Red Rock Canyon & Garden of the Gods Day Trip

Planning a Red Rock Canyon and Garden of the Gods day trip?

When JP and I were planning our honeymoon road trip, we decided to visit the Four Corners states and explore all the national parks, historic landmarks, cities, and other popular sites.

So when we got to Colorado, Red Rock Canyon and Garden of the Gods were high on our list.

It was late March, early April, so we weren’t really sure how the weather would be, but luckily we didn’t really get any snow, and we were able to bundle up enough that we weren’t too cold out there.

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a rock that looks like it's pointing with 2 fingers

Red Rock Canyon & Garden of the Gods Day Trip

If you’re visiting Colorado Springs and only have half a day to explore, you can still experience two of the area’s most beautiful natural attractions, Red Rock Canyon Open Space and Garden of the Gods.

Start your morning hiking the scenic trails at Red Rock Canyon, then head just a few miles north to Garden of the Gods.

hiking trail overlooking a valley, with rocks jutting out throughout the landscape

Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon Open Space is just a few miles outside of downtown Colorado Springs.

There is no admission fee to visit Red Rock Canyon, but there is a small parking fee of around $5 per vehicle at the main trailheads.

Contemplation Trail

It’s a 1.8-mile loop that takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete, depending on your pace.

You’ll also spot wildflowers in spring and summer, along with occasional wildlife like mule deer or rabbits.

lots of deer seen in an open space along a hiking trail

Sand Canyon Trail

If you’re up for something a bit longer, the Sand Canyon Trail is a 3-mile out-and-back hike that typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete.

It connects with several other trails in the park, so you can easily extend your hike if you have more time.

large rock structure and some trees on a dirt path

Garden of the Gods

Just a 10-minute drive from Red Rock Canyon, Garden of the Gods is one of Colorado’s most photographed destinations.

Garden of the Gods is completely free to visit, and parking is free in the multiple lots throughout the park.

Perkins Central Garden Trail

Most visitors explore the Perkins Central Garden Trail, an easy 1.5-mile paved loop that winds through the heart of the park.

It typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete, depending on how often you stop for photos.

If you have extra time, the park offers more than 15 miles of hiking trails.

Gateway / Central Garden Trails

The Gateway and Central Garden Trails offer an easy, low-grade hike.

Starting at the Overflow Parking Lot near the main entrance, follow the paved Foothills Trail to connect with the Gateway Trail.

The trail crosses the road and leads into the Central Garden Trail, where you can wander short loops at the base of the park’s tallest rock formations, covering about 1.5 miles in total.

Return to the Overflow Parking Lot along the Gateway Trail for a full, approximately 2.5-mile loop.

tall red rock formations on the Central Garden Trails at Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center

Be sure to visit the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center for exhibits, restrooms, and panoramic views of the park.

Tip: Arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds and capture the most beautiful lighting for photos.

Where To Eat In Colorado Springs

After exploring Red Rock Canyon and Garden of the Gods, you’ll definitely have worked up an appetite!

One of our favorite spots to grab a bite is the Skirted Heifer, a local burger joint known for being featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives!

The Skirted Heifer restaurant in Colorado Springs

The name comes from the “skirt” of crispy melted cheese that extends beyond the burger.

I recommend the Half and Half Fries and Hangover Burger that comes topped with a fried egg, cream cheese, and Bloody Mary sauce (it was reviewed by Guy Fieri too)!

Hangover Burger from Skirted Heifer in Colorado Springs, topped with a fried egg, cream cheese, and a Bloody Mary sauce

Where To Stay In Colorado Springs

We stayed at the Colorado Springs KOA, which turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip.

Our tent camping experience was interesting because it got down to 29 degrees overnight and it snowed several inches.

But, we were in a small 2 person tent, and we had lots of layers that we slept in, lots of blankets and pillows, a blow up mattress to keep us off the ground, and winter gear like ski masks, gloves, and knee high socks.