Near Grand Tour
Snowy day in Garden of the Gods
Near Grand Tour
The view from the beginning of the loop.
Near Grand Tour
Heading south alongside some beautiful rock formations
Near Grand Tour
Kissing Camels
Near Grand Tour
The moon hides behind Gray Rock.

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Grand Tour

4.5 (11 Ratings)
See all the major features of Garden of the Gods on foot!
9.8
mi
Distance
1,195
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Less CrowdedSpringViews

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
9.76mi
Distance
1,195ft
Elevation Gain
1,195ft
Elevation Loss
55%
Max Grade
6,602ft
High Point
6,241ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
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!

Route Conditions

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Nearby Hike Routes

Garden of the Gods Loop

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Garden of the Gods Loop

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Palmer Trail

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Palmer Trail

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Garden of the Gods Inner Loop

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Garden of the Gods Inner Loop

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Central Garden, Palmer Trail, and Scottsman Trail Loop

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Central Garden, Palmer Trail, and Scottsman Trail Loop

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Bretag Trail and Upper Central Garden Loop

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Bretag Trail and Upper Central Garden Loop

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Siamese Twins

Hike Route

Siamese Twins

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0.33 mi
+87 ft
Contributors
Nathan Cragg