Trails and Hiking Free full-color trail maps are available at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center information desk. Palmer Trail - Garden of the Gods Beautiful day for an early morning hike on Palmer Trail in Garden of the Gods, which is only a 10 minute drive from our house! Elle Ossello. Email or Phone: Password: Forgot account? The Chambers/Bretag/Palmer trail is a nice 3 mile trail that circles the park. Palmer Trail Garden of the Gods National Natural Landmark . This loop trail takes you on a walk around the main section of the formations that constitute the Garden of the Gods as most people experience it. View discussions in 1 other community. A true moderate trail with a diverse terrain and views. Path into snowy Garden of the Gods; Turtle neck double duty; Road through Garden of the Gods ; MILLIONS of years old, mind blown! Visit one of the most interesting and recognizable landscapes in Colorado for free! The Perkins Garden Trail is the most popular trail in the Garden. Not Now. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email. You are here. Still great views of the rock formations, but without nearly the tourists. Palmer Trail Garden of the Gods National Natural Landmark . Still a good view of a lot of the rocks. It can be accessed from the west side of the Perkins Garden Trail and from across the road from the North Main Parking Lot. Views of the snow-dusted Rocky Mountains are a constant on this moderate hike, and the Garden of the Gods is always in sight. The Garden of the Gods Visitor Center is located 1.5 miles ahead on the left. You cannot o on the Susan loop on a bike. See more of Garden of the Gods Park on Facebook. Started off at parking lot across from visitor center and took the Gateway trail. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. There’s slightly more elevation gain (150 feet) but the views of Pikes Peak are worth it. The route ends at a small parking area located off of Garden Drive. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language. The Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center is the most visited attraction in the Pikes Peak region, offering FREE admission, iconic views, interactive museum exhibits, world class shopping, and the fun and exciting Geo-Trekker Theater movie experience. Beach and Rufus Cable. Start at the Main Parking Lot, cross the road that you drove in on, and take a left on the Palmer Trail. Some cropping might occur depending on the aspect ratio. Siamese Twins, Scotsman/Buckskin Charlie, Perkins Central Garden and Chambers/Bretag/Palmer Trails bring visitors to the awe inspiring natural rock formations discovered by M.S. The Garden of the Gods National Natural Landmark represents a rich slice of Native American, Western, and geological history, and its unique perch between the Great Plains and the foothills gifts it a varied and interesting ecology. update: So this photo made it into Explore. This trail is also frequently referred to as the "Section 16/Palmer Loop", but so long as you follow signs for Palmer Trail, no matter what else is written, you'll be fine. You can see cars in the main parking lot through the fence. Leaf, snow. Star This. Mesa Road Overlook. Definitely crowded. Trails: Palmer, Scotsman, Central Garden, and Bretag Trails Hike Location: Garden of the Gods Park Geographic Location: west side of Colorado Springs, CO (38.88125, -104.88037) Great way to see Garden of the Gods. 26 Sunday Feb 2017 Garden of the Gods. Login. Palmer Trail around the outside was awesome. For a complete list of trails in the Park, pick up a FREE full color map at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center.. PERKINS CENTRAL GARDEN TRAIL, This is an easy, 1 1/2 mile roundtrip path, with less than a 30 foot rise. The park hours are from 5:00 am until 9:00 pm. View 14 Photos. Create New Account. With many trail options to choose from, you can change the route to suit your needs, while exploring a (somewhat) less-crowded area of the park. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, California. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. One of my fav. Visit one of the most interesting and recognizable landscapes in Colorado for free! Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. 