Garden of the Gods and Ancient Juniper
This view affords almost everything this park has to offer: large sandstone rocks of different colors, one-seed juniper trees hundreds of years old, and the Rocky Mountains in the distance.
Redstone Spires
As with these rocks , over time , portions of the rock erode, break off, fall and end up wedged between two different rocks.
Red Rocks in the Garden
If coming to the park for the first time, go to the Visitors Center. Recently remodeled, it not only maps out each part of the park, but gives the names of the rock formations, plants and flowers. It also tells the geographical history of the area.
Devil's Head and his Serpent
Not really sure if this formation has a name, but from this view, it looks to me like a reclining devil with pointy ears, and horns. In the foreground is a large root that has grown above ground and looks like a very large snake.
Foggy Winter Portrait of Gateway Rock
In winter, the Garden takes on a special beauty that the heavy snow gives to the rocks and trees. With less exposure to the colors of the rocks, what is left is even that more appealing to the eye.
Gateway Rocks, North and South
Years ago, a road traveled between the Gateway Rocks, but now only foot paths are present throughout this area of the park. Along the perimeter, however, a one-way paved road exists.
Pikes Peak Through Gateway Rocks
The classical view of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods captured early in the morning to show more vivid color in the rocks.
Sunrise on Pikes Peak and the Garden
Only Pikes Peak, at its 14,115 foot elevation is receiving the Suns's rays in this early morning shot.
Sunshine Bath at the GOG
The rising sun gives Colorado Springs and the Garden of the Gods a warm bath.
Winter Sunrise at the Garden of the Gods
In this wintry image, everything remains in shadow except where the rising sun's rays stream between the Gateway Rocks, lighting up the adjacent trees.
Sunrise in the Garden
Ancient Juniper, Winter
How juniper trees survive, much less live to be hundreds of years old, is amazing. Their roots, like the bristlecone pine, are half above ground, half below, but they are obviously hardy!
Purple Mountain's Majesty
America's Mountain, without snow, looks purple indeed, as the song America the Beautiful was inspired by the beauty Katherine Lee Bates saw when she visited the summit.
Garden Rock Pile
Just glad I wasn't around when these boulders fell!
Stonehenge-like Formation at GOG
Unlike Stonehenge in England, these rocks were shaped by nature and gravity.
Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods Scenic
Window Rock View of Pikes Peak
Aka Siamese Twins Rock, I decided to light up the interior of this opening with flash to show the true rock color. The clouds provided the balance needed to fill the sky.
Siamese Twins Rocks from the North
Siamese Twins at the Garden of the Gods
Needle Spires at GOG
Kissing Camels Rock and Frosted Juniper
Like loving arms spread wide , these frost-covered juniper trees frame the Kissing Camels Rock.
Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods
This view was taken from the overlook on Mesa Road in Colorado Springs, Co. Storm clouds above lingered long enough after a shower to collect the colorful rays of a sun setting over the mountains.
Garden of the Gods from Mesa
This photograph was taken from Mesa Road overlook. It's one of my favorites because it reminds me of a floor to ceiling mural that was painted on the walls of one of the old movie theaters in downtown Colorado Springs. I believe Native Americans were also in the painting sitting on bareback horses.
The Garden of the Gods Framed by Juniper
I love the look of aged juniper trees. Although the greenery of the trees is sparse, the grain of the bark swirls around and makes a beautiful frame for the beauty around it. This location is just west of the famous Balanced Rock.
