Nestled among the towering red rock formations of Colorado Springs lies the iconic Garden of the Gods. Visitors can now explore this natural wonder at their own pace with the Garden of the Gods Self-Guided Tour. Equipped with a GPS-enabled audio guide, adventurers will uncover the area’s captivating geological history as they wander past Balanced Rock and Gateway Rocks. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an immersive outdoor experience, this tour promises to deliver a memorable journey through one of Colorado’s most stunning landscapes. With flexible scheduling and a reasonable price tag, it’s an opportunity worth considering for your next Colorado adventure.
Key Points
- Self-guided tour of Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, lasting approximately 1 hour for a 6.5-mile route, and costing $14.99 per person.
- Tour includes a mobile app with GPS-enabled audio guide, entry fees, and access to iconic landmarks like Balanced Rock and Montezuma Tower.
- Highlights the geological history and formation of the Rocky Mountains, spanning millions of years, shaped by tectonic forces and erosion.
- Tour experience allows visitors to explore the Central Gardens at their own pace, immersed in the natural beauty of the area.
- Recommended to wear comfortable shoes, have a charged smartphone for the tour app, and bring a power bank to enhance the interactive experience.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview
What does the self-guided tour of Garden of the Gods entail? It’s an activity that allows you to explore the park at your own pace.
The tour costs $14.99 per person and lasts around an hour for the 6.5-mile route. The tour is valid for 365 days, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The package includes a self-guided tour app, entry fees, and a GPS-enabled audio guide in English. You’ll discover iconic landmarks like Balanced Rock, Gateway Rocks, and Montezuma Tower while learning about the area’s geology.
To make the most of your experience, bring comfortable shoes and a charged smartphone with the downloaded app, as well as a power bank.
Tour Features
The self-guided tour of Garden of the Gods includes several key features.
It comes with a mobile app that serves as a personal guide, providing audio stories and maps to enhance the experience. Travelers can explore the Central Gardens and learn about the area’s geologic history and the formation of the Rocky Mountains through the app’s informative narration.
The tour also includes entry fees to attractions within the garden, ensuring a seamless experience. Hikers can expect to see iconic landmarks like Balanced Rock, Gateway Rocks, Montezuma Tower, Giant Footprints, and the Sleeping Giant, all while marveling at the stunning landscapes that define this natural wonder.
Tour Experience
To embark on the self-guided tour of Garden of the Gods, travelers start by downloading the provided mobile app. This app serves as a personal guide, offering audio stories and detailed maps to navigate the stunning landscape.
As they explore the Central Gardens, visitors will be captivated by the towering red rock formations that define this natural wonder. The app’s GPS-enabled audioguide provides fascinating insights into the geologic history of the area, explaining the formation of the Rocky Mountains.
What to Bring
For a comfortable and hassle-free self-guided tour of Garden of the Gods, travelers’ packing list should include a pair of comfortable shoes. Plus, a charged smartphone with the downloaded app, a power bank to keep devices powered, and your own vehicle are essential. To help you prepare, here’s a handy table of recommended items:
| Item | Reason |
|---|---|
| Comfortable Shoes | For walking on uneven terrain |
| Charged Smartphone | To access the tour app and GPS |
| Power Bank | To avoid battery drain |
| Your Own Vehicle | To drive the 6.5-mile tour route |
| Water and Snacks | To stay hydrated and energized |
With these essentials, you’ll be ready to explore the stunning landscapes of the Garden of the Gods at your own pace.
Customer Feedback
Travelers who’ve experienced the self-guided tour of Garden of the Gods have largely praised the overall experience.
Based on 5 reviews, the tour has an impressive overall rating of 4.4 out of 5. Reviewers have highlighted the engaging narration, which provides informative and insightful commentary as you explore the park’s iconic landmarks.
The GPS-enabled audio guide also received positive feedback, helping travelers navigate the 6.5-mile route with ease.
