Red rock formations rise above the landscape at Garden of the Gods, a natural wonder in the heart of Colorado. Photo by Sean Pavone via Canva
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Between its Rocky Mountain backbone and the endless Eastern Plains, Colorado’s moniker could easily be the “Scenic State” instead of its official nickname, the “Centennial State.” In 2024, Colorado hosted nearly 100,000 million annual visitors, and in 2023, Denver International Airport was ranked the 6th busiest airport in the world.
However, the beauty of Colorado is that it doesn’t feel crowded. Most visitors come to spend time in nature. And you don’t have to travel far to find it. Take the Garden of the Gods, for example, perhaps the most beautiful public park in the U.S. Located in Colorado Springs, it’s just a little over an hour’s drive from Denver.
On paper, the Garden of the Gods is impressive. It’s more than 300 million years old, attracts more than 4 million visitors annually, and contributes nearly $300 million each year to the local economy despite charging no entrance fee.
Garden of the Gods Resort Lives Up to Its Namesake
Photo By Carri Wilbanks
In person, however, the Garden of the Gods is inspiring. Facts, figures and even the most colorful words will never do justice to this 1,367-acre sandstone masterpiece— some of Mother Nature’s finest work. Instead, all you need to know is this: Garden of the Gods—specifically Garden of the Gods Resort & Club— belongs on every bucket list.
My family recently had the pleasure of staying at this award-winning property nestled in the foothills of Pikes Peak. Before we’d even checked out, we were already checking our calendar to see when we could book a return trip.
Garden of the Gods Resort & Club has been a local landmark since 1949, and like the red rock formations in its beautiful backyard, it gets better with time. That said, you should book your stay now to take advantage of these incredible offers.
Can’t spend the night? No problem. Some of the resort’s amenities are open to day visitors, too. Whether you go for a special occasion or just because, here are 10 reasons you’ll love the Garden of the Gods Resort & Club
1. Location, Location, Location
According to Visit Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs has 80 hotels, B&Bs and resorts. But only one—Garden of the Gods Resort & Club—is within walking distance of the region’s number one attraction: Garden of the Gods. In fact, we could see the iconic rock formations from our room’s balcony.
We also appreciated being just a 15-minute drive from Cave of the Winds Mountain Park and a 10-minute drive from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum.
2. Strata Spa
It didn’t take us long at all to discover that Strata Spa at Garden of the Gods Resort & Club is a destination in itself. Strata is one of the resort’s amenities that day visitors can access, too.
While the 10,000-square-foot sanctuary features the usual R&R suspects: treatment rooms, steam rooms and experiential showers, its spa menu goes above and beyond. For example, it features six different hydrafacials.
The European-inspired space also boasts a Himalayan Salt Dry Sauna as well as a Himalayan Salt Inhalation Room. Then there’s the salon where guests can get their roots touched up, their toenails painted and their lashes lifted.
3. Strata Med
If your body needs IV therapy, acupuncture, or hair restoration, Strata Med offers all of that (and more) on-site. This concierge clinic specializes in patient-centered holistic care.
Garden of the Gods Resort & Club’s wellness arm marries conventional medical practices with treatments designed to improve mental health and emotional well-being. The talented team includes traditional physicians, chiropractors, nurses, dieticians, behavioral health specialists and even a certified healing touch practitioner.
Whether you’re a resort guest visiting for a one-off appointment or you decide to sign up for one of Strata Med’s enticing memberships, you’ll leave feeling better than when you walked in.
4. Year-Round Racquet Sports
Pickleball is more popular than ever, and Garden of the Gods Resort & Club makes it easy to play via its Vermilion center. It offers six new pickleball courts, open to guests and club members year-round.
If tennis is your racquet sport of choice, it’s never too hard to get a reservation at the resort’s nine tennis courts. There’s also a full-service tennis pro shop and plenty of USPTA/USPTR-certified professionals on staff. Whether you’re hoping to speed up your serve or button up your backhand, they’re happy to help.
