Garden Of The Gods In Winter: Things To Do & Tips For Visiting

Garden of the Gods is one of those Colorado places that hits every time. I’ve visited in spring, summer, fall… but winter is one of my favorite seasons. Mainly because crowds thin out significantly, and the views remain more or less the same.

Add in the chance of snow dusting the rock fins, and you’ve got a fantastic winter attraction.

If you’re visiting Colorado Springs in the colder months and visiting its most famous attraction, here are some of the best things to do, plus everything you need to know.

Things To Do In Garden Of The Gods In Winter

Walk The Central Garden Trails

If it’s your first visit (or you just want something easy and beautiful), start with the Central Garden. These are the paved paths that loop around the main formations — Kissing Camels, North Gateway Rock, the Three Graces. Most visitors will stick to this area for good reason, the views are great.

It’s flat, family-friendly, and great if you’re not sure how icy things will be.

Keep an eye out for rock climbers on dry days!

Hike A Less Crowded Trail

If you want to branch out and avoid the other winter visitors entirely, a few trails stay reliably nice in colder weather:

• Siamese Twins Trail (.6 miles, 108 ft elevation change, moderate) — Short, scenic, and the rock “window” perfectly frames Pikes Peak. This one can get icy but is usually manageable with microspikes.
• Ridge Loop Trail (.4 miles, 78 ft elevation change, easy) — A quick loop with great elevated views.
• Chambers/Bretag/Palmer Loop (2.3 miles, 223 ft elevation change, moderate) — A little longer and makes you feel like you’re deeper in the park without too much difficulty.

These trails don’t require advanced winter gear on most days — you’re more likely to run into a mix of mud and icy patches. But don’t underestimate those slick spots, having microspikes (and even poles) on hand will make the day easier.

Drive The Scenic Loop

If the weather isn’t great, you’re with people who don’t want to hike, or you just want a scenic drive after your walk, the one-way loop around the park is genuinely beautiful.

You’ll hit multiple pull-offs with views of the rock fins and Pikes Peak in the background. It’s also the best option right after a snowstorm — the roads are usually cleared faster than the trails, and the formations look unreal with fresh snow on them.

Stop At The Viewpoints

A few spots are especially good in winter:

• High Point Overlook — One of the best views in the entire park, and sunrise lighting here is fantastic.
• Balanced Rock — Packed in summer, but typically very calm in winter — definitely worth a quick stop.
• Garden of the Gods Trading Post — Perfect for warming up with a drink or taking a bathroom break before or after exploring (just double-check their winter hours).

Stop By The Visitor Center

The Visitor & Nature Center is worth a quick stop before heading into the park. 

You can check current trail conditions, grab a map, and browse the geology displays for a little context. The staff is helpful, the deck has great views, and the bathrooms and cafe make it an easy place to get organized before exploring. There’s also a solid gift shop if you want a souvenir.

Join A Guided Walk

If you want a little education with your scenery, the Visitor & Nature Center offers daily guided walks year-round. Winter groups are typically smaller, so you can get more interaction with the guide. 

Just check the schedule for the Garden of the Gods guided nature walks — tours are just $5.

Join An Event

Garden of the Gods also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, and winter is a great time to join one.

The offerings change regularly — in the past they’ve had painting classes (Easel with a View), rock ID labs, dinosaur-themed programs, and indoor scavenger hunts. There are options for both kids and adults, with pricing depending on the activity.

Check the Garden of the Gods Events Calendar to see what’s coming up.

Photography

Winter is my favorite season for photos here — especially right after a storm or at sunrise. Even if you’re not a photographer, this is one of the easiest parks in Colorado to take genuinely good pictures of.

Just note: the main formations face east, so the best light is earlier in the day.

Bike Or E-Bike

If roads are dry, biking is a really fun way to loop the park (just stick to the designated bike lanes — e-bikes are allowed on the paved roads, not the trails). The park’s one-way scenic loop is hilly but not terrible. 

In winter, you get cool air, fewer cars, and quieter pull-offs.

Mountain biking is also allowed on designated trails if you find yourself visiting during a dry stretch.

Winter Logistics: What You Need To Know

Admission & Hours

The park is completely free. No entry fee, no timed reservations, no passes, no permits. Just show up.

Winter hours are 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM (November 1st – April 30th).

What’s Open In Winter?

Everything. All trails and viewpoints remain open unless there’s active maintenance or a weather closure (very rare).

The park does not have a formal “winter season” — it’s a year-round destination.

Parking

Parking is way easier in winter.

The main lot at the Central Garden actually has open spots during winter weekdays and many weekends. If it’s full, Lot 2 and Lot 4 are usually the next best options.

The Visitor Center has a parking lot too, from there it’s an easy walk into the park (the shuttle doesn’t run in winter).

Winter Weather

Winter in Colorado Springs is cold but pretty manageable — and usually sunny. Expect daytime highs in the upper-to-mid 40s°F. 

Snow does fall, but it often melts quickly thanks to ample sunny days, making the park surprisingly accessible in winter. 

However, keep in mind that weather can change fast here.

A sunny morning can turn into a snowstorm in a few hours, especially when storms roll off Pikes Peak. Be sure to double check the forecast before heading out.

If you’re driving down from Denver, always check the weather for both the Springs and Monument Hill — it’s the stretch of I-25 that sees the worst weather.

Average Monthly Temperatures in Colorado Springs:

• November: 58°F / 35°F (average high / low)
• December: 50°F / 28°F
• January: 48°F / 27°F
• February: 46°F / 26°F
• March: 57°F / 33°F

Pack Layers

Colorado Springs can be warm and sunny even in January… or windy and cold, depending on the day (or hour). Bring:

• A midweight jacket
• A hat or beanie
• Gloves
• Sunglasses and sun protection

Trail Conditions Vary — Bring Microspikes

This is the most important winter tip. Garden of the Gods isn’t super high altitude, so snow melts fast, but then it refreezes overnight and creates hidden ice patches — especially on the dirt trails.

You don’t need full winter hiking gear, but microspikes make life easier on icy days. Sneakers work fine on dry days.

Bathrooms

There are year-round restrooms at the Visitor Center and at the Main Parking Lot in the Central Garden. Some of the smaller restroom areas may close seasonally.

Final Tips For A Winter Visit

• Sunrise is gorgeous here and the lighting is perfect. If you don’t mind waking up early, this is one of the best sunrise spots on the Front Range.
• Bring water. Even in winter, Colorado is dry and the elevation can sneak up on people.
• Roads inside the park are plowed quickly after storms, but walk slowly on shaded trails — that’s where ice lingers.
• Weekdays are incredibly quiet. If you want photos with zero people in them, aim for a Monday –Thursday morning.
• Dogs are allowed on-leash on all trails.

Winter Things To Do Near Garden Of The Gods

Since you’re already in the Springs, here are some additional things to do nearby:

Visit Old Colorado City – Just a few minutes away, this historic district is super charming in the winter. Coffee shops, boutiques, galleries, local restaurants — perfect for warming up after walking around Garden of the Gods.

Explore Manitou Springs – Only 10 minutes from the park and always worth a stop. You’ve got cute shops, mineral springs, and a ton of restaurants. Winter is a great time to wander because parking is easier and it’s less busy (the mineral hot tubs at SunWater Spa are especially great this time of year!).

Broadmoor Holiday Decor – If you’re visiting in December, the Broadmoor goes all-in on Christmas, with elaborate decorations and a giant gingerbread display. But even outside the holidays, it’s an easy place to wander, grab a meal, or explore the property.

Acacia Park Ice Rink – A small but festive downtown rink — a fun winter activity to add to your itinerary. There’s also shopping and restaurants in this area.

For more ideas, check out the Best Winter Things To Do In Colorado Springs.

Winter is honestly one of the best times to visit Garden of the Gods. Fewer crowds, the same great views, and plenty of ways to explore. If you’re heading to Colorado Springs this season, definitely add this to your list.

I hope you’ve found this helpful in planning your outing and have the best time!

Any questions? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media.

Looking for more information? Head on over to Garden of the Gods or check out my additional Colorado Springs guides below.

More Colorado Springs Winter Guides:

• Winter In Colorado Springs: Top Things To Do
• Pikes Peak Cog Railway Tips & Things To Know
• Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Tips For Visiting
• Christmas In Colorado Springs: Top Things To Do
• All Colorado Springs Guides

More Information For Your Colorado Vacation:

• Best Winter Destinations In Colorado
• Colorado Travel Guide (everything to know before you go!)
• Best Colorado Cities & Hubs For Visitors
• All Colorado Guides