Garden of the Gods & A Little Golf
/Though David grew up in Colorado and I lived in-state for 10 years, we seem to be acting like tourists, happy to be back in Colorado and wanting to see all the sights we haven’t seen in years. We thought we might take the Pike’s Peak Highway to the top of Pike’s Peak, but learned that the road was closed part way up and we would need to park and take a shuttle from there. We were warned that the shuttle lines could be long. After my recent issue with altitude, driving to 14,115’ didn’t seem prudent, especially if I couldn’t get down in a hurry. Plan B?
Welcome to Garden of the Gods - Colorado Springs, Colorado
Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is a place we visited with the kids when they were young. Paved paths wander circuitously through huge red rock formations and it’s pretty spectacular. After opting against the crowds at Royal Gorge, we wondered if Garden of the Gods might be open and perhaps a bit less crowded. One can only hope though we steeled ourselves against disappointment.
We noted a sign advising the wearing of masks, though besides us, we saw few folks wearing them.
The Garden was indeed open and though there were lots of people, they seemed to be scattered about well enough to maintain social distancing. We noted a sign advising the wearing of masks, though besides us, we saw few folks wearing them.
In 1879, Charles Elliott Perkins purchased 480 acres of spectacular land surrounding the Gateway Rocks. Upon his death, his children fulfilled his wish that this land be donated to Colorado Springs with the caveats that it be called Garden of the Gods, that no buildings other than for maintenance purposes would be erected on the property, that no alcohol be sold or consumed here and that it would forever be free to the public. What a gift! Thank you, Mr. Perkins.
Most of the rock formations have names and it’s like a treasure hunt to locate specific formations. Make them bigger just by clicking on the thumbnail.
Rock climbing is allowed here. We watched one gal high atop a rock, belay a fellow up. Another climber was just descending pulpit rock as we approached.
Having forgotten all our climbing gear, we opted to stay put on the paved paths. Uh-huh!
As the day grew warmer, the crowds grew thicker and after an hour or so, we took our leave. Though we seldom golf, there was an 18-hole course next door to the hotel and we couldn’t resist getting out and playing a few holes. The course looked interesting… especially the windmill and the elephant water hazard.
Let’s play golf!
We hadn’t played mini-golf in years and Adventure Golf just looked appealing. There were actually four different 18-hole courses to choose from. It was hard to choose between aliens, fairy tale characters, monsters and famous landmark themes, but we opted for the ones with the least people.
I have such a problem with water hazards!
David kept score meticulously (like he does when we play cards) and somehow he won both rounds. Go figure!
Next, we head to Flat Rocks Campground to visit with our youngest son, Brad and family, who are camp hosts for the summer. Check in with us next time as we catch up with family, learn about camp hosting and meet Berta!