15 miles of hiking trails wind through gloriously upended sandstone formations in Colorado Springs’ Garden of the Gods. Free to the public by decree of railroad magnate Charles Eliot Perkins, whose family donated the land to the city in 1909, the property was named as one of the nation’s top ten public places in 2011. With sites like these, it is easy to see why.
Balanced Rock is one of the Garden’s most recognizable features.
The Siamese Twins stand sentinel before sweeping mountain vistas
. . . and frame Pikes Peak at their base.
Aptly named White Rock contrasts starkly with the red stone more typical in the park.
From a distance, the rock formations do appear as if they’re growing in a Garden.
Everywhere Once 
That last photograph really does look as though you’re looking down on some lost, ruined city – it’s incredible!
Your blog always makes me smile; please keep posting!
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Thank you for your words of encouragement; they really do make a difference.
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Gorgeous! …and so aptly named. It really cheered me this morning to see this.
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And your comments cheered me – thank you!
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Great photographs of a great place!
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It really is a wonderful place. Thanks for the complement.
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We got married in Pueblo and spent our wedding night in a great b&b in Colorado Springs. The next day all the family that was heading out to the airport met up for a walk in Garden of the Gods….what an awesome place!!!
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What a great way to see family off after a wedding. So much better than the traditional restaurant brunch.
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Absolutely amazing!
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Excellent photos. The Siamese Twins are especially cool.
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That was probably the neatest place in the park. It’s a little bit out of the way but the scenery is stunning. I have so many good photos from there that I was hard pressed to decide which to use.
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Wow so beautiful, that really is a garden of the Gods!
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Beautiful! Love the framing one.
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I love the Balanced Rock! I sometimes wonder how these rocks stay put and not fall. Loving the pics. Thanks for sharing!
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Nature is always so full of art and you’ve captured this place beautifully. Rock formations are endlessly fascinating and whether you’re in Southern Utah, California, the Grand Canyon or elsewhere – there are inspiring places all across the West.
Brian, when you have a moment please check out my Zion National Park page, after seeing these shots I think you’d particularly enjoy them. http://cdeminskiphotos.shutterfly.com
Thanks,
Carol
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