Garden of the Gods, Colorado

Overlook, Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Overlook, Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, 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.

Garden of the Gods, Gateway Trail, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Garden of the Gods, Gateway Trail, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Three Graces, Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Three Graces, Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Pathway, Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Pathway, Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Backlit sandstone formations, Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Backlit sandstone formations, Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Me in Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Me in Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Balanced Rock, Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Balanced Rock, Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

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.