Garden of the Gods is an incredible destination for discovering nature and enjoying stunning mountain views while hiking. This beautiful playground makes Colorado one of the absolute best states for hiking across the US, with its miles of multi-use trails winding through rock formations. One of the most exciting trails to try out in the Garden of the Gods is the Siamese Twins Trail, especially if you are looking for a short hiking trail with impressive views. It leads to the gorgeous twin rock formations from where you can take in views of both the park and Pikes Peak, or capture Instagram-worthy moments. This trail makes a loop, taking it by two red sandstone hoodoos, known as the twins.
Situated in Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods is a 25-minute drive from the Colorado Springs Airport. If you fly into Denver International Airport, the park is less than 90 minutes from Denver. The Siamese Twins Trail is named after formations that frame Pikes Peak. The natural wonder is part of the Fountain formation, which was formed billions of years ago when the cooling of the molten rock cooled to form the Ancenstral Rocky Mountains and Pikes Peak granite. However, the most distinctive feature of the Siamese Twins is the keyhole or natural archway.
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Hiking the Siamese Twins Trail
Beautiful Garden of the Gods with Pikes Peaks in Colorado Springs, Colorado at Sunrise – Lightvision, Llc/Getty Images
With the unique view of the Pikes Peaks, the Siamese Twins Trail is arguably one of the best hikes in the world to put on your bucket list. The 0.5-mile family-friendly trail has an elevation gain of about 106 feet and leads to the Siamese Twins rock formation, one of the most splendid sights in the Garden of the Gods. The trail head is near Parking Lot 14 inside the park, and the trail itself is double-wide with trail markers and steps on the steep parts, making it easy to follow. Horseback riding is allowed, and dogs on a leash are welcome. The trail starts on a sandy surface that you can hike even in light rain. You will pass by an intersection that connects with the Cabin Canyon Trail. As you walk along the path, you can spot verdant pines. If you are lucky, you may spot local wildlife, like rabbits and mule deer. A short distance from the branching point, you begin a steady climb towards the twin peaks. The slight elevation is manageable even for kids since the path is stabilized with rocks and wood. When you get to the top of the loop, you will be standing before twin hoodoos. Here you can get uninterrupted views of Pikes Peak through the keyhole, a great spot for capturing Instagram-worthy moments. Since the park is always busy, ensure you get there early if you want to get a good spot for mountain views. Hiking the Siamese Twins Trail takes 30 minutes to an hour to hike to the twins and back. You can sign up for a guided nature walk if you want to explore more than just the beautiful views. You will learn about the history of the park, the rocks, and the trails. The tours start at 10:30 am and typically last 45-60 minutes.
Hiking, rock climbing, and scenic drives at the park
Woman hiker relaxing on hiking trip in the mountain in Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA. – Margaretw/Getty Images
The Garden of the Gods offers 21 miles of trails that range from beginner to advanced. In addition to the Siamese Twins trail, there are: Perkins Central Garden Trail, Gateway/Central Garden Trail, Ridge Loop Trail, and Scotsman/Buckskin Charlie Trail. You can get a full-color map of any trail at the Garden of the Gods Visitor& Nature Center information desk. The park is open to the public, and most of the amenities are free. Outside the trails, enjoy horseback riding at the Garden of the Gods Park. There are trained cowboys to ensure you get the most from your visit. You can also take the 45-minute Discovery Tour of the Cave of the Winds.
In addition, Garden of the Gods is a top-ranked US destination for rock climbing, thanks to its amazing rock formations with towering sandstone spires. This is a popular destination for rock climbers with towering sandstone spires. You can choose from beginner-friendly to advanced climbing routes. Just make sure you have the right equipment and a climbing permit. If you want to get an up-close look at Pikes Peak, it is a short drive from the Garden of the Gods. Follow the scenic highway to get to the summit or take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway for panoramic views of the surrounding areas. If you prefer a more relaxed adventure, you can hop on one of the many guided tours offered at the park, such as Segway tours and Electric bikes to explore the Garden of the Gods.
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