Climbing here: the short version
Garden of the Gods is a free city park owned by the City of Colorado Springs, not a national or state park. Technical climbing is allowed only in city parks that are expressly approved for it, and only with a permit. The permit is free, valid for a year and requested online. It does not make every route available, because closures apply by season.
This is an independent guide, not an official city page. Rules and closures change, so read the city's current climbing page before every trip.
Permit and rules at a glance
The main limits for climbers at Garden of the Gods, as published by the city and the park operator.
| Topic | What applies |
|---|---|
| Permit | Free annual city rock climbing permit. Be ready to show it digitally. |
| Group and gear | A group of two or more with suitable belay equipment, at least a suitable climbing rope and belay devices. |
| Fixed anchors | The city does not install, inspect or maintain fixed protection. Judge anchors yourself. |
| Wet rock | No climbing on wet sandstone. |
| Chalk | No chalk and no chalk substitutes. |
| Scrambling | No unroped scrambling more than 10 ft (3.05 m) above the base. |
| Route status | A permit is not a route clearance. Seasonal closures apply. |
| Paid guiding | Paid activities in city parks need a commercial use permit. |
Guided tours around Garden of the Gods
Jeep, e-bike and Segway tours and other guided trips in and around Colorado Springs, for days when you want to see the rocks without a rope, with live prices and availability.
Seasonal closures at Gray Rock and North Gateway
The city publishes seasonal climbing closures for Gray Rock and North Gateway. Documents titled 2026 are linked from the city's park page. A general overview does not tell you whether a single route is open on your day, so check the current closure maps before you drive out.
Treat any route you cannot confirm as closed. Do not climb it, and do not use a shortcut or a social trail to reach it. Stay on the marked paths on the way to the rock. Photos should be taken from official trails only.
Going with a guide
What the published information says, and what to ask.
Visitor center partner
The Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center lists Front Range Climbing Company as a climbing partner. That partner list is not a full list of approved guides.
Visitor center guide →Commercial permit
A company that guides for money in a city park needs a commercial use permit. It is fair to ask a guide whether the company holds one.
Your own permit
Ask the guide who handles the climbing permit for your group. Guide prices are set by each company, so ask for the total before you book.
Planning your day at the park
Basics that apply to every visitor, climber or not.
Hours
The park is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. from 1 November to 30 April and from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. from 1 May to 31 October. The park sits at about 6,400 feet (1,951 m).
Weather
July and August are warmer and wetter. When you hear thunder, go into a solid building or a fully closed vehicle. Outside, no place is fully safe near lightning. Wet sandstone is also off limits for climbing.
Best time to visit →Park rules
Stay on official trails, take nothing from the rocks and do not feed or touch wildlife. Drones are not allowed. Dogs must be on a leash. Since 17 February 2026, burn restrictions ban smoking outdoors in all city parks and open spaces.
Parking
Self-drive access is free. The visitor center lot has fewer than 200 spaces and can fill in summer.
Parking guide →If you do not climb
Ways to see the red rocks from the ground.
Rock climbing at Garden of the Gods: frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to climb at Garden of the Gods?
Yes. The city requires a free annual rock climbing permit. You apply online, and you should be able to show it digitally while you climb.
Does the permit cover every route?
No. A permit does not replace route clearance. Seasonal closures apply to Gray Rock and North Gateway, and the city publishes the closure documents for 2026.
Can I climb alone?
The city defines technical climbing as a group of two or more people with suitable belay equipment. Plan to climb with a partner and bring a suitable rope and belay devices.
Can I use chalk?
No. Chalk and chalk substitutes are not allowed, and neither is climbing on wet sandstone.
Can I hire a guide?
Yes. The visitor center names Front Range Climbing Company as a partner, but that is not a complete list. A paid guide in a city park needs a commercial use permit.
Can I scramble up the rocks without a rope?
Not above 10 feet (3.05 m) over the base of the rock. Stay on the official trails and keep off the formations that are not open to climbers.