Name: Grand Tour
Rating: 4.4

“See all the major features of Garden of the Gods on foot!”

— Nathan Cragg

Features Spring · Views

Overview

This trek will take you from the Central Garden, through Siamese Twins and High Point, then to the east side on Niobrara Trail. You'll see more of the park than can ever be seen from just the central garden or roads.

Need to Know

The trail is fairly well maintained, but heavy rains can create flash floods. Be prepared and have footwear that can nimbly traverse rocks and roots.

Description

You can choose to start at the quieter parking outside the park or pick it up at another point along the Dakota Trail. From there, you'll go through the amazing Central Garden and make any last minute stops at the bathroom. Moving on to the north, you'll jump onto the Palmer Trail.

You'll get an epic north-to-south view of the Central Garden as you moved to Siamese Twins. Continuing on, you can make the optional trip to check out Balanced Rock or just stop at the Trading Post for a snack. Moving back north, you'll take a less traveled route through Strausenback Trail and move on to Scotsman Trail.

Shortly after Scotsman Trail, the Hamp Trail will take you past the Girl Scout Hut. Next, heading onto Buckskin Charley Trail will lead you to Old Colorado City Trail for a stop at High Point. Crossing Ridge Road will bring you to the Niobrara Trail. Cruising through the east side of the park will give you full views of the entire park, which are excellent at sunset.

At the end of Niobrara Trail, move west onto the Niobrara - Ute Connector down to the parking lot. You may then take the optional and very scenic Ridge Trail. After completing the Ridge Trail loop, head north on Ute Trail. From there you can head to wherever you started! Enjoy!