Interesting Facts About The Garden Of The Gods In Colorado Springs, Colorado
The Garden of the Gods Park offers plenty of possibilities for recreation for the citizens of Colorado Springs in addition to guests. The amenities offered by the park include things like trekking, biking, horseback riding and rock climbing. There are over 15 miles of trails which can be enjoyed by backpackers, bikers and horseback riders with a paved 1 1/2 mile through the heart of the park which is also accessible for wheelchairs. At least 2 million vacationers go to the Garden of the Gods Park each year.
The park offers outstanding geological features in the shape of the ancient sedimentary beds which are comprised of purple, red, blue and white sandstone and limestone. The massive forces that produced Pikes Peak also caused these sedimentary beds to tilt and to fault and they display proof of the past, like ancient oceans and beaches in addition to sand dunes. You'll be able to also see numerous fossils including plants, dinosaurs and marine life. At the point where the Tower of Babel (Lyons Sandstone) meets the Fountain Formation, there is a stunning shear fault.
Yet another interesting feature is the hogbacks, which get their name from their resemblance to the spine and back of a pig. They are ridges of sandstone with angled layers and even some upright ones. They are quite tall and the tallest, which is North Gateway Rock, is 320 feet tall. A different hogback, the Kissing Camels, has got the appearance of 2 large camels sitting head to head with their lips in contact. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Real_estate
The steep and unusual rock formations in both transform it into a paradise for rock climbers, for which a yearly permit can be attained at the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center. The rules demand, among other things, that you use appropriate gear, follow the established climbing avenues and climb with a "buddy." You really should be careful since the limestone can become unpredictable, especially after substantial rain, and several deaths have happened over the years.
The Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center is found near the entry to the park. Totally free nature presentations can be found every day and you'll find lots of natural history exhibits, like plants and minerals as well as artifacts from Native American culture. Programs include bus tours and nature hikes with guides as well as films and special events. The earnings from the Centre go towards sustaining the park.
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