Perkins Central Garden Trail Hiking Guide
The Perkins Central Garden Trail is the walk most people mean when they say they saw Garden of the Gods. It is a short paved loop at the base of the park's tallest sandstone fins, close enough to crane your neck at the Kissing Camels and the Three Graces. The park has been free since it was given to the city in 1909 on the condition that it stay open and free to the public.
The Loop
AllTrails measures the loop at about 1.1 miles with roughly 95 feet of gain; the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center calls it a 1.5-mile round trip with less than a 30-foot rise. Either way it is level, concrete and easy. It starts by the main parking lot at the north end of the Central Garden and threads between the North and South Gateway Rocks, past Cathedral Spires and the Three Graces, with the Kissing Camels perched high on the skyline.
Accessibility and the Sleeping Giant Spur
The main loop is paved and works for wheelchairs and strollers. One side spur does not: a set of wooden railroad-tie steps climbs to the Sleeping Giant viewpoint, which the visitor center describes as an unobstructed look at Pikes Peak from the base of one of the park's largest formations. That formation, like much of the park, began as ancient sand dunes that turned to stone.
Hours, Parking and the Visitor Center
The park opens at 5 a.m. year-round and closes at 10 p.m. from May through October and 9 p.m. from November through April. The main lot next to the trail fills quickly, and AllTrails reviewers suggest coming early or late in the day. If it is full, the visitor center describes a low-grade 2.5-mile option from the Overflow Parking Lot on the paved Foothills and Gateway trails into the Central Garden. The Visitor and Nature Center at 1805 N. 30th Street is free, open from 9 a.m., and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
Dogs and Climbing Rules
Dogs are welcome if they stay on a leash and on the trail, and owners must pick up after them. The rocks look made for scrambling, but technical climbing requires a city permit, and seasonal climbing closures protect parts of the park. For kids who need to touch rock, the short Siamese Twins Trail has formations visitors can safely climb on and a keyhole view of Pikes Peak.
Why It's Worth the Crowds
Garden of the Gods covers 1,341 acres and is a National Natural Landmark, and this loop is the most direct way into its heart. Go at sunrise for warm light on the red rock and an easier time parking, or late in the evening in summer when the park stays open until 10. On a hot summer afternoon, bring water even for a walk this short.
Hiking tips for Perkins Central Garden Trail
- Arrive soon after the 5 a.m. opening for parking and morning light on the rocks.
- Use the Overflow Lot and the paved Gateway route when the main lot is full.
- Skip the Sleeping Giant steps with a wheelchair or stroller; the main loop is fully paved.
- Keep dogs leashed and on the pavement, and bring bags.
- Leave rock climbing to permit holders; try the Siamese Twins Trail for kid-friendly scrambling.
Nearby trails to explore
- Red Rock Canyon Mesa Trail Loop (Colorado Springs)
- Palmer Red Rock Loop (Section 16)
- Manitou Incline
Hike this trail with TrailMates
The Central Garden is the easy walk to share with visiting friends and family. Use TrailMates to find Colorado Springs hikers heading to Garden of the Gods. Download the TrailMates app to connect.