Garden of the Gods, Colorado

After leaving Rachel at the airport, I headed south from Denver trying to get away from the rain. I was heartened as the dawn fog burned off and the morning quickly became sunny. Travelling down I-25 I saw a sign for “Garden of the Gods” and, needing to stretch my legs, I decided to take the exit into the outskirts of Colorado Springs.

Garden of the Gods is not the average city park. Designated as a National Natural Landmark, the land has historical and spiritual significance to numerous local Native American tribes as well. There is no question why: the park is gorgeous. Sandstone formations here break through the scrub brush landscape, tilted by long-ago geologic forces and then eroded by time. What is especially lovely is the design of the park itself which makes these wonders accessible via a network of flat or gently sloping paths, inviting the elderly, families with small children, and walking couples – all of which were present at 8:30 on a Sunday morning – to experience the beautiful surroundings.

But soon enough the sky clouded over and rain was again imminent. Another flash flood warning was issued so I continued my journey south on my way to the Great Sand Dunes National Park.