If I had to pick a place to visit while living in Colorado, I would undoubtedly choose Garden of the Gods. The scenery is so artistic that I want to go back after just one visit.

When I first heard the name, I thought it was a smooth and poetic expression, but when I faced the red rock cliffs in front of me, I understood with my whole body why it is called the Garden of the Gods. Early on a weekend morning, I drove towards Colorado Springs before the sun got too strong.

As I drove down for about an hour from Denver, the red rocks suddenly rose up among the ordinary mountains, and just looking out the car window filled me with anticipation. The parking lot is larger than expected, but it fills up quickly during peak season, so I recommend going early.

After stopping by the Visitor Center to grab a map and heading up to the observation deck, the blue sky splits refreshingly between the red rocks, unfolding like the scenery in a photo. The smell of earth brushing in the wind, the green of the pine trees growing between the rocks, and the sight of people in hiking gear all came together in one scene, making my eyes busy.

There are many easy trails, making it great for families with children, and it's also comfortable for those like me who walk slowly while taking photos. The most impressive view was from near Balanced Rock. The sight of a rock the size of a person's head precariously perched on another rock was both fascinating and dizzying, making me think it was a sculpture created by nature.

If you stop and look around, you can see that each rock has slightly different colors. They form subtle layers from deep wine red to bright orange, changing expression depending on the angle of the sunlight. At times, the rocks look like they are on fire, and at other times, they feel like a calm twilight glow.

As you walk along the path, you can see a variety of people enjoying this place, from families to travelers, runners, and cyclists.

Excited children run ahead saying, "Mom, I think a dinosaur is going to come out there!" while people walking their dogs greet each other with relaxed smiles. I also lost track of time taking photos of the beautiful scenery.

Sometimes, pausing to take a sip of water and sitting against a rock for a moment of rest felt so healing. Even when the wind blows strongly, if you go between the rocks, the sound diminishes, and looking up at the sky from there makes the world feel momentarily quiet.

On the way back, as the red rocks gradually receded, I felt a part of my heart still tied to that scenery. The nature of Colorado is always vast and grand, but Garden of the Gods has something particularly dramatic and majestic about it. It feels like a trace left by gods long ago, with natural sculptures that are more magnificent and delicate than anything made by humans.

I want to come back next time to catch the sunset. The moment the sun colors the red rocks will surely be another moving experience. It's not just a simple park; it's a red garden that leaves a lasting memory once you encounter it. If you're planning a trip, be sure to add it to your list.

When you come here and walk, breathe, and look up at the sky from the rocks, you'll feel firsthand why so many people love this place.

Let me briefly summarize how to get to Garden of the Gods from Denver.

It's easiest to go by car. Take I-25 South towards Colorado Springs, and after about 1 to 1.5 hours, you can exit near Exit 146 or 147 and follow the Garden of the Gods Rd signs to see the park entrance right away. The parking lots are divided into several areas, but it's convenient to stop by the Visitor & Nature Center first to grab a map for easier navigation.

If you want to go without a rental car, you can use Bustang (bus) from Denver to Colorado Springs.

Departing from Denver Union Station and getting off at Colorado Springs Downtown Terminal, you can transfer to local buses 11 or 36 to reach the park entrance, but it takes a bit longer. If you have a car, it's much more convenient for a day trip, and leaving early in the morning reduces parking stress.