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Central Gardens at Garden of the Gods
4.9 ★★★★★ 316 Google reviews · Running trail in Colorado Springs, Colorado · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Central Gardens at Garden of the Gods' own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Natural rock formations and hiking trails amid rocky peaks and mountains.
What runners say about Central Gardens at Garden of the Gods
“Garden of Gods is a beautiful landmark and scenic view, surrounded by huge red rock has many different trails along the rocky hills,also has several designated parking zones”
Tons of amazing rock formations with a pretty backdrop and next to other important historical places. Parking is in the shade which keeps cars cool. The only downside when I went is that there were numerous people with heavy marijuana scents that diminished some of the enjoyment of being there.
The most variety of spectacular sights in one place! Loads of trails and all at no charge just drive in and find a parking spot. You could easily spend the entire day hiking many of the loops and climbing the rock formations.
One of my favorite spots in Colorado Springs. We spent 4days in town and each day would head up to Garden of the Gods for a early morning walk. So beautiful. Trails are well marked. Some easy and some moderate. We went once in the afternoon and it was busy. In the mornings we had the place to ourselves.
Absolutely one of the best places to visit in the United States. The scenery is amazing. People think you have to visit the Welcome center to get started, and that is not the case; you can go directly to the park's parking places to get your walking started.
Trail conditions & character
“Garden of Gods is a beautiful landmark and scenic view, surrounded by huge red rock has many different trails along the rocky hills,also has several designated parking zones”
“Garden of Gods is a beautiful landmark and scenic view, surrounded by huge red rock has many different trails along the rocky hills,also has several designated parking zones”
“There is a large parking lot on the Juniper Way Loop, making easy access to the paved trails that weave throughout the rock formations.”
“Garden of Gods is a beautiful landmark and scenic view, surrounded by huge red rock has many different trails along the rocky hills,also has several designated parking zones”
“There is a large parking lot on the Juniper Way Loop, making easy access to the paved trails that weave throughout the rock formations.”
Plan your run at Central Gardens at Garden of the Gods
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
Running trails near Colorado Springs
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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