The Beer Garden of the Gods

    Near Colorado Springs, sits The Garden of the Gods, a geological marvel created millions of years ago. The amazing geologic features of the park were formed when the Rocky mountains were created. The immense force needed to make mountains caused a massive uplift of sedimentary rocks. Once deposited horizontally, these rocks now tilted vertically. Over time, erosion has left these awe-inspiring figures.

Since its creation, people and animals alike have been drawn to the area. Both the Native Americans and wildlife were attracted to the plant life in the area and used overhangs created by the rocks for shelter.

In 1859, a surveyor suggested that it would be a "capital place for a beer garden.” His companion, awestruck by the impressive rock formations, exclaimed, "Beer Garden! Why it is a place fit for the gods to assemble. We will call it the Garden of the Gods."

A short paved hike around these natural structures was the perfect way to spend our first afternoon in Colorado. The girls tried to match the formations to their appropriate names. Kissing Camels. The Three Graces. Nina read on a sign that there were bighorn sheep in the area. She persistently searched for them (without success) for the rest of the day. The afternoon sun turned the sky an amazing shade of blue when set against the backdrop of the red rocks. What a cool place.