Saturday, July 12, 2014

Enjoying Garden of the Gods Park

Garden of the Gods RVC Outdoor Destinations
Colorado Springs, CO
July 12, 2014

When trying to decide on a place to stay in Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods RVC Outdoor Destinations was at the top of the list. Why? Well, we have stayed at RVC Outdoor Destinations in Freeport, FL, Carrabelle Beach, FL and Pine Mountain, GA and enjoyed all three. So giving Garden of the Gods a try was really a no brainer. GotGs RV Resort was purchased by RVC Outdoor Destinations in 2012. It is undergoing a transformation. Some things have been a disappointment for us like the close proximity of sites on the "C" row where we are and we think some fresh gravel would help make it look and feel nicer. There are some sections in this park of 173 sites plus lots of tent camping and lodges, that are new...like the executive sites. But they are not for monthly stays. The pools (2)  are new and the laundry rooms (2) are big and up to date. There are lots and LOTS of families here on vacation as there are not any other nicer places to stay here in Colorado Springs. We have checked! The cottonwood trees here are huge...so huge in fact for the first time in 2 years, we have had to use our tailgater for satellite reception. But we are not complaining about that as we do love the shade...lots of shade! The absolute best thing about Garden of the Gods RVC Outdoor Destinations is the location. Historic Manitou Springs is just a short walk (or bike ride) on the Midland Trail if you turn right out of the park and Historic Downtown Co Springs is the same if you go left out of the park. Both have lots of cute boutiques and offer a variety of restaurants for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Also, my favorite is that Garden of the Gods Park is only 5 minutes away by car.  We have enjoyed lots of walks/hikes there. After having spent time in Utah, I wasn't sure if Garden of the Gods would have any appeal. I was pleasantly surprised. There are sidewalks as well as lots of trails to choose from.

Our first morning there and first sighting of wildlife!




Wrecks and Dover joined us one morning!
 One of the many tall, skinny spires on the Central Garden Trail...



Common Mullein Flowers



Colorado Sunflowers lined the Dakota Trail.

One lonely pine tree...

 ...hanging on for dear life!



Its a thistle party and you are invited!


Blowing in the wind...I wish the floating seed pods had shown up in my picture. 

Orange Paintbrush Flower




A view from the side...
Purple Prairie Clover
 ...and the top!
 Garden of the Gods Visitor Center...

A beautiful tutu...

Fairy Trumpet Flowers
 I could go on and on...

Until next time, enjoy


and happy trails! (Or "The end" as Judy would say!)

12 comments:

  1. Beautiful pictures. We vsited Garden of the Gods several times while we were in Colorado. Our friends worked at that rv park the summer we visited. You should check out the Mexican resaurant across the stree from the entrance. Very good!

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    1. Oh yeah Joan...I believe you are talking about Amanda's Fonda and their "serious margarita". You betcha we found that place!

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  2. I love the tutu! Looks like a really wonderful area...it's going on the list!

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    1. I have never seen so many beautiful and plentiful wildflowers...ever...Lisa. I'm sure it's beautiful here in the fall, but spring would be my choice to visit again if possible. The weather has been awesome too!

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  3. So glad you are enjoying Colorado Springs! Look at all the beautiful colors. It sure looks like things have been getting plenty of rain - all so green and lush and growing so well, except for the poor Pine Tree! Beautiful shots Gay! I adore the Ladybug shot!

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    1. Good morning Sheila. Your home state goes on our list of top favorite states to visit. We are having a wonderful time. A month will not be long enough! The weather has been perfect. We have even enjoyed the afternoon thunder storms! They come and go so fast. I saw lots of ladybugs on our walk that day. They were enjoying the sun flowers too. I didn't have my macro lens so I had lots of fuzzy photos. Anyway, I hope you can tell how excited we are to be here!

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  4. More awesome pictures, nice that you are enjoying your time there.

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    1. Thank you George! Lots of color here this time of year.....sure makes for some pretty pictures!

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  5. The scenery is astounding! You are becoming quite good with those Macro shots, they're beautiful. I do have a question about the RVC Parks, are they membership parks & if so, can only members stay in them? There was an area I wanted to stay in once in FL & the only good RV park to stay in was an RVC so we didn't visit. We were afraid if we stayed there, we would be hounded to purchase a membership package.

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    1. Thanks Gayle....RVC outdoor Destinations is not a membership and they are open to everyone! Joe and I do not belong to any membership parks.
      You would absolutely love the flowers here and the weather!

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  6. Gorgeous flowers:) Those buck with their velvet antlers are beautiful. Of course, I love the red spires! I appreciate your review of the park:)

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  7. Love all the wildflowers especially thru your lens, Gay. Vivid and so detailed. And thank you for labeling them too.

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