While some minor technical issues have been reported, the convenience and flexibility of the self-guided format have made for a highly satisfactory experience for most visitors.
Exploring Central Gardens
After downloading the self-guided tour app, visitors typically begin their exploration of Garden of the Gods at the Central Gardens. This area features towering red rock formations, including the iconic Balanced Rock and the majestic Gateway Rocks.
The app’s GPS-enabled audio guide provides captivating stories about the geologic history of the area, explaining how these stunning landscapes were formed by the uplift of the Rocky Mountains millions of years ago.
Visitors can wander through the winding trails, marveling at the Montezuma Tower, Giant Footprints, and the Sleeping Giant. The self-guided tour allows travelers to enjoy the natural beauty of this remarkable outdoor wonder at their own pace.
Geologic History of the Area
The geological history of Garden of the Gods dates back millions of years, shaping the stunning landscapes visitors witness today.
Formed by immense tectonic forces, the area’s iconic red rock formations emerged as the Rocky Mountains were pushed upwards. Ancient seabeds and deposits were tilted and thrust skyward, creating the unique balanced rocks and towering pinnacles.
Over time, erosion by wind and water sculpted the dramatic rock features, exposing the region’s vibrant geologic history.
Exploring this ancient landscape offers a captivating glimpse into the powerful natural processes that transformed the land over eons, resulting in the breathtaking garden visitors can now discover.
Preparing for the Tour
Preparation is key to ensuring a seamless and enjoyable self-guided tour of Garden of the Gods.
Wear comfortable shoes to navigate the uneven terrain with ease. Charge your smartphone and ensure the tour app is downloaded before setting off. Bring a power bank to keep your device juiced up throughout the excursion.
Having a vehicle at your disposal allows you to explore the park’s winding roads and stop at various viewpoints. The self-guided tour provides an interactive experience, so stay engaged by listening to the informative audio stories as you learn about the park’s stunning geological features.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?
Pets are allowed on the Garden of the Gods self-guided tour, but they must be kept on a leash. Visitors should check the park’s guidelines for any additional pet policies before bringing their furry companions along.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Yes, visitors can bring their own food and drinks to enjoy during the self-guided tour of Garden of the Gods. There are picnic areas available within the park for this purpose.
Are There Restrooms Available Along the Tour Route?
Yes, there are restrooms available along the tour route. Visitors can find public restrooms at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center and other designated areas within the park boundaries.
Can I Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?
Travelers can’t officially extend the tour duration, but they have 365 days to complete the self-guided experience. If more time is needed, they can pause the tour and pick it up again later using the app.
Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?
There’s no minimum group size requirement for the tour. Travelers can explore the Garden of the Gods at their own pace, with the self-guided app guiding them through the highlights of the park.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Rocky Mountain & Garden of Gods Self-Guided Audio Tour
- Colorado: A Scenic Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Bundle
- From Colorado Springs: Scenic Tour of the Pikes Peak Highway
- Colorado Springs: Garden of the Gods & Manitou Springs Tour
- Colorado Springs: Sunrise at the Summit – Luxury Jeep Tours
- Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs, Old Stage Road Jeep Tour
- Combo Course Zipline Tour
- Manitou Springs Colo-Rad Zipline Tour
- 2 Hour Segway Tour in Cheyenne Cañon and Broadmoor Area
- Colorado Springs – Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour
- Private Rock Climbing at Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs
- Classic 3-Hour Food Tour in Colorado Springs
- Colorado Springs Hands-On Falconry Class and Demonstration
- Garden of the Gods Segway Tour Through Juniper Loop
- Pikes Peak Jeep Tour
Recap
The Colorado Springs: Garden of the Gods Self-Guided Tour offers a convenient and immersive way to explore this iconic natural wonder. With an engaging audio guide and the freedom to explore at one’s own pace, visitors can discover the area’s stunning landscapes and geological history. Whether a first-time or returning visitor, this tour provides a flexible and enriching experience to appreciate the beauty of the Garden of the Gods.