Hello. My family and I will be in Colorado Springs in a couple of weeks. We are staying at the Lone Duck campground, arriving 7/13 and leaving 7/16. I hope to spend time at Garden of the Gods. I got a quick look in March, but we didn't stay long. What are some of the best places there this time of year? I am interested in both landscapes and birding. The moon will be full; is night photography feasible? I know the park has limited after dark hours.
Thanks,
Rob Graham
Kansas
Posted by Todd Caudle on June 29, 2011 at 12:05 PM
Don't worry too much about being in the park after hours. The roads through there are open 24 hours, and even if some cop came around asking questions, if you tell him you're just taking night photos, they probably won't care.
Park at the main lot and hike up to either of the two ridges just east of the lot (one right next to it, the other on the other side of the road to the east) for excellent sunrise vantage points. Siamese Twins is also good then. Near sunset in the central Garden area, with the Three Graces and Cathedral Spire is also worthy.
Also, don't miss going up the Pikes Peak Highway in the afternoon, when some stormy weather might offer interesting conditions. (see my post below for the possibilities.)
Red Rock Canyon Park and Cheyenne Cañon are good spots, too.
Rob, I'll jump in here...the park is safe at night. And as Todd said, even though the park technically "closes" at 10, the roads are always open.
As for the ridge east of the Kissing Camels, it's known as "rattlesnake ridge" and for good reason. Be careful up there once the sun starts to warm up the ridge after sunset (I've had a few rattlers strike at me... and miss... while up there).
As for full moon shots, you'll want to climb up the hills on the west side of the Kissing Camels. This photo was from the most recent full moon.
Discussion
3 repliesThanks,
Rob Graham
Kansas
Park at the main lot and hike up to either of the two ridges just east of the lot (one right next to it, the other on the other side of the road to the east) for excellent sunrise vantage points. Siamese Twins is also good then. Near sunset in the central Garden area, with the Three Graces and Cathedral Spire is also worthy.
Also, don't miss going up the Pikes Peak Highway in the afternoon, when some stormy weather might offer interesting conditions. (see my post below for the possibilities.)
Red Rock Canyon Park and Cheyenne Cañon are good spots, too.
As for the ridge east of the Kissing Camels, it's known as "rattlesnake ridge" and for good reason. Be careful up there once the sun starts to warm up the ridge after sunset (I've had a few rattlers strike at me... and miss... while up there).
As for full moon shots, you'll want to climb up the hills on the west side of the Kissing Camels. This photo was from the most recent full moon.