2025 - Colorado Springs Trip: June 21, 2025 - Garden of the Gods and Seven Falls

We got up early to visit Garden of the Gods and it took us a little while to figure out the parking situation. Finally, we parked at the main parking lot, and hiked along the Gateway Trail to the central part of the park. Immediately, we saw mountain climbers in practice on different rock formations. First, we hiked along the Central Garden Trail which is in the heart of the Park alone the base of the highest rock formations. We wondered around and took a lot of photos. Then we went back to Visitor Center and could not find any souvenir to buy. Then, we went back to our car and tried to drive to Ridge Trail. For some reason, we could not find #10 parking lot for the Ridge Trail. We accidentally drove to the Balance Rock area, got a parking spot and had some wonderful time there.

Garden of the Gods - Entrance

Gate Rock in the Center of the Park

Interesting Rock Formation

Rock Formation with Hole in the Middle

On Juniper Way Loop

Interesting Rock Formation

In Front of a Rock Formation

In front of Cathedral Spires

Balance Rock

Then, we drove to Seven Falls Shuttle Area and took the shuttle to Seven Falls. It took us another 20-30 minutes hike to get to the falls. It is a seven layers falls with staircases (with 224 steps) alongside to the top of the falls. It was impressive to see the falls, and we could not resist on climbing up to the top to see the falls from there. With several rest stops we finally made to the top. We also took another trail to see the Midnight Falls. Seeing the Seven Falls and climbing up to the top were very interesting and we enjoyed them very much. However, the back and forth between the falls and the entry point was not interesting at all. They do have a paved road for shuttles getting closer to the falls. However, they kind of forced you to make the long walk back and forth. It is definitely not tourist-friendly.