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!)

The Crags...A Hike with Everything!

Garden of the Gods RVC Outdoor Destinations
Colorado Springs, CO
July 8, 2014

The following description sure sparked our interest...

"Sometimes rocks erode vertically into colossal collections of cusps, ready to take a bite out of any clouds that venture too close to the earth..."


Just south of Divide, CO (about 27 miles from our site) this kind of rock formation is called The Crags. Our morning (July 8) was planned!

This is me...what an awesome place!

Storms were predicted for the area so we were off to an early start. When we arrived at the trailhead, it was a bit chilly...like 52F chilly with the sun behind thick clouds. But after about a 630 ft. elevation climb, the sun was shining and it sure felt good!






But first, back at the beginning...right from the get-go, I knew this was going to be a great day. The smell of the forest filled the air and Rocky Mountain Columbine was in full bloom. As luck would have it, the sun poked out just long enough to get a few pictures of this beautiful flower. Last year, Joe's favorite was the dainty Mountain Harebell. This year, the Columbine wins out!

The only big climb is the first little bit...maybe 4 tight switchbacks...thru a forest of pine and spruce. There is evidence of a fire maybe 5 to 6 years ago...but I chose to see the new saplings and wildflowers.



The narrow trail winds up a mountain in Pike National Forest.

 

 

 From the beginning, the trail hugs Four Mile Creek. As we climbed, we lost site of it, but we could hear it most of the way.

Crossing Four Mile Creek at the beginning of the trail...

 

 

 

 

Then the trail opened up...a wide-open grassy meadow, with a smaller Four Mile Creek, aspens, wildflowers, butterflies and rock outcroppings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I wish photos could show the breeze blowing thru the aspens. I love watching the leaves dance. We could actually hear them dancing...the fluttering sounds like soft clapping.   

Aspen leaves

 

We saw a nice variety of wildflowers...

Alpine Mertensia Flowers

Dusky Beardtongue Flowers

Alpine Yarrow Plant

Shooting Star Flowers

Bistort Flower

Yellow Stonecrop

There are a kazillion different kinds of white butterflies in the Rocky Mountains...I couldn't make a positive ID.

And did I mention rock outcroppings?

 And aren't these trees absolutely beautiful?

The Crags...(my sunshield busted and I haven't replaced it.)

Before we knew it, it was time to head back...even though the sky was blue, we saw dark gray clouds in the distance.

We hiked 5 miles round trip...an in and out trail.

We all agreed this was one of our favorite hikes.





















If you are ever in this area and hiking is in your plans, you might want to check out www.cospringstrails.com.

So,until next time,

happy trails from Colorado Springs!

On the way home, just out of Divide, CO...the clouds were rolling in fast. Quite a thunderstorm too.