Real Stories & Honest Tips: Our Colorado Travel Guide →
5. Convenient Kids’ Club
Photo by Carri Wilbanks
While we loved spending time with our two kids at Garden of the Gods Resort & Club, we also enjoyed knowing we could drop them off at the Kids’ Club if we needed a break. Or let’s get real, if they needed a break from their parents and wanted to play with their peers.
The rates are reasonable and include snacks and meals. More importantly, you pay by the hour, so it’s flexible. Need childcare outside of Kids’ Club hours? No problem. The resort also has a nanny and sitter service.
6. Year-Round Championship Golf Course
You don’t have to be the next Scottie Scheffler, or even know who he is, to enjoy a round of golf at Kissing Camels Golf Club. Garden of the Gods Resort and Club’s championship course was designed to complement its breathtaking backdrop: some of the most stunning scenery west of the Mississippi.
Between the practice range, short game area and 27 holes, all levels of golfers will feel more than welcome. There’s also a pro shop and junior and adult programs taught by the PGA professionals.
In addition, unlike other courses in Colorado that close for the winter, Kissing Camels Golf Club is open year-round. Worried about getting a tee time on a Saturday? Don’t be. The course is only open to club members and resort guests, so you don’t have to compete with the public for your preferred time slot.
7. Strata Fit
While Garden of the Gods Resort & Club is near some of the region’s best hiking trails, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of its world-class fitness center, Strata Fit. The 10,000-square-foot facility offers state-of-the-art cardio equipment and weights, unlimited gym classes, personal training, and a 20-bike indoor cycling studio.
Not a fan of exercise? No worries. Come for the commanding views—think floor-to-ceiling windows looking out at the Three Graces rock formation—and the steam rooms. Strata Fit is open to resort guests, club members, and the public every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
8. Plenty of Pools
Photo by Carri Wilbanks
Not only is the infinity pool at Garden of the Gods Resort & Club considered one of the best in Colorado, but it’s also been recognized as one of the best in the country. We’re talking top 10.
Heated and open year-round (adults-only May through September), it offers unobstructed million-dollar views of the red rock formations and surrounding mountains.
Meanwhile, the resort’s Recreation Center has a kids’ splash pad, and its family-friendly Three Graces Pool Complex features a hot tub, outdoor swimming pool with a lap lane, private cabanas and a bar and grille.
9. Accommodations for Every Occasion
Accommodations at Garden of the Gods Resort & Club range from rooms perfect for a couple’s romantic getaway to residences ideal for family reunions and events.
Our family was comfortable and cozy in our Lodge Club King Room, complete with a beautiful limestone fireplace. Need more space? Consider a suite with a deep soaking tub. Or, book a cottage or casita, available in luxurious one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom units.
While the casitas and cottages don’t enjoy the same mountain views as the rooms and suites, they do feature kitchens and have access to the same amenities: valet parking, daily housekeeping, in-room dining, etc.
10. Incredible Food & Beverage Options
Even if you don’t usually eat three meals a day, you’ll want to at Garden of the Gods Resort & Club. Get your caffeine fix and breakfast at Beach & Cable Barista and catch up over a casual lunch at Kissing Camels Grille & Bar (it overlooks the golf course). Later, pay homage to happy hour with a signature old-fashioned made with “bacon-enriched bourbon” at The Rocks Lounge.
Finally, we had an unforgettable feast of Meyers All-Natural Prime Filet and crispy lobster at Grand View, the main restaurant that serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
We sat outside, where the kids could run around on the lawn in between courses while we took in the views. We even saw wildlife, including a buck who appeared just as content as we were (the menu didn’t have any venison dishes).
Pro tip: Make reservations early. Grand View is open to the public, and some diners drive down from Denver just for a memorable meal.
Book your stay at Garden of the Gods Resort & Club here
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Author Bio: Living across Europe and South America unlocked Carri’s passion for traveling. Never shying away from a new adventure whether swimming with the pigs in the Bahamas, bird watching in the Galapagos or Heli-Hiking in British Columbia, you never know where you will catch Carri next. She resides in Colorado between freelance trips with her husband and 2 kids where they enjoy hiking, mountain biking and skiing.
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