Summer approaches, and Garden of the Gods will soon fill with the clamor and fumes of traffic.
But for one morning before then, the park will be free of it.
Motorless Morning is making its typical spring return April 26. From 5 a.m.-noon, the entrance roads will be blocked to vehicles — open only to people on foot or self-propelled wheels like bikes and skateboards.
For eight years now, Motorless Morning has been a biannual tradition between the busy tourist season at the park that reportedly saw nearly 4 million visitors in 2025. After the upcoming Sunday, the next Motorless Morning is slated for Oct. 4.
The morning presents “a rare opportunity to experience Garden of the Gods in a more peaceful and personal way,” Park Manager Anna Cordova said in a news release. “Without vehicle traffic, people can slow down, take in the scenery and enjoy the park in a way that feels very different from a typical day.”
In the summer, locals have also enjoyed the red rock wonderland free of cars during a shorter time period on select Wednesdays. From 5 a.m.-8 a.m., Early Bird Hike and Bike dates are set for May 20, June 24, July 29 and Aug. 26.
While skateboard and longboards are allowed during Motorless Mornings, they are not during the Early Bird Hike and Bike mornings. For others on bikes, officials remind of 20 mph speed limits and one-way traffic on park roads. Off the roads, most trails are not open to bikes.
Visitors can park at the large lot off the main entrance at the corner of 30th Street and Gateway Road, along with the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center and Garden of the Gods Trading Post. For people with disabilities, a ride into the park is available upon request.
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