THE HIKE:

I have a friend who’s in love with Colorado. He can’t get over the fact that people vacation to where we live.

Garden of the Gods is the perfect example of this. It can be full of vacationers—people who’ve planned their trip months in advance. Sometimes they cover the park like curious ants. They gawk at and photograph a sight we’ve memorized.

But if you go at the right time, you can catch the park pretty quiet. And even if it’s crawling with tourists, it’s still amazing this place is our home.

THE ROUTE:

As with most parks in Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods has a maze of trails. Some are narrow and rocky; while others are concrete and bench-lined.

There are trail maps posted throughout the park, but if you want one in your hands, the G.O.G.’s Visitor Center would love to give you one.

If you go when it’s busy, I recommend an unmarked climb on the west side of the park. This hike is a combination of rock slabs and scattered bits of trail. And at the top, the view surrounds you. The trail starts on the west side of the road, just after the first “Y.” There’s a parking lot directly across from it.

GOOD TO KNOW:

-Weekends are not a good time to hike in Garden of the Gods. Shoot for weekdays.

-This isn’t the friendliest place in the world. I don’t know why, but some people get angry and upset when they go on vacations. Or maybe they just feel out of place.

-Garden of the Gods is perfect for night-hikes. The park is empty and the rocks paint their silhouettes against the sky. I’m not sure what the rules say about this, and I’m trying to keep it that way. Because if you don’t know the rules, you’re not intentionally breaking them.