ガーデン・オブ・ザ・ゴッズ：かつてビアガーデンだったかも？！ #旅行 #歴史 #コロラド

ガーデン・オブ・ザ・ゴッズ：かつてビアガーデンだったかも？！ #旅行 #歴史 #コロラド

did you know Garden of the Gods got its name from a joke the story goes back in 1859 two surveyors were exploring the area One said “This would be a great spot for a beer garden.” The other looked around at the towering red rocks and said “Beer garden this place is fit for the gods.” And just like that the name stuck

How a Joke Named One of Colorado’s Most Iconic Parks

Garden of the Gods may sound like a name pulled from myth or poetry—but believe it or not, it was born from a joke between two surveyors back in 1859.

Picture the scene: the Pikes Peak Gold Rush was in full swing, and prospectors, traders, and trailblazers were pouring into the Colorado Territory. Among them were two surveyors scouting land for a new townsite—what would eventually become Colorado City. As they wandered through a landscape of towering red rock formations, one man quipped, “This would be a great place for a beer garden.”

His partner stopped, looked around at the cathedral-like sandstone spires, and replied, “Beer garden? This place is fit for the gods!”

And just like that, the name stuck: Garden of the Gods.

Of course, long before 19th-century surveyors passed through, this land was sacred to the Ute people, who believed the towering rocks held spiritual power. The sandstone formations, shaped by wind and time over hundreds of millions of years, were more than just scenery—they were part of a living landscape with deep cultural meaning.

In 1879, the land passed into the hands of Charles Elliott Perkins, president of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. Originally gifted to him by friends who purchased 240 acres on his behalf, Perkins eventually expanded the property to over 480 acres. Although he never officially developed the land, Perkins valued its natural beauty and chose not to fence it off, allowing the public to enjoy it freely. When he died in 1907, his children honored his wishes and deeded the land to the City of Colorado Springs in 1909—with the condition that it remain forever free to the public.

That promise still holds. Today, Garden of the Gods is a registered National Natural Landmark, drawing more than four million visitors each year. It’s a rare place where stunning natural geology, deep history, and accessible adventure all come together in one unforgettable destination.

Visitors can explore a network of hiking, biking, and horseback trails winding through crimson spires and hidden valleys. Popular stops include Balanced Rock, the Three Graces, and the iconic Kissing Camels. The Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center offers exhibits, fossil replicas, and panoramic views—all free of charge.

For the best experience, arrive early in the morning or during golden hour. The rocks take on a warm glow, and the crowds thin out. The Perkins Central Garden Trail is an easy, paved loop perfect for all ages, while more adventurous travelers can scramble on the Ridge Trail or watch climbers tackle the towering formations—permits required, of course.

It’s amazing what you can discover in a place that began with a joke. Whether you’re snapping a photo, catching a sunrise, or simply staring up in awe, you’re standing in a landscape where geology, humor, history, and generosity all come together—fitting, indeed, for a place deemed worthy of the gods.

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