Perkins Central Garden Trail
A paved, accessible loop trail in Garden of the Gods, showcasing iconic red rock formations with stunning views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Perkins Central Garden Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A paved, accessible loop trail in Garden of the Gods, showcasing iconic red rock formations with stunning views.
"Truly amazing that these giant rock formations look like they just came out of the ground and grew so big."
🚗 Parking Tips
Main lots fill fast! Try P6 or P7 for easier parking.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed pups are welcome on this trail! Remember to clean up after them.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Red Rock Formations
Throughout the trail
Marvel at towering red rock formations like White Rock and Kissing Camels. A photographer's dream!
Stroller-Friendly Paved Path
Perkins Central Garden Trail
Enjoy a leisurely, paved walk perfect for families with strollers or those seeking an easy stroll.
Scenic Loop Views
Perkins Central Garden Trail
This 1.1-mile loop offers stunning, easily accessible views of the park's unique geology.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Trail Accessibility
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tips
Main lots fill fast! Try P6 or P7 for easier parking.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed pups are welcome on this trail! Remember to clean up after them.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The red rocks offer incredible backdrops. Visit during golden hour for stunning shots.
🚶♀️ Easy & Accessible
This paved trail is great for all fitness levels and strollers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Main lots fill fast! Try P6 or P7 for easier parking.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed pups are welcome on this trail! Remember to clean up after them.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The red rocks offer incredible backdrops. Visit during golden hour for stunning shots.
🚶♀️ Easy & Accessible
This paved trail is great for all fitness levels and strollers.
💰 Free Admission!
Enjoy the beauty of Garden of the Gods without an entry fee.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Perkins Central Garden Trail for its stunning red rock formations and accessibility, calling it a beautiful landmark. However, some find it less grand than national parks and note that it can get very crowded on weekends, leading to parking difficulties. Despite the crowds, the well-maintained trails and photo opportunities are consistently highlighted as positives.
"It was great on my first visit, but the second time was disappointing. Don’t expect the kind of experience you'd get at a national park in Utah or Colorado. This is more of a place for a family stroll, not a national or state park. On weekends, it gets overcrowded and parking is difficult. Spotting a family of mountain goats was a lucky moment."
JAY HWANG
"Well maintained trails, signage and grounds in general. Busy with families, and limited parking. Beautiful photo ops. Highly recommend!"
Melissa May
"Truly amazing that these giant rock formations look like they just came out of the ground and grew so big. You can park in the main parking lot and hike to it. There are various smaller parking lots all around but they fill up really quick. There are roads that you can simply drive around the whole "garden" if walking is a challenge. Many ways to marvel at this place.
We came on a Summer Saturday morning and it was very crowded."
Francisco Leung
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Perkins Central Garden Trail is located within Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs. You can drive directly to the park, and there are several parking lots. The main parking lot (P4) can be busy, but smaller lots like P6 and P7 are often easier to access.
Yes, Garden of the Gods is about an hour's drive south of Denver, making it a popular day trip destination.
From Denver, take I-25 South to exit 146 for Garden of the Gods Road. Turn right and follow signs to the park entrance.
Public transportation options to Garden of the Gods are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to access the park.
While there aren't specific tours for just the Perkins Central Garden Trail, many general Garden of the Gods tours are available that will include stops at this popular area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Garden of the Gods Park, including the Perkins Central Garden Trail, offers free admission to all visitors.
Garden of the Gods Park is open year-round from 5 AM to 10 PM. The Visitor & Nature Center has different hours.
No advance booking is required as the park and trail are free and open to the public during operating hours.
The park is generally open to the public. However, during peak times, parking can be limited. Always check for any temporary closures or advisories.
The park is open until 10 PM, so you can visit the trail after dark, but it's best experienced during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
The Perkins Central Garden Trail is about 1.1 miles and can typically be completed in under 30 minutes, making it a quick and scenic option.
No, it's considered an easy trail with minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Yes, dogs are welcome on the Perkins Central Garden Trail as long as they are on a leash.
Absolutely! The Perkins Central Garden Trail is paved and wide, making it very stroller-friendly.
To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. Weekends and summer mornings can be very busy.
📸 📸 Photography
Everywhere! The trail winds through iconic red rock formations like Kissing Camels and White Rock, offering endless photo opportunities.
Golden hour, about an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset, provides the most dramatic lighting for your photos.
Drone usage is generally prohibited in Garden of the Gods Park to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Always check current park regulations.
The entire trail offers stunning views, but look for spots with clear views of multiple formations for panoramic shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grand scale of the rock formations. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions during golden hour.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, and consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the busiest times. The ease of access and the sheer visual spectacle make it a memorable outing for everyone. 🐶 Pet Owners
+1 It's a great way to get some exercise with your dog in a stunning natural setting. Just be sure to clean up after your pet and keep them on a leash at all times to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors. 🚶♀️ Visitors Seeking Easy Walks
+1 The 1.1-mile loop offers a satisfying experience without requiring a significant time commitment. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Garden of the Gods
+1The trail offers a fantastic introduction to the park's unique geology, with formations like Kissing Camels and White Rock providing breathtaking sights. It's a popular spot for a leisurely walk, offering numerous opportunities for photography and simply soaking in the natural beauty. While it can get crowded, especially on weekends, the park's vastness and the trail's manageable length mean you can still find moments of tranquility.
Beyond the Perkins Central Garden Trail, Garden of the Gods offers a variety of other trails, scenic drives, and viewpoints. Visitors can choose from more challenging hikes or simply enjoy a scenic drive through the park. The park's free admission makes it an accessible natural wonder for everyone.
+1Best Times for Photography and Solitude
To truly escape the crowds, aim for weekdays, particularly in the early morning. Arriving shortly after the park opens at 5 AM can provide a peaceful atmosphere, allowing you to enjoy the formations without the hustle and bustle. Late afternoons can also be less crowded than midday, especially if you venture slightly off the main paved path onto connecting trails.
+1While the Perkins Central Garden Trail itself is a highlight, exploring other parts of Garden of the Gods can also yield unique photographic opportunities and quieter spots. Trails like the Palmer Trail are noted as being less crowded, offering a different perspective of the park's grandeur.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit