Trail Run Project Logo

See all the major features of Garden of the Gods on foot!


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

11.3

Miles

18.2

KM

95%

Runnable

6,587' 2,008 m

High

6,248' 1,904 m

Low

1,192' 363 m

Up

1,186' 362 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

17%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Spring · Views

Overview

This trek will take you from the Central Garden, through Siamese Twins and High Point, then to the east side on Niobrara Trail. You'll see more of the park than can ever be seen from just the central garden or roads.

Need to Know

The trail is fairly well maintained, but heavy rains can create flash floods. Be prepared and have footwear that can nimbly traverse rocks and roots.

Description

You can choose to start at the quieter parking outside the park or pick it up at another point along the Dakota Trail. From there, you'll go through the amazing Central Garden and make any last minute stops at the bathroom. Moving on to the north, you'll jump onto the Palmer Trail.

You'll get an epic north-to-south view of the Central Garden as you moved to Siamese Twins. Continuing on, you can make the optional trip to check out Balanced Rock or just stop at the Trading Post for a snack. Moving back north, you'll take a less traveled route through Strausenback Trail and move on to Scotsman Trail.

Shortly after Scotsman Trail, the Hamp Trail will take you past the Girl Scout Hut. Next, heading onto Buckskin Charley Trail will lead you to Old Colorado City Trail for a stop at High Point. Crossing Ridge Road will bring you to the Niobrara Trail. Cruising through the east side of the park will give you full views of the entire park, which are excellent at sunset.

At the end of Niobrara Trail, move west onto the Niobrara - Ute Connector down to the parking lot. You may then take the optional and very scenic Ridge Trail. After completing the Ridge Trail loop, head north on Ute Trail. From there you can head to wherever you started! Enjoy!

Contacts

Shared By:

Nathan Cragg with improvements by Sophie Kotok

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 11 votes

#1198

Overall
  4.5 from 11 votes
5 Star
55%
4 Star
45%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#235

in Colorado

#1,198

Overall
26 Views Last Month
5,657 Since Jan 14, 2018
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

18%
18%
64%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Snowy day in Garden of the Gods
Mar 7, 2019 near Manitou…, CO
Cathedral Valley's red sandstone formations.
Feb 27, 2019 near Manitou…, CO
Siamese Twins hides just around the corner along the Palmer Trail.
Feb 2, 2017 near Manitou…, CO
Garden of the Gods is magical, the best time is at sunset!
Aug 28, 2016 near Manitou…, CO
Garden of the Gods
Jan 11, 2019 near Manitou…, CO
The view from the beginning of the loop.
Aug 27, 2017 near Manitou…, CO

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.