Garden of the Gods trails at a glance
The park lies at about 6,400 feet (1,951 m) and has paths between the red rock walls. The two best known walks are the Central Garden loop and the short out-and-back to the Siamese Twins. Both are easy. Longer options such as the Palmer Trail and the Rock Ledge Ranch Trail add distance.
This is an independent guide, not the website of the city or the visitor center. Lengths below come from the visitor center and from a city park map, and the two sources do not always match. Check the signs at the trailhead. Walking in the park is free.
Garden of the Gods hikes compared
Distances in miles with km. Loops, out and back and single ways differ, so read the notes.
| Trail | Length | Climb | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perkins Central Garden | 1.5 miles (2.4 km), loop | Under 30 ft (9.1 m) | Easy |
| Siamese Twins | 1 mile (1.6 km), out and back | Under 150 ft (45.7 m) | Easy; view of Pikes Peak through the rock window |
| Ridge | 0.5 miles (0.8 km), loop | Under 100 ft (30.5 m) | Moderate; the city map lists 0.25 miles (0.4 km) |
| Gateway to Central Garden from the overflow lot | 2.5 miles (4.0 km), round trip | – | Easy; the overflow lot has a natural surface |
| Palmer | 1.89 miles (3.0 km) | – | View of the Central Garden |
| Rock Ledge Ranch | 1.88 miles (3.0 km) | – | Its own entry on the city map |
| Galloway Homestead | 0.45 miles (0.72 km) | – | Links to Rock Ledge Ranch |
| Chambers | 0.47 miles (0.76 km) | – | Old reservoir and dam area |
The climb figures come from the visitor center. The city map gives lengths only. Do not compare a loop with an out-and-back trail by number alone.
Siamese Twins Trail
The Siamese Twins Trail is a short walk to a rock window with a view of Pikes Peak. It is 1 mile (1.6 km) out and back with less than 150 feet (45.7 m) of climb. At the end you look through a window in the red rock toward Pikes Peak. The formation is described in more detail on the rock formations page.
The Ridge Trail is shorter, a loop of about 0.5 miles (0.8 km), and it is rated moderate. Two sources give different lengths for it, 0.5 miles and 0.25 miles. Treat it as a short walk either way.
Guided walks and tours at Garden of the Gods
Nature walks, e-bike, Segway and jeep tours at Garden of the Gods, plus day trips to Pikes Peak and Manitou Springs, with live prices and availability.
Garden of the Gods trail map and guided walks
How to find your way, and a guided option.
The City of Colorado Springs publishes a detail map of the park, and the trail names and lengths in the table above follow it. The edition behind these figures dates from 2022, and the park changed afterward, for example with the waterline works that the city completed in 2025. Use any map as a guide and trust the current signs on the ground. The visitor center is a good place to ask about conditions.
The visitor center offers a guided nature walk every day at 10:30 a.m. It lasts 45 to 60 minutes, costs $5 and needs a reservation. It follows the Gateway Trail to the Central Garden Trail. A free audio tour is also available that you play on headphones or your car speakers. Details are on the visitor center page.
Rules on the trails
The park is a city park with a few clear rules.
Stay on the paths
Use the official trails and take nothing from the park. Do not feed or touch wildlife, and keep your distance. Do not climb on the formations. Technical climbing needs a city permit and is allowed only under the park rules; see rock climbing.
Dogs and drones
Dogs must be on a leash and their waste picked up. Drones are not allowed.
E-bikes
Since 1 July 2025, Class 1 e-bikes are allowed only on selected city urban and regional trails. Class 2 and 3 are banned on trails, and all e-bikes are banned on city open space. A road tour does not mean the trails are open to e-bikes.
Fire and smoking
The city's burn restrictions, in effect since 17 February 2026, ban smoking outdoors and recreational fires in city parks.
Weather, thunderstorms and accessibility
What to plan for before you start.
July and August are the warmest and wettest months in the Colorado Springs climate normals (1991 to 2020, airport station), with an average high of 30.3 °C (87 °F) in July and 79.2 mm (3.1 in) of rain. Winter nights are cold, with a January average low of −7.5 °C (18 °F). If you hear thunder, go into a building or a fully enclosed car. No outdoor place is fully safe when lightning is close. See the best time page for monthly figures.
The operator confirms easy-to-reach paved paths, ADA parking and an accessible building. That is not a promise for every trail. Ask at the visitor center which paths suit a wheelchair or stroller. Parking and the summer shuttle are explained on the parking page.
Keep exploring
Pages that pair well with a walk.
Parking
Lots, the summer shuttle, speed limit and road rules.
Visitor and Nature Center
Hours, exhibits, the film and the guided nature walk.
Famous rock formations
Kissing Camels, Cathedral Spires, Three Graces and the geology.
Balanced Rock
The rock you can see from its own parking area.
Trails: frequently asked questions
What is the easiest trail at Garden of the Gods?
The Perkins Central Garden loop is rated easy. It is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) with less than 30 feet (9.1 m) of climb. The Siamese Twins trail is also easy at 1 mile (1.6 km) out and back.
How long is the Siamese Twins trail?
It is 1 mile (1.6 km) out and back, with less than 150 feet (45.7 m) of climb. The walk ends at a rock window with a view of Pikes Peak.
Are dogs allowed on the trails?
Yes, on a leash. Pick up waste, and do not let dogs go off the path.
Can I ride an e-bike on the trails?
Mostly no. Since 1 July 2025, only Class 1 e-bikes are allowed, and only on selected city urban and regional trails. Class 2 and 3 are banned on trails, and all e-bikes are banned on city open space.
Do I need a reservation or a pass to hike?
No. Hiking in the park is free, and no general reservation is required. Only the guided nature walk needs one.
Are the trails wheelchair accessible?
Some paved paths are easy to reach, and the visitor center and ADA parking are accessible. That does not apply to every trail, so ask at the visitor center before you go.