Near Scotsman Trail
Heading south alongside some beautiful rock formations
Near Scotsman Trail
North (left) and South (right) Gateway Rocks viewed from the Central Garden Trail.
Near Scotsman Trail
Snow outlines the body of the Kissing Camels at Garden of the Gods
Near Scotsman Trail
Garden of the Gods is magical, the best time is at sunset!
Near Scotsman Trail
Siamese Twins hides just around the corner along the Palmer Trail.

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Scotsman Trail

3.6 (5 Ratings)
As the name promises, this trail provides visitors with great views of the Scotsman formation.
1
mi
Distance
105
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Family FriendlyViewsWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
1.03mi
Distance
105ft
Elevation Gain
123ft
Elevation Loss
15%
Max Grade
6,435ft
High Point
6,311ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Beginning from the trailhead (there's no parking here, so stop if you see a spot along the pullouts on Garden Drive), this trail begins a gentle, meandering course around the Scotsman. You'll head north from the trailhead, and you'll soon come to an intersection where you can go either left or right. The trail is lollipop shaped, so you'll be able to see everything no matter which way you choose to go. The described heads clockwise, which has you turning left at the initial intersection with the loop portion of the trail. You'll continue on a fairly straight path that leads to the north. In a short ways, the trail nears the Scotsman formation. The trail gets quite close to the feature, which is a thrill, especially for younger hikers! Once you've admired the Scotsman, continue on your journey to the north. Eventually, the trail will reach its apex in a tight switchback, where you'll begin you return journey. The trail bends to the south. Along the way back, you'll still have impressive views of Gray Rock, The Keyhole Window, and the Sleeping Giant.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Looking for more condition reports?
View History

Nearby Hike Routes

Siamese Twins

Hike Route

Siamese Twins

Views
easy
0.33 mi
+70 ft
Garden of the Gods Inner Loop

Hike Route

Garden of the Gods Inner Loop

Family Friendly
easy
1.34 mi
+168 ft
Central Garden, Palmer Trail, and Scottsman Trail Loop

Hike Route

Central Garden, Palmer Trail, and Scottsman Trail Loop

Dogs Allowed
easy
1.99 mi
+229 ft
Garden of the Gods Loop

Hike Route

Garden of the Gods Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
3.93 mi
+497 ft
Palmer Trail

Hike Route

Palmer Trail

Less Crowded
moderate
5.59 mi
+756 ft
Bretag Trail and Upper Central Garden Loop

Hike Route

Bretag Trail and Upper Central Garden Loop

Views
easy
3.2 mi
+403 ft
Contributors
Mikhaila Redovian