Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods, www.gardenofgods.com,  is a National Natural Landmark right in the city of Colorado Springs. It is 3 million years in the making. Three different type of rocks make up these elaborate formations, White Lyons Sandstone, Red Lyons Sandstone and Fountain Conglomorate (sand, gravel and mud). Many, many layers of this sedimentary rock has hardened and cemented over time and then given way to erosion, faulting and uplifting. The results are spectacular. As they say in the AAA magazine Via, "If you are going..." you can take the driving tour around the park which takes about 30 minutes. One should allow for stopping off at various view points for picture taking as we did, or if everyone can walk there are several nature trails to hike. Additionally, for the fit and foolish you can rock climb these monster rocks. We had 3 dogs and a handicapped person so we didn't get far but this park is free and someday Dean and I would like to hike the trails. Ryan and Sadie have already been hiking up the side of Pike's Peak so while they may visit the Park again someday, it is more of a hike for flat landers (rock climbing aside). We actually circled the park twice and finally ended up at the gift shop (of course). This Park has one of the more extensive gift shops I have ever seen. In addition to the usual souvenirs the shop had original art, jewelery and a nice little coffee counter. Also if you are going, try not to go on the week-end and for you photographers the best lighting for photos is at dusk or sundown. Unfortunately for me we were there in the middle of the day. It was quite bright out. 

Our day at Garden of the Gods was quite perfect but we have left our final big adventure for the last day of our visit. We will ascend Pike's Peak, 14,1100 feet elevation, on the Cog Railway......................