Your Ultimate Guide to visiting Garden of the Gods in the Winter (2024)

Looking for a winter wonderland while visiting Colorado? Look no further than Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs!

After you’ve explored all the fun things to see and do in the charming town of Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods should be next on your list! This is honestly one of the most magical destinations any time of year, but visiting in the winter adds a layer of beauty that’s pretty hard to beat, plus if you’re a photography enthusiast there will be plenty of opportunities to capture the perfect shot.

Keep reading to learn how to make the most of your visit to Garden of the Gods during winter!

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Things to do in Garden of the Gods During Winter

I know winter trips can sometimes be a bit intimidating, however, I can 1,000 percent you will not regret a trip to Colorado Springs in the chilly months. Pack your jacket and boots and let’s explore the best things to do in Garden of the Gods in the winter!

1. Garden of the Gods Visitor Center

Like any great destination in the US, you can’t go wrong when stopping at the visitor center first!

And you’re in luck, because the Garden of the Gods one is not only a nice warm retreat from the cold weather, but also has a gift shop (who doesn’t love a good gift shop?!) and a couple of educational displays scattered throughout.

Exterior of Garden of the Gods Visitor Center; interior of one of the dinosaur exhibits in the Visitor Center

Every month from November through March, the visitor center has a different set of animals to show off and educate guests on, and that’s just one of the events they offer! I would recommend keeping tabs on the Garden of the Gods Events Calendar so you can get the scoop on what to do during your visit!

Interior of the Garden of the Gods gift shop

The visitor center is open daily from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm, and is located at: 1805 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904.

2. Winter Solstice Hike

If you find yourself visiting the Garden of the Gods during the Winter Solstice, see if you’re able to join an exciting event put on by the Garden of The Gods and the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society to celebrate the Winter Solstice, the Winter Solstice Hike!

This 1.5-hour night hike through Garden of the Gods is hosted by the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society, and is a great way to learn more about the winter solstice, star-gazing, and to get a different perspective of the trail at nighttime! One of the coolest parts of the tour is the chance for you to be able to see the moon and the winter skies through a telescope — not something you get to see every day!

Top Tip: Keep in mind the registration fee is $5, and you have to sign up on the Garden of the Gods website!

3. Central Garden Trail

Garden of the Gods during the winter time

One of the most popular trails in the area is, hands down, Central Garden Trail. One of the best parts about it is that it’s only 1.1 miles and it’s fully paved! If you only have enough time to visit one trail during your trip, I would say this is it!

You start your journey at the northern end of the Garden of the Gods’ parking area, where you’ll walk through some of the most iconic rock formations such as the Kissing Camels and White Rock.

Visiting Garden of the Gods During Winter FAQ’s

To help make the most of your trip to the Garden of the Gods during the winter season, check out these frequently asked questions so you’re prepared!

What are the visiting hours?

The Garden of the Gods is actually open all year! However, keep in mind that it does have dedicated winter hours: November 1 – April 30 5:00 am – 9:00 pm.

How much does it cost to go to the Garden of the Gods?

Garden of the Gods Park and Visitor Center are both free of admission.

Where do I park at Garden of the Gods?

The park does not offer shuttle service in the winter months. So it’s best to arrive early as the parking lot does fill up quickly! The main parking lot is located at: 1423-1427 Juniper Way Loop, Colorado Springs.

Top Tip: If you do end up visiting in the summer months, check out their website to learn about their free summer shuttle service!

What is the temperature like in Garden Of The Gods during the winter?

November: High 52°F, Low 25°F
December: High 46°F, Low 19°F
January: High 45°F, Low 18°F
February: High 46°F, Low 19°F

How much snow does Garden of the Gods get in the winter months?

Snowfall can range from just a few inches to several feet depending on the weather patterns of a given year. On average, Colorado Springs receives around 8-10 inches of snow per month during winter, but snowfall in Garden of the Gods itself can vary due to its elevation and proximity to the mountains

Is Garden of the Gods dog-friendly?

Yes! Garden of the Gods is dog-friendly so long as they are on a leash, and they also have baggies in the designated pet areas. It’s one of my favorite dog-friendly spots in all of the US!

How far is Garden of the Gods from Denver?

Denver Date Nights skyline with mountains in the background.

After you’ve done all of your Christmas activities in Denver and want to head over to Garden of the Gods — the drive will roughly take you around 1 hour and 20 minutes!

Visiting Garden of the Gods During Winter Recap

As you can see, there’s a reason why Colorado natives and tourists alike travel to Garden of the Gods during the winter season.

Not only is it a winter wonderland, but it gives you the chance to experience this natural landmark in a whole new way while enjoying the seasonal educational events they put on in the Visitor Center — plus, visiting in the colder months allows you to enjoy the natural beauty without being bombarded by tourists.

Whether you’re planning on a trip with your partner or your kids or maybe just a solo trip — Garden of the Gods during the winter season is the perfect place to get a taste of Colorado’s natural beauty!

More Colorado Resources

If you’re looking for even more fun things to do in Colorado, head on over to these travel guides!