Garden of the Gods Park, Colorado Springs

Tucked away between the snowy Pike’s Peak and the borders of Colorado Springs lies what could be called the world’s most unique city park.  A getaway for city dwellers that makes a quick picnic lunch feel like a mini-vacation, this park has trails galore for hiking, mountain biking, and riding.   When the snows get a bit thick in the upper elevations and the mountain trails begin to look more appealing to snowshoeing rather than mountain biking this is the perfect spot to check out with your horse.  I took a day trip there with Latigo, an MMR ranch horse, and my own horse Maggie, to see if the park itself could match the hype.

Jen and Maggie in front of the Siamese Twins

This park feels more like a trip thru Moab than a place you will find in the Rockies.  Impeccably groomed trails roam over slickrock and up log steps, revealing views of the aptly named rock formations such as the kissing camels, siamese twins, and balanced rock.  In mid-November it was bright andsunny but not too hot, a perfect day for riding.  The horses did fantastic in the new atmosphere; we don’t get too many paved parking lots or road cyclists on the gorgeous ranch trails around here but they took it all in stride.  They clattered up steep inclines and over the slickrock without a misplaced stop, and even provided entertainment for a few kids and dogs.   I never thought I would head to the city to go riding, but it turns out that in Colorado you often get more than you expect.   

Riding through spectacular formations

Details on the park, its history, programs and events can be found on their website at gardenofthegods.com.  The park is a registered National Natural Landmark and they have a new HD movie playing in the Visitor’s Center that is worth the trip there even if you don’t have a horse to take with you.   While there are always a plethora of activities on the ranch to keep you busy, it is good to know that such unique, other-worldly sights await you just down the road.

Latigo taking in the view