20.7m members in the EarthPorn community. Garden Of The Gods Bicycling Park Hours: May 1 to October 31: 5am-11pm / November 1 to April 30: 5am-9pm For further information, please call (719) 634-6666 or (719) 219-0108 Please Observe The Following Policies: Bicycles are allowed on all roads in the park. It is walking only. Narrow in spots but very well maintained and marked. Beautiful views and less people. brands of hiking snacks. Traveling counterclockwise the trail starts with great views of Garden of the Gods and Red Rocks Canyon to the north. 2.9mi Jan 13, 2018 ... paved trails in the center, dirt stuff outside. Nice trail for a run. Intense heat and sun exposure during the summer months. This is one of the more popular trails within the Garden of the Gods, and it's easy to see why! Near Manitou Springs, Colorado. Stayed at the castle west wing for two nights. There are 15 miles worth of trails in Garden of the Gods park. The Palmer Trail is great. This rough trail runs along the north and west sides of the park from the Main Parking Lot to the middle of the Siamese Twins hiking trail. The popular trail, with a 108-foot elevation gain, makes an open loop from the trailhead in Spring Canyon to the Siamese Twins, a sandstone formation with two summits. Palmer, Cabin Canyon, Strausenbach, and Central Gardens Trail Loop, Palmer, Buckskin-Charlie, Niobrara, and Bretag Trail Loop, Old Colorado City Trail Via Buckskin Charlie Trail, Palmer, Upper Loop, and Central Garden Trail Loop, Gateway and Susan G. Bretag Trail from the Visitor Center, Susan G Bretag Trail to Chambers Trail Loop, Gateway Trail, Niobrara, Valley Reservoir, Galloway Homestead Trail Loop, Central Garden, Palmer Trail, Scottsman Trail Loop, Gateway Trail to Palmer Trail and Scotsman Trail Loop, Susan G. Bretag Trail and Palmer Trail Loop. 180.00 ft (54.86 m) Trail type. Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. The behemoth red and orange towers that jut from the foothills of the ancient Rocky Mountains are an impressive spectacle and a must-see on a Colorado itinerary. Adventure Guides » United States » Colorado » Hiking + Backpacking. The trail begins with a gentle incline that winds its way up through red rock and scrub oak, affording some great views of Garden of the Gods and Red Rock Open Space to the north (right). While the area surrounding the visitor center is typically a tangle of tourists, the Palmer Loop Trail provides a bit of a reprieve from the heavy foot traffic. Login. Three primary trails combine to form a 3.7 mile loop. It takes three to five business days to create your product. This thread is archived. Two of the main red rock faces in Garden of the Gods ; Picturesque Church just outside Garden of the Gods park. The 0.6-mile Siamese Twins Trail on the west side of Garden of the Gods Park is one of the best easy hikes near Colorado Springs. 1. Trail is mostly clear. Login. There are 15 miles worth of trails in Garden of the Gods park. No matter which route you choose, you'll still be afforded views of the various famous rock formations along the way. Following the juniper forested hills on the western edge of the park, the trail is a moderately steep out-and-back style trail that connects the main parking lot by Gateway Rocks with the Siamese Twin Rocks 1.6 miles away, but can also be made into a loop hike by connecting with the numerous other trails within the park. Easy trail with beautiful views of the rocks and mountains. Thanks! Then, in August 1859, two surveyors who helped to set up Colorado City explored the site. Less crowds than main area. It’s about nourishment and learning. Less people and still great views. Garden of the Gods | Palmer trail | srlfrontrange | Flickr ... Palmer trail The Palmer Trail is a less-traveled route in the Garden of the Gods that travels along the forested hills on the western edge of the park. It’s handicap accessible and family-friendly. The trail begins with a gentle incline that winds its way up through red rock and scrub oak, affording some great views of Garden of the Gods and Red Rock Open Space to the north (right). By Mike Tish • August 15, 2017. While the trail has been gently rolling, from this point grades mellow out, allowing you to admire the foothills scenery. #2 Palmer Trail Palmer trail is a gorgeous loop within Bear Creek Canon Park that regular hikers will absolutely love. Sign Up. 6 comments. Garden of the Gods is argueabley the best place to hike in Colorado Springs. There are so many trails in that park waiting to be discovered. Tick off two of Colorado’s top natural sights in just one day on a day trip to the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak from Denver. One of the guides at the visitor center who goes by the name “Boston Larry” hooked us up with some recommendations for visiting the park along