The outstanding geologic features of the park are the ancient sedimentary beds of deep-red, pink and white sandstones, conglomerates and limestone that were deposited horizontally, but have now been tilted vertically and faulted into "fins" by the immense mountain building forces caused by the uplift of the Rocky Mountains and the Pikes Peak massif. The following Pleistocene Ice Age resulted in erosion and glaciation of the rock, creating the present rock formations. Evidence of past ages can be read in the rocks: ancient seas, eroded remains of ancestral mountain ranges, alluvial fans, sandy beaches and great sand dune fields.
The resulting rocks had different shapes: toppled, overturned, stood-up, pushed around and slanted. Balanced Rock, composed of the Fountain Formation, is a combination of coarse sand, gravel, silica and hematite. It is hematite that gives the large Balanced Rock its red hue. Balanced Rock was formed as erosive processes removed softer layers near its base, eventually leaving the precarious-looking formation seen today. The Gateway Rocks, Three Graces, and other outcroppings are sedimentary layers that had been pushed up vertically. The largest outcroppings in the park, "North Gateway", "South Gateway", "Gray Rock", and "Sleeping Giant" are composed primarily of Lyons Formation, a stone made of fine sand from ancient sand dunes.
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Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site is a Living History Museum that allows visitors to experience the lives of the people who dwelled, worked, hunted, herded & raised families here from the 1700s to the early 20th century. This beautiful landscape comes to life through the eyes & actions of historical interpreters dressed in clothing of the times, telling stories, demonstrating the work, play, food, music, culture & lifestyles of the early residents of the people of the Pikes Peak region. Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site is listed on the National Historic Places.
1775-1835 American Indian Area
Visitor will have an opportunity to see an elk or buffalo hide tipi, a wide variety of tools & items used in every day tasks, play games & listen to stories of Ute & Plains American Indian culture & heