The last few days we’ve experienced arctic weather. Snow, below freezing temperatures overnight into the morning, single digits all day long. Brrrrr . . . OK, OK, I lived in Montana for seven years so should be fine with frigid. No, OVER IT, and enjoy the shorter winter season at this latitude too. One thing though? You can’t beat the beauty of ice- and snow-covered landscapes! Come on along as we drive the roads and visit the pull outs in Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs gorgeous city park.
Garden of the Gods is one of a kind. This city park is 1,341 acres, a National Natural Landmark, has many paved and unpaved hiking and biking trails, and so much more. In 1909 the park was given to the city of Colorado Springs by the children of railroad magnate Charles Elliot Perkins fulfilling his wish, and with the contractual stipulation, that it would forever be open and free to the public. What a gift!
Ever wonder about the references to red dirt roads in songs and stories? Well, there is sure red dirt here. Red rocks, red dirt, lots of sandstone that colors the area. By the way, it also stains and does not wash off your shoes and socks as you hike along the unpaved trails before the snow falls. I finally bought a pair of hiking shoes that are the same reddish color. Staining problem solved. Well, the socks are still a problem, but wearing the same few pair they are slow but sure turning red and solving the problem as well.
As the elevation increases so does the frosty covering on trees and grasses.
The Central Garden is the most visited area of the park. With paved paths wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and baby strollers, most of the Central Garden is fully accessible. Often-changed kiosks provide information about birds, wildlife, history, and geology. Most Central Garden rock formations have names. Signs along the way help you match the rocks with the names. It is a lovely walk, but on this 5-degree day we’ll enjoy the view from the road, get out for pictures, then jump back in the warm car! Call me a wimp, but 5 degrees is dang cold!
This is the Cabin Canyon trailhead, but a right turn will take you up to the iconic Siamese Twins formation. We are going neither direction, no hiking today. Just getting shots of the beautiful surrounds to share with you then back in the car to warm up my fingers!
We are in the southern part of the park. Pikes Peak continues as our sentinel, as it is to all of Colorado Springs. Pikes Peak is the 20th highest peak in all the Rockies at 14,115 feet. It is part of the Front Range, the easternmost range of the Rocky Mountains. This Range runs 300 miles from near Casper, WY to Pueblo, CO, about 50 miles south of our location here.
At High Point Overlook, also called the Ridge Parking Lot (lots less intriguing), we see the Central Garden’s south end. At left is Sleeping Giant, not sure of the one between, and right is Grey Rock, also called Kindergarten Rock. We can see both its ends from here.
From High Point we have a wide-open view of Pikes Peak. Well, except for the clouds that will likely be here all day with a forecast of cloudy.
Heading back north the long expanse known as Sleeping Giant is at right. At its left edge is Grey Rock’s northern end. South Gateway Rock is next (mid picture). The massive formation far left is North Gateway Rock, with the Kissing Camels on top. Kissing Camels you ask? See if you can find it here.
Oh wait! Almost missed this pull out. Great views of both Grey Rock and the Sleeping Giant. Grey Rock is one of the longest continuous stretches of exposed rock in the park. It is also one of my favorites.
So, the Sleeping Giant. Now bear with me, you have to use your imagination. See the round rock at top right? The flat edge? That is his chin and up a ways to the right is his closed mouth. That black hole is the nostril and slightly down to the right his closed eye. See him?
Also, see the large hole further left with the pine in front pointing to it? Above that is his snow-covered knee with the foot laying away from us. The other leg is above the knee we first saw and the foot sticking up above that first knee. See it????? OK, can’t keep you hanging, I added a cheat sheet . . .
As we head northeast we are getting up close to a number of formations. This is the south end of Grey Rock, a popular climbing venue for people so inclined. No thanks, but fun to watch. Today is too cold for such endeavors!
Leaving the park, we have one more stop to make. The wonderful views from Mesa Overlook, about 100-feet higher than the park’s entrance.
Looking northwest is a long ridge of hogbacks. Freestanding, sheer rock in front of this portion of the Front Range.
One more try, Pikes Peak, still cloud covered. This is the iconic picture tourists seek and find at this overlook, and boy do we have tourists in the summer and autumn, and rightfully so. The Springs is a vacation destination with so much to see and do in warmer months. Winter has red rock, evergreens, and leafless deciduous trees covered with snow and ice as well as storm clouds that gives a whole different feel and beauty to our landscape. Just be sure to dress warm!
Until next time my friend . . .
Wow, impressive photos of all that icy beauty. Wonderful background info…who ever heard of “hogbacks” before? Now we know! Brave you are, friend, for venturing out there!