Sunrise Hike through Garden of the Gods

Herod, Illinois

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Details

Distance

1.5 miles

Elevation Gain

50 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Beth Kolakowski

One of the most ACCESSIBLE and breath-taking views on the Colorado Front Range.

A photographer's dream. This National Natural Landmark located in Colorado Springs is extremely accessible and equally beautiful. Among the paved and unpaved hiking trails, there are towering sandstone formations backed by a great view of Pikes Peak.

Get there about 30 minutes before sunrise to give yourself time to park your car in the North Main Lot, and hike the short, paved Central Perkins Garden Trail down into Central Garden of the Gods. Along this 1.5 mile loop, check out Kissing Camels and the Twin Spires rock formations.

If you're feeling a little more aggressive, one of my favorite trails is the Palmer Trail, which circles the park in a 3 mile loop. Here you will encounter much less traffic, but the trails are not paved.

Free trail maps are available at the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center information desk. However, they probably won't be open before sunrise, so check this out: http://bit.ly/1JyzSn2

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Features

Photography

Hiking

Bathrooms

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Picnic Area

Scenic

Wildflowers

ADA Accessible

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