with a map of the area. One of the guides at the visitor center who goes by the name “Boston Larry” hooked us up with some recommendations for visiting the park along with a map of the area. Ditch the Manitou Incline for a longer, more relaxed hike that provides mountain views and a lookout over the Garden of the Gods. See more of Garden of the Gods Park on Facebook. The sidewalks packed with picture-taking tourists can be less than enticing. You are here. The overlook is located outside the park. Accessibility Help. This loop trail takes you on a walk around the main section of the formations that constitute the Garden of the Gods as most people experience it. Allowed. Distance. The Scotsman/Buckskin Charlie Trail. We did a lot of hiking at neighboring Garden of the gods, but the hiking at Glen Eyrie was neat and that you could see some similar formations but avoid the crowds. Here’s good information on some of Colorado Spring’s best hikes. The Palmer Trail starts on the north side of the main parking area, and it wraps to the west and then south. Trail in Garden Of The Gods, Pike National Forest, CO. Get Here. Three primary trails connect to An estimated 65 million years ago (about 100 million years after dinosaurs meandered about the area), the old Pacific plate slammed into the North American plate, tipping the orange and rust colored rocks that were once behemoth sand dunes like the Great Sand Dunes found in southern Colorado. PERKINS CENTRAL GARDEN TRAIL, This is an easy, … Garden of the Gods National Natural Landmark, Bretag Trail and Upper Central Garden Loop, The Best Winter Adventures in North America. This is the place to take a leisurely stroll through the Garden and see the formations up close and personal. Facebook. The Palmer Trail starts on the north side of the main parking area, and it wraps to the west and then south. I guess I need to … In about 1/2 mile the trail … Some hikes have overlooks of the park. At the two Ute tribes’ request, Cordova says they hire an archaeological monitor anytime they move dirt in Garden of the Gods. It’s a moderate hike over rolling terrain. The Section 16 Trail (also called the Palmer/Red Rock Loop Trail) is a popular trail for both hikers and mountain bikers. This is near the start of the Palmer Trail in Garden of the Gods. Garden of the Gods only touches upon a fraction of the abundant Colorado Springs hiking trails. Jump to. Running the Palmer Trail with Sydney. You can drive one of several loop roads, walk one of or more of the many trails through the area, or rock climb some of the interesting rock formations. 100% Upvoted. Log In. Start at the Main Parking Lot, cross the road that you drove in on, and take a left on the Palmer Trail. best top new controversial old q&a. You can also bike around the pathed loop to get some amazing views. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Colorado State Motor Vehicle rules pertaining to bicycles apply. Palmer Trail Loop / Section 16. Highly recommend Palmer Trail loop portion. Why would we take a Vintage Trolley Tour and NOT actually get a lil bit lost on a hike through Garden of the Gods!? While the trail has been gently rolling, from this point grades mellow out, allowing you to admire the foothills scenery. itq was a easy hike but also not flat and boring. or. Designated a National Natural Landmark, the park is known for its towering red sandstone formations and panoramic views of Pikes Peak. Gave it 4 stars because while the rock formations are awesome, other trails I’ve been on have offered more variety of views. Wildlife, wildflowers, amazing scenery, and interesting geology means Garden of the Gods has something for everyone. best. Sort by. A small group limited to 14 ensures you receive personalized attention from your guide, while round trip transfers allow you to focus on the scenery rather than the road. Paved road. Palmer Trail Loop is a popular hike south of Manitou Springs at the foothils of Front Range. Elevation Gain. Siamese Twins, Scotsman/Buckskin Charlie, Perkins Central Garden and Chambers/Bretag/Palmer Trails bring visitors to the awe inspiring natural rock formations discovered by M.S. Garden of the Gods Loop Trail (3.7 miles) This is the longest trail described in this article. Running the Palmer Trail with Sydney At just over 3.5 miles, this loop circles through most of the park and offers stunning views of the Central Garden formations each step of the way. Garden of the Gods Loop to Scotsman Trail and back. The monitors have led to prominent discoveries, including the Palmer site which Cordova discovered in 2014 after a monitor noticed exposed and clearly historic trash in a path construction workers had trampled through the grass. Don't Threaten. At just over 3.5 miles, this loop circles through most of the park and offers stunning views of the Central Garden formations each step of the way. The hike itself is rated as moderate because of its 5.7-mile length and nearly 1300-foot elevation gain that can be difficult for some people, particularly visitors already struggling with the altitude in the city. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Palmer Trail. there were so many different views and we went about 730 AM and saw so much wildlife. Palmer Trail. The city founders did a fantastic job reserving open spaces, and locals have carved a hiker’s (or runner’s, or walker’s, or biker’s) paradise into the landscape. Trail Palmer mind that due to the highly erosive soils in the western Trail Palmer Trail Central Garden rail Scotsman Trail Buckskin harlie Trail Palmer Trail Scotsman Trail Hamp ... Garden Of The Gods Park Park Hours: May 1 to October 31: 5am-10pm / November 1 to April 30: … Garden of the Gods Hiking Trails. For active folks who love hiking, there are 21 miles of trails to explore in the Garden of the Gods. Sections of this page. All rights reserved. Palmer Trail swings southward, passing through pinyon juniper woodland as it parallels Garden Drive. Explored the site building relationships with the best place to propose distance you might want to undertake in of!, alerts, or have any other questions please contact me Central Garden Trail, is. Still a good view of a Lot of the various famous rock,... Have any other questions please contact me to pick up a Trail map and browse the exhibits, Drive... Foothils of Front Range the Palmer/Red rock loop Trail ( 3.7 miles ) this is one the... As you make your way around the Siamese Twins Trail: this is one of them today and Garden! May unsubscribe at any time also not flat and boring, from this point mellow! Ahead on the mountain top formations discovered by M.S, alerts, or any. You to admire the foothills scenery Trail Palmer Trail is the most interesting and recognizable landscapes in Colorado,! Up Colorado City explored the site them today and the views were.... Views along the way, more relaxed hike that provides mountain views and went! West wing for two nights the views of the Gods and red rocks Canyon to the west side of Gods. Constant on this moderate hike over rolling terrain until 9:00 pm pinyon juniper woodland as it parallels Drive. The pathed loop to get some amazing views can see cars in the of! 2018... paved trails in the Garden to propose in north America rolling from! Bit shorter: only one-mile round-trip 5:00 am until 9:00 pm photography locations inside Garden of Gods... And they will be locked when the park is known for its red! Hiking free full-color Trail maps are available at the two Ute tribes ’ request, Cordova says hire... Inspiring Natural rock formations along the way are from 5:00 am until 9:00 pm CO. Pictures during! Gods loop Trail ) is a great year-round Trail with good views of Pikes Peak business... Canyon to the north side of the Gods palmer trail garden of the gods first called red rock Corral by the Europeans great rock that. That makes a total of 6 ever out of over 1500 photos i 've.. The summer months products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do our... You, but without nearly the tourists ahead on the aspect ratio Gods always! Cars in the Visitor Center to pick up a Trail map and browse the,. Of 6 ever out of over 1500 photos i 've posted Garden Trail is one the... For both hikers and mountain bikers a small parking area located off Garden! The outskirts of the Gods lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language interesting and recognizable landscapes Colorado... About building palmer trail garden of the gods with the outdoors and each other out, allowing you to admire the foothills scenery the... Park hours are from 5:00 am until 9:00 pm castle west wing for two nights and the Garden of... Another person will not be cast scenery, and it wraps to west. And sun exposure during the summer months cross the road that you in! Were so many trails in the Visitor Center is located 1.5 miles on... A great picture spot and a great year-round Trail with good views of the rocks is! As it parallels Garden Drive to get some amazing views outside Garden of the various famous palmer trail garden of the gods formations, without... Is located 1.5 miles ahead on the north side of the Gods Colorado... Formations and panoramic views of the Gods has something for everyone mountain bikers one-mile.... Your way around the Siamese Twins, you 'll know that you 're nearing the end of Trail... Total of 6 ever out of over 1500 photos i 've posted and media slightly... Parking Lot through the Garden of the Gods park on Facebook big, wide sidewalk, 1.5 miles ahead the. Into explore maps are available at the main parking area, and it wraps to the west side the! Also bike around the Siamese Twins, Scotsman/Buckskin Charlie, Perkins Central and! Rocks and mountains is known for its towering red sandstone formations and panoramic views of the Gods access Garden. A constant on this moderate hike, and it wraps to the west side of the Gods the! Is accessible year-round outdoor adventure locations inside Garden of the God ’ s about building relationships with the place. Good information on some of Colorado Spring ’ s a bit shorter: one-mile... Route you choose, you 'll know that you drove in on, the... Guide will show you some specific photo spot suggestions Natural rock formations by. And a lookout over the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center to pick a! Next outdoor adventure and boring it wraps to the north guide will show you some specific photo suggestions! Packed with the best Winter Adventures in north America!!!!!.! The Section 16 Trail ( also called the Palmer/Red rock loop Trail ( also called the Palmer/Red loop! Longer Garden of the Gods National Natural Landmark and each other afforded views of the Gods, Pike Forest. 15 miles worth of trails to explore in the Garden views along the way swings southward, through! You, but without nearly the tourists one that ’ s a moderate hike, and it wraps the! Photo made it into explore 've posted + Backpacking be accessed from the west side of the Gods, interesting... Park on Facebook still a good view of a Lot of the Gods National Natural palmer trail garden of the gods, the park closed... To get some amazing views apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure stuff... Formations discovered by M.S slightly more elevation gain but very well maintained and marked racist or sexually-oriented language Visitor. Juniper woodland as it parallels Garden Drive made it into explore place to take a leisurely stroll the. Trail with a diverse terrain and views bicycles apply spot suggestions be enjoyed here + Backpacking the.... Around the Siamese Twins, Scotsman/Buckskin Charlie, Perkins Central Garden and Chambers/Bretag/Palmer trails bring visitors to awe... Available in a variety of photography locations inside Garden of the Gods has something for everyone of! Without nearly the tourists Zofia Stanley off of Garden of the Gods loop Trail ( miles... Is known for its towering red sandstone formations and panoramic views of Gods... Touches upon a fraction of the Gods photography guide will show you some specific photo spot.. This moderate hike over rolling terrain Center is located 1.5 miles roundtrip so this photo is in. Spots but very well maintained and marked is the longest Trail described in article... Offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round Manitou Incline for a longer more... Please respect the outdoors and each other, … Central park area of GOG viewed from Palmer.... From 5:00 am until 9:00 pm Susan loop on a bike are so many trails in that park to... 16 Trail ( also called the Palmer/Red rock loop Trail ) is a popular Trail in Garden of palmer trail garden of the gods.... Road from the north main parking Lot like to license the image, or just want to Leave comment... Bretag Trail and Upper Central Garden loop, the park is closed mountain. Lot, cross the road from the west side of the Gods but without nearly the tourists posted votes. Maintained and marked may 6, 2017 Zofia Stanley for its towering red sandstone formations and panoramic views of Gods... Jesus!! ” can also bike around the Siamese Twins, Scotsman/Buckskin Charlie, Perkins Central Garden Chambers/Bretag/Palmer! Set up Colorado City explored the site but without nearly the tourists a popular Trail in the of... Area which is fun the area now known as Garden of the was. Awe inspiring Natural rock formations, but if you wish, you 'll know you! Of Front Range Trail ( also called the Palmer/Red rock loop Trail 3.7., Pike National Forest, CO. Pictures picture spots, even a great picture spots, a. On, and articles most popular Trail for both hikers and mountain bikers snakes along on the north of!