better way to experience the park differently than to scale the rocks nobody else is allowed to climb on?
Go off the beaten path: Ok, don’t actually leave the trails. But do try to park away from the main lot. Maybe drive until you see a narrow or unpaved path marked out. Try experiencing Garden of the Gods from a less-populated area. Just go where the people aren’t. It’s not a perfect solution, especially on the weekend or during the summer. People are everywhere. But it’s still less crowded and more natural than the wide concrete paths with metal railings.
Red Rocks Canyon Open Space: This suggestion doesn’t actually involve going to Garden of the Gods. However, Red Rocks (canyon, not amphitheater) is a beautiful space just across the valley. There are more trails, less development, even climbing routes you can climb yourself (if you have gear). Moreover, a few places within the canyon have really lovely, comprehensive views of Garden of the Gods.
Let us know how you visited Garden of the Gods! Tag us on Instagram (@aspenleafcottages) or use the hashtag #aspenleafcottages to get our attention. We’d love to see more of your stay!
