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One of the most photographed locations in the state, Garden of the Gods' scenic beauty is extraordinary. In the recreation area you can hike, camp, nature watch or picnic.
The Observation Trail features unique sandstone rock formations and panoramic views of the surrounding Garden of the God Wilderness. Interpretive signs explain the geological history. The 1/4-mile trail is made of natural sandstone and takes about an hour to walk. It contains short, steep grades and steps; benches are located along the trail and as a whole the trail is not tiring. Caution should be used due to the high cliffs in the area.
Overnight parking allowed at Backpacker's Parking Lot only (Indian Point Trailhead).
Pets are allowed only on a leash.
Picnic areas and Observation Trail are open 6am-10pm.
Use trash receptacles where available. Pack It In, Pack It Out while on trails.
Camp only at designated sites in the campground.
Disposable food and beverage containers are not permitted on the Observation Trail.
Stay on the designated trail and leave the beauty of the rocks and plants for others to enjoy.
From Harrisburg: Take Highway 145 south 5 miles, to Highway 34, then take 34 south for 10 miles. Then turn east onto Karbers Ridge Road 2.5 miles to Forest Road. Turn north. Drive 1.5 miles to the recreation area entrance road.
Parking:
Observation Trail has two large parking lots. Overnight parking is allowed at Backpacker's Parking Lot in the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area and at Hitching Post Trailhead along Gape Hollow Road on the west side of Garden of the Gods Wilderness. No overnight parking is allowed in picnic area or Observation Trail parking lots.
Campsite $10 / night
8 people & 2 vehicle max.
Campground is first come- first served. No reservations. No permit required for entering or camping in Garden of the Gods Wilderness.
This is a good camp ground if there is a open camp. There are about 15 sites maybe and they fill up fast. We got the last camp site which was perfect for our hammocks but then the rest of the night there were people driving through looking for a spot. They are basic camp sites they have steel burn rings with a filp over grate for cooking which was nice.
Great camping spot. Only has ten sites but all of them were nice and flat with lots of tall pine trees for shade. Immediate access to some trails right off our site. This place is fairly secluded and super quiet. Just a short distance from Indian point and the observation trail.
Pretty nice campsites that are fairly large. We had a nice walk out view from our site. This campsite is right across from Garden of the Gods so it can be tough to get a campsite. We hammock camp so we have to be selective of our campsite.
