The Garden of the Gods waterline project begins Oct. 16. Garden of the Gods Park will remain open throughout construction, however certain trails and roads will be intermittently impacted. Please follow all signage and detours in place and use caution around work sites.
Note: Gateway Road west will be closed into Garden of the Gods Park to both vehicles and cyclists on Wednesday, Oct. 16 through Friday, Oct. 18 and Monday, Oct. 21 through Wednesday, Oct. 23. See below for more information and alternative entrances into the park.
Overview
Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, in collaboration with Colorado Springs Utilities, the Colorado Springs Fire Department and the Office of Accessibility is installing a waterline and fire hydrants in Garden of the Gods Park. This project will upgrade and enhance the park’s water supply infrastructure, increasing water pressure to ensure a sustainable and reliable source for fire hydrants and restroom facilities within the park. The project involves the installation of a modernized waterline network and hydrants that will increase the Park’s water supply capacity and distribution efficiency. During this project, improvements will also be made to increase the accessibility into the Central Garden with more ADA compliant hard surface trails and the creation of a fully accessible parking lot.
Please note the following anticipated updates and timelines regarding park facilities and access:
Timelines
Wednesday through Friday, Oct. 16-18
- Gateway Road west will be closed into Garden of the Gods Park to both vehicles and cyclists.
- Visitors can park in Parking Lot 1 and walk via Gateway Trail into the park.
- Cyclists will be permitted to use Gateway TRAIL to access Juniper Way Loop.
- The eastbound lane of Gateway Road will remain open for vehicles exiting the park.
- Vehicles wishing to enter the park must use alternative routes (listed below).
Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19-20
- Gateway Road will reopen to vehicles and cyclists over the weekend.
- Visitors are urged to exercise caution around construction equipment.
Monday through Wednesday, Oct. 21-23
- Gateway Road west and Juniper Way Loop north will be closed.
- Pedestrians will be allowed to enter the park via Gateway Trail to Bretag Trail.
- Cyclists and vehicles must use alternative entrances during this time.
- Cyclists will not be able to access the park via Gateway Trail at this time.
- Vehicles and cyclists traveling through the park will need to exit via Gateway Road, as Juniper Way Loop will be inaccessible.
Access and Facilities
Alternative Entrances
- Balanced Rock (off Garden Dr.)
- Ridge Road (off W. Pikes Peak Ave.)
- Beckers Lane (off Manitou Ave.)
Shuttle Information
Free shuttles will operate from Parking Lot 1 into Garden of the Gods Park from Friday through Monday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please note that shuttle service will not be available on October 18 and October 21. Shuttle service will resume on Friday, October 25 and will run through the end of the year.
Restroom Access
The restrooms in Parking Lot 2 will be closed from October 16 through November. During this time, portable restrooms will be made available for visitors.
Parking Lot and Trail Closures
Parking Lot 4 is now closed and expected to remain closed until spring 2025. However, Parking Lot 1 will remain available for visitors throughout the duration of the construction project with access into Garden of the Gods Park via the Gateway Trail. Additional ADA spots have been added to Parking Lot 2.
Central Garden Trail from Gateway Rd. to Parking Lot 4 will close Wednesday, Oct. 23 and is expected to reopen early spring 2025.
About
The Garden of the Gods is a National Natural Landmark located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It is a stunning geological formation made up of towering sandstone rock formations and home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, making it a popular destination for hikers, rock climbers, and nature enthusiasts. As the most visited attraction in the Pikes Peak Region, Garden of the Gods Park welcomes approximately 4.5 million visitors a year. While entry is free for all visitors, the Park nevertheless makes a significant impact on the local economy with a net contribution of $272 million annually.
Preservation of the Garden of the Gods is of utmost importance during any construction project in the area. The unique rock formations and delicate ecosystem must be protected to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy this natural wonder.
To minimize the impact of construction on the Garden of the Gods our construction team will take extra steps to preserve the area. This may include conducting thorough archaeological assessments before beginning construction, implementing erosion control measures to prevent soil runoff, and carefully monitoring any disturbance to the natural landscape.
By prioritizing preservation during this construction project in the Garden of the Gods, we can ensure that this beautiful natural landmark remains intact for future generations to enjoy. It is our responsibility to protect and preserve this precious resource for the benefit of all.
A public information session was held on Wednesday, Aug. 14.
Objectives:
- Enhance fire and park safety: The installation of 8,000 linear feet of waterline and 9 fire hydrants will ensure a readily available water source for firefighters, improving emergency response capabilities and park safety. This waterline will increase the water supply capacity ensuring a sufficient and reliable water source for firefighting purposes.
- Improve accessible parking: approximately 3,200 square feet of asphalt will be replaced to provide parking nearer to the Central Garden for persons with disabilities.
- Create more accessible routes: the project will replace a significant amount of the concrete path from Parking Lot #4 to the Central Garden and correct excessive slopes to provide a more easily navigable route between the two locations.
- Improve restroom facilities: The project aims to ensure a reliable water supply for park restrooms which will enhance the visitor experience.
Maps & Photos
Click the link below to view the interactive map that explains the phases of the project and the closures/detours that will be implemented:
FAQs
Is Garden of the Gods open during construction?
Yes! We encourage everyone to come and explore the Garden of the Gods throughout the construction project. Please use caution around work sites and follow all signage and detours.
If I park in Lot 1 (or the overflow lot), how far is the walk to the Central Garden with the detour that is in place?
The total distance from Parking Lot 1 to the Central Gardens is 1.5 miles.
Is the trail from Parking Lot 1 to Central Garden ADA accessible?
Unfortunately, the route to Central Garden from Parking Lot 1 is not completely accessible. Gateway Trail to Bretag Trail is fully paved and accessible. However, Bretag Trail is a single track, dirt trail that is not ADA accessible. We recommend parking in Lot 2 to access Central Garden via the Central Garden Loop Trail.
Is there a shuttle that can take me from Parking Lot 1 to Central Garden?
Free shuttles will operate from Parking Lot 1 into Garden of the Gods Park from Friday through Monday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please note that shuttle service will not be available on October 18 and October 21. Shuttle service will resume on Friday, October 25 and will run through the end of the year.
Will the project have an impact on local wildlife, specifically the bighorn sheep?
The project is not anticipated to impede habitats any more than typical operations and maintenance. The project schedule avoids key nesting periods.
How are you preserving Garden of the Gods?
The project is an effort of preservation as it enhances infrastructure to increase water capacity. In addition, archaeological monitoring will be done throughout the project and tribal consultations were done prior to the start of the project.
What will the working hours in the park be throughout the project?
Under City Ordinance 9.8.104: Working hours occur between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.