Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Fly & Drive guide
Fly into COS, drive to Garden of the Gods Park
32 min drive16 milesNo entry permit
Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- COS
Airport drive- 32 min · estimate
Suggested stay- 1–2 days
Reservation demand- Lower · check current rules
Vehicle notes- Standard cars are fine for main access roads; AWD is helpful for certain gravel forest service roads during wet weather.
Your route
COS
City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport
Garden of the Gods Park
About 32 min · 16 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
Step 1Flights to COS
Compare fares into City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport.
Find flights
Step 2Standard car at COS
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Garden of the Gods Park. Compare rental companies in one search. Est. from $45/day · typical rate.
Compare rentals
Step 2SUV at COS
Select an SUV, pickup location and dates on Airport Rentals. Est. from $55/day · typical rate.
Compare SUVs
Before you goStore extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storage
03 · First night near Garden of the Gods Park
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
Step 3Hotels near Garden of the Gods Park
Est. from $110/night · typical rate. Compare hotels and lodges; check cancellation terms on Expedia.
Search Expedia
Step 3Cabins & homes near Garden of the Gods Park
Est. from $120/night · typical rate. Whole homes and cabins for families or groups.
Search VrboBefore you land
Reservations
Shawnee National Forest Sandstone Access and Safety
Entry to the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area is free and does not require a permit. However, camping at Pharaoh Campground is first-come, first-served and fills early during peak autumn weekends. For groups over 75 people, a special use permit from the Shawnee National Forest office is required.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
April – June, September – November
Your route
Day 1 · The Ancient Sea Bed
Observation Trail → Garden of the Gods Wilderness
Day 2 · Historic Hollows and River Pirates
Rim Rock National Recreation Trail → Cave-in-Rock State Park
Day 3 · Iron and Stone Heritage
Illinois Iron Furnace → River to River Trail Access
Viator
Tours & experiences near Garden of the Gods Park
Explore guided activities around Garden of the Gods Park. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Garden of the Gods Park
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Travel documents & cards
Crossbody Card Holder
Keep cards close on sightseeing days; check dimensions for what you want to carry.
Cool-weather stops
Thermal Neck Gaiter · 2-pack
For cold or windy stops. Confirm fabric, fit and the two-pack variant at the store.
Wildlife & night viewing
WG9801 4K Night Vision Binoculars
3″ HD display · 48MP photo · 8X digital zoom. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$189.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Garden of the Gods Park?
City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from COS to Garden of the Gods Park?
Roughly 32 min (about 16 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Garden of the Gods Park?
Entry to the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area is free and does not require a permit. However, camping at Pharaoh Campground is first-come, first-served and fills early during peak autumn weekends. For groups over 75 people, a special use permit from the Shawnee National Forest office is required.
Keep planning
Full guideStays, 3-day plan and route map for Garden of the Gods Park
