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Garden of the Gods is a state park in Colorado Springs, Colorado. My children asked me how it came by its name and for any of you who may not understand the reasoning behind its uncommon name, I will explain. The Garden of the Gods consists of rock formations that are stunningly beautiful and graceful against the deep Colorado blue sky. If you picture the Garden of the Gods from the sky, such as how a god would see it from the heavens you will begin to understand why it is called by its unique name.

The garden has countless trails through the rocks with panoramic views of breathtakingly beautiful scenery. You can walk through the rocks, on trails the park has marked out for you all year round. The trails go for miles and miles through the historic garden while some extend out to a green valley of grass that offers shade trees and endless dirt paths. This valley is off to one side of the rock formations so it offers a view of each rock separately.
The park offers guided horseback rides where anyone from a novice to an accomplished rider can enjoy the park's views and a slightly faster pace. Trained guides offer not only the phenomenal tour of the state park, but also insightful historic information that any tourist will find interesting.

In addition to walking trails and horseback riding, the park is a dreamland for rock climbers. With easy starter rocks that even a child can climb, it is outdoor fun for the whole family. There are also rocks towering over the park that will satisfy even the biggest dare devil. If you are going to visit for a rock climb, be sure you have all the equipment necessary to be safe.

If walking, climbing, and rock climbing are not for you, hitch up your favorite mountain bike and come hit the trails. There are off road trails leading through the rocks and the valleys as well as a marked biker lane on the main road through the park.

If none of the above appeals to you, just take a relaxing drive on the winding roads. You may find yourself moved to get out of the car and view these real live wonders up close.

There is a specific rock formation that gets a lot of attention at the already popular rock garden. It is called the kissing camels and it literally looks like two camels who are kissing. The camels are at the top of a very large red rock in the garden, so when you visit make sure you stop to capture a picture of the natural wonder.

Learn more about this author, Crystina Lawrence.
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