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Garden of the Gods Inner Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
 4.5 (24)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Colorado Springs
  5. Garden of the Gods
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“An excellent, but short, loop through the heart of Garden of the Gods. ”

Karl W
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Map Key

1.3

Miles

2.1

KM

Loop

6,504' 1,982 m

High

6,415' 1,955 m

Low

134' 41 m

Up

135' 41 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

15%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

Family Friendly Most of the trail is paved while other parts near Sleeping Giant are singletrack but still very accessible. The rock formations and variation in trails will keep the whole family happy.

Overview

This not-quite-a mile and and a half trail offers a very family friendly route around and through some of Garden of the Gods' signature rock formations. You'll pass Kissing Camels from both sides, Sentinel Rock, Three Graces, and more. You'll get to see rock climbers, red and white rock formations up to 300 feet high, and views to Pikes Peak to the southwest. Most of the trail is paved, so slight shortening/route changing can allow wheelchair access. The accessibility means that it can be crowded, however.

Need to Know

Rock climbing requires a permit.
Park hours:
May 1- October 31: 5am - 11pm
November 1 - April 30: 5am - 9pm

Description

The easiest spot to park in Garden of the Gods is at the main parking area on the northern end of the park. The trail begins on the southern edge of the parking area. You'll immediately pass some nice restrooms and trail information. The wide, paved trail heads south between the Kissing Camel red formation and the White Rock formation on the west and east respectively. At about a fifth of a mile, you'll pass through the "Gateway" between Kissing Camels and South Gateway Rock. Turn right/west and take some time to enjoy the Sentinel Rock (Twin Spires) formation - although not as tall, the jagged rocks are beautiful and more intimate. Beginner rock climbing classes can be taken on these rocks (see the visitor center for information).

Take the Perkins Central Garden Trail loop north to get a nice view of Kissing Camels from the west. Rock climbers can frequently be seen along the western side of the rock formation and offer scale to the impressive size of the rock formations. Continue along the loop to head back south.

At about two thirds of a mile from where you started, you'll reach an intersection for the Sleeping Giant Trail. This trail is not paved, but is still in good shape for most of the family. If you or someone is in a wheelchair or pushing a stroller, just stay on the paved path to the east. The trail climbs a little along stairs/rocks towards Sleeping Giant. Along the northern edge of the Giant, you'll get some great views of the main formations such as Three Graces and Kissing Camels. The dirt trail loops back to the north and rejoins the paved trail after only about a third of a mile.

You can continue north on the paved trail back to Sentinel Rock or you can take a fun detour through the Three Graces and Cathedral Spires rock formations. This route offers a more adventurous and interesting path. Remember that actual rock climbing requires a permit. After taking some time to enjoy the Three Graces / Cathedral Spires, head north to rejoin the paved trail. Head right (east) and then turn back to the north. You'll come to Sentinel Rock again - head through the Gateway and back north to the parking area.

History & Background

The park was gifted to the city on the condition that it would always be free to the public

Contacts

Land Manager: City of Colorado Springs, CO- Parks, Trails & Open Space

Shared By:

Karl W
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 24 votes

#2

in Garden of the Gods

#517

Overall
  4.5 from 24 votes
5 Star
54%
4 Star
46%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Garden of the Gods

#111

in Colorado

#517

Overall
14 Views Last Month
7,021 Since Apr 2, 2017
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
71%
8%
21%
0%
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0%
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Photos

Snowy day in Garden of the Gods
Mar 7, 2019 near Manitou…, CO
Kissing Camels
May 8, 2018 near Manitou…, CO
The moon hides behind Gray Rock.
Apr 2, 2017 near Manitou…, CO
The Three Graces (left) and Cathedral Spires (right) are available to view in detail right from the trail.
Apr 2, 2017 near Manitou…, CO
Primary colors at the Garden of the Gods with a hint of April snow.
May 20, 2021 near Manitou…, CO
White Rock formation at the Garden of the Gods.
May 20, 2021 near Manitou…, CO

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 70 days ago
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Check-Ins

May 6, 2024
Bryanna McFarland
10h 22m
Oct 21, 2022
Jack Lin
Aug 7, 2022
Chris Ferrone
May 17, 2022
Timothy Hine
Jul 2, 2021
Randy Stewart
Apr 30, 2021
Lauren Stephenson
Oct 31, 2020
Jack Forbes
Oct 16, 2020
Matt Leung
3mi

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