Where to stay near the park
Garden of the Gods is a free city park, and camping or overnight stays inside it are not allowed. The gates are locked at night. So the real choice is which part of the area you sleep in. Three areas make sense for most visitors: Manitou Springs, Old Colorado City and downtown Colorado Springs.
This is an independent guide, so it does not rate individual hotels or quote nightly rates. Rates change with the date, so compare options for your own dates. We also give no walking times from any hotel to the park, because they differ from one address to the next. Check the map for the exact address before you book.
The three areas compared
What each area is known for and what to keep in mind.
| Area | What is there | Good fit if | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manitou Springs | Eight mineral springs, the Incline, the Cog Railway depot, Cave of the Winds and the Cliff Dwellings | You plan the Incline, the railway or the springs | Manitou has its own lodging tax rules; the 2 percent figure is for Colorado Springs |
| Old Colorado City | A historic shopping district along West Colorado Avenue | You like an older district with shops | Check the map for the distance to the park from your address |
| Downtown Colorado Springs | The Bustang bus terminal at 127 E. Kiowa Street | You arrive by bus from Denver without a car | For the park you need a car, a tour or a transfer |
Tours that start near where you stay
Jeep, bike and guided tours around Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, with live prices and availability.
Manitou Springs
The small town at the foot of Pikes Peak.
The local visitor bureau counts 8 naturally carbonated mineral springs in town. Each has a different mineral content and taste, and the bureau lists the public springs as free and flowing around the clock. The drinking fountains are cold, so this is not a place for hot soaking, and nobody can promise that every fountain is working on your day.
Manitou is also the base for several things outside the park. The Cog Railway leaves from 515 Ruxton Avenue, not from Garden of the Gods. The Incline needs a free online reservation, and the city recommends the Dillon Mobility Hub at 134 Manitou Avenue for parking, with the first 2 hours free. A free city shuttle, Route 33, runs to the Incline and Barr Trail and to the Cog Railway. Its published timetable ran from 29 March to 24 October 2026, so check for later dates. See our guides to Manitou Springs and the Manitou Incline.
A shop called the Trading Post sits at the park's southwestern entrance, at 324 Beckers Lane in Manitou Springs. It is a separate private store and not part of the visitor center.
Old Colorado City and downtown
Two more areas, with different strengths.
Old Colorado City is a historic shopping district on the western stretch of Colorado Avenue. It has no single ticketed attraction and no shared opening hours, so treat it as a place to stroll rather than a sight with a schedule.
Downtown has the Bustang terminal. The South Line bus from Denver Union Station arrives at 127 E. Kiowa Street. If you come without a car, downtown is the simplest place to start, and you can add a tour or a transfer for the park. Our getting there guide covers the bus, the airport shuttle and the drive from Denver.
Camping near Garden of the Gods
Not in the park, and the name can mislead.
No camping in the park
Camping and overnight stays are banned inside Garden of the Gods, and the gates are locked at night.
The resort with the park's name
The Garden of the Gods Resort and Club is a separate lodging business at 3320 Mesa Road. It is not a hotel run by the city park and not inside it. A name that matches the park is not a sign of an official link.
An RV and tent option
The Garden of the Gods RV Resort at 3704 West Colorado Avenue is a separate campground business with RV sites, tent sites and fixed accommodations. Short stays must be paid in full in advance. Stays over Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving need at least 3 nights and cannot be refunded. Rates and availability depend on your dates.
Booking, tax and a few tips
What to look at before you pay.
The lodging tax
Colorado Springs charges a 2 percent lodging tax on the total price of an overnight stay. Campsite rentals are taxed at 2 percent as well. That is the lodging tax only. Other taxes and fees can appear on your bill, and Manitou Springs has separate rules, so read the total at checkout.
Early starts
The park opens at 5 a.m. all year, which suits sunrise visits. The visitor center opens later, at 9 a.m. See our parking guide for the lots and the summer shuttle.
Arrival from the airport
Colorado Springs Airport is about 12 miles (19 km) southeast of downtown, around 20 minutes by car by the city's figure. See getting there for details.
When to book
The visitor center lot can fill in summer and on holidays, and holiday stays at the RV resort have minimum nights. Our best-time guide shows how the months differ.
Where to stay: frequently asked questions
Can I stay overnight in Garden of the Gods?
No. Camping and overnight stays are not allowed in the park, and the gates are locked at night. You stay in Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs or nearby.
Is the Garden of the Gods Resort inside the park?
No. The Garden of the Gods Resort and Club is a separate lodging business at 3320 Mesa Road. The free city park is not a hotel site.
Where should I stay without a car?
Downtown Colorado Springs is the easiest start, because the Bustang bus from Denver arrives at 127 E. Kiowa Street. Manitou Springs is another option if you mainly want the Incline, the springs and the Cog Railway, with a free city shuttle in season. For the park you will still need a tour, a taxi or a shuttle.
Is there a campground near the park?
The Garden of the Gods RV Resort at 3704 West Colorado Avenue offers RV, tent and fixed accommodations. Short stays are paid in advance, and holiday stays need at least 3 nights.
What tax do hotels add in Colorado Springs?
The city lodging tax is 2 percent of the total price of the stay, and campsite rentals are taxed at 2 percent too. Other charges may apply, and Manitou Springs has its own rules.