subject: Unearthing Ancient Cultures At Garden Of The Gods [print this page] Garden of the Gods, located not far from Denver in the state of Colorado, is one of the most picturesque landmarks in the entire state. It is filled with beautiful scenery, but the main event of the park is the three hundred foot towering sandstone rock formations.
Garden of the Gods is a registered national landmark park. It welcomes millions of visitors a year.
The area that is now the park once housed all different types of ancient creatures and civilizations. When visiting the park, make sure to get a view of Pikes Peak, one of the tallest and most majestic of the formations.
The Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center is full of exhibits and information about the park. It is a place where you and your family can learn and have fun.
Within the center, you are able to learn about the geology, ecology, and cultural history of what is now Colorado and, specifically, the region that makes up the park. You and your family can learn a great deal about the American Indian tribes that once roamed this land, as well as the prehistoric creatures that once called the Garden of the Gods home.
Before you visit the park, make sure to spend a good amount of time in the museum in the visitor's center. Here you can view life-sized replicas of the types of dinosaur fossils that have been found in that region and beautiful photography that has captured the essence of the rocky formations.
To start you off with a basic knowledge of the park, sign yourself and your loved ones up for a guided tour. The walks are free, last about thirty minutes, and give you an insight into the types of plants and animals that live in the Garden of the Gods.
Hiking enthusiasts should visit the main center in order to receive a color coded trail map. There are a plethora of trails in the region, and they vary in intensity from easy to moderate.
If you do plan on hiking within the park, remember to bring lots of water and snacks. Keeping hydrated is very important in this desert environment.
Especially during the summer time, the park receives a lot of sun and is situated in an area with a very warm climate. Also, make sure to wear appropriate clothing.
Something light and breathable that also covers your skin and protects it from sunburn is the best choice for a hike in Garden of the Gods. Wear sturdy and broken in hiking boots or athletic shoes, and be careful of your footing on the rocky trails and terrain.
If you would like to see the beauty of the canyons without having to hike or walk, there are also guided horseback rides available. Inquire after information in the visitor's center.
There are a limited number of spots and walks available each day, so you may even want to call in ahead of time to make sure you can reserve spots for you and your party. Seeing the park by horseback also allows you to travel certain terrain easier and see areas that you may not be able to hiking by yourself.
If you simply wish to bask in a beautiful day and spend time with your family, pack a picnic and utilize one of the two large eating areas in the park. You can bond with your loved ones over a delicious homemade lunch, all while feasting your eyes on the gorgeous scenery surrounding you.
If you really enjoy thrill, mountain biking is also allowed in some areas of the park. However, it is best to get a map of the trails beforehand and research the rules and regulations of the park before you attempt to ride there.
The regulations were created to keep visitors from harm, so ask about certain areas where mountain biking is not permitted. Garden of the Gods is also one of the most popular rock climbing areas in Colorado.
Research walls or climbs beforehand, or bring someone with you that knows where you can find different climbs and what their level of difficulty is.
If you wish to learn more about the history of the park and the state of Colorado, take a free twenty minute bus tour. A visit to Colorado is not complete without stopping at the Garden of the Gods to view its majestic beauty and learn about its ancient history.
