Get Out and Go: Garden of the Gods a mix of geology, biology, culture

  • Published
  • By Ann Patton
  • Academy Spirit staff writer
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  Two Colorado surveyors set out to locate the site for a new town, to be named Colorado City, in 1859. During their scouting ventures, the two came upon an astounding area of sandstone formations. 

One surveyor suggested it would be a "capital place for a beer garden." 

The other replied, "Beer garden? Why, this is a fit place for the gods to assemble. We'll call it 'Garden of the Gods.'" 

The name remained, and this year, Garden of the Gods park celebrates its centennial. More than 1.7 million visitors have been estimated to make it a destination every year. 

The Colorado Springs city-owned park and its adjacent Rock Ledge Ranch historic site offer visitors a chance to hike in the path of the Sun Mountain People of the Ute nation, bicycle, ride horseback, picnic, photograph the park's formations, wildlife and foliage or take advantage of the park's many public education programs. 

"It's a crossroads of biology, geology, culture and history," said park program coordinator and naturalist Bret Tennis. "I listen to many languages spoken here and get a real sense of that crossroads." 

The archeological discovery of hearths in 1993 suggests that Garden of the Gods was inhabited by humans more than 3,000 years ago. 

Mr. Tennis said names of miners passing through the site during the Gold Rush have also been sighted carved into the park's rocks, along with the dates of their visit. 

Visitors shouldn't be surprised to encounter a range of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, wild turkeys, mule deer, cottontails, other small mammals and an abundance of bird species. Spotted less often but nonetheless inhabiting the park are big cats, bear, skunks and snakes. 

"For our proximity to urban areas, this provides outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities," Mr. Tennis said, but he warned rattlesnakes also call the park home and visitors need to be careful. 

"Stay on the trails," he said. 

Admission to the park is free, as are permits for rock climbing. However, climbers must display proper equipment and never climb alone. 

For residents of the Pikes Peak region and tourists alike, Garden of the Gods offers an abundance of free nature presentations. This month, for example, presentations are scheduled to cover such topics as history of the park, the Gold Rush and geology. There are also wildlife touch tables scheduled, plus daily nature walks at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. just outside the main parking lot. Park walks cover such interests as bats, wildflowers, geology, birds and photography. Youngsters can sign up to become Junior Rangers. New this year is the park's Segway tour. For a small charge, less hearty visitors can enjoy a bus tour. Some activities require pre-registration, and there are winter programs as well. 

The free Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center is a must-see for first-time visitors to pick up a map, learn about the park's features or have breakfast or lunch and do some shopping. For a small admission charge, visitors at the Center can find out "How Did Those Red Rocks Get There," through a high definition movie. 

Rock Ledge Ranch within the park has been offering visitors a glimpse into living history through four time spans--from the 1700s to the early 20th century. At the American Indian area visitors can see tipis and hear stories of American Indian culture. The Galloway Homestead depicts the hard life on the frontier, and the 1880s Chambers working farm demonstration features the family dwelling/boarding house and farming activities. 

Visitors can also enjoy the craftsmanship of a 19th century blacksmith, gifts or souvenirs from the Heritage Shop and view heirloom breeds of farm animals on the site.
Rock Ledge Ranch, which requires an admission fee, also features special festivals and presentations. Coming up is the popular annual Holly Berry House Folk Art Festival Sept. 18-20 with handcrafted folk art, antiques, music and living history interpretations. 

"It's worth it just to see Patches the Cow," Mr. Tennis said with a smile of the ranch. "She's very friendly and likes to lick visitors." 

As per safety, besides staying on the trails, Mr. Tennis urges visitors to never leave valuables in the open, and keep Fido on a leash at all times, except in the dog park area where he can mingle leash-free with canine friends. 

The park, near West 30th Street, is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily from Memorial Day until Labor Day and 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. the rest of the year. No camping is allowed. 

The park always welcomes volunteers. 

"We have lots of opportunities," he said, including trail restoration projects. 

For more information on the park or activities, visit http://www.gardenofgods.com or call 719-219-0108.