Colorado trip...Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods

Brad and I had both previously been to Colorado Springs and Garden of the Gods when we were younger. But neither one of us remembered it being so beautiful and so big.

But really, how much can an elementary or junior high student have truly appreciated it?

We thought one day in the park would be sufficient, but we ended up spending some or most of three days there hiking and taking pictures.

Much of our decisions to drive back into the park really depended on the weather and time of day. At times, there wasn't a cloud in the sky and Pikes Peak looked amazing. Other times, when a storm or snow was rolling in, we couldn't even see the foothills, let alone Pikes Peak. Also, since many of the large red rocks were so tall, they looked entirely different depending on the morning or evening sun.

Most of these pictures were taken by Brad, but I took this first one. We found this gravel road just inside the park and being the spontaneous explorers that we are, we decided to see where it led. We climbed and climbed (in our little 5 speed Honda Civic) into the foothills around Pikes Peak.

We weren't even half way up when we came upon this neighborhood.


I can't imagine waking up every morning to this view!

I continued to drive until the snow and poor road conditions (little Civics are NOT made for off-roading) forced us to stop. Plus I was driving...you know, so Brad could quickly get out and take pictures while we careened on the side of the mountain...and I think Brad was getting a bit nervous!

We stopped here for a breathtaking view of the north side of Pikes Peak.


It was just a wee bit chilly at that elevation!

The Garden of the Gods is at the base of the foothills of Pikes Peak. It is, surprisingly, a city park. The 480 acres were bought for about $22 an acre over a hundred years ago, and the land was donated to the city of Colorado Springs. So it is a free park that everyone can enjoy.


This rock formation is called Balanced Rock.


This is the view looking through the Siamese Twins.


Brad and I LOVED this one. I think it was called Cathedral Spires.


My handsome man...


This is a view of the length of the heart of the park. It is the base of the highest rock formations. We saw several rock climbers making their way up these huge rocks.


I had a little too much fun finding holes to look through!


This park was truly amazing. I can't help but think that for hundreds of years, no human eye even knew this place existed.

...despite ALL the nature center's publications about millions of years and so on....

But God did, and it was here for His enjoyment. For these rocks do cry out His glory and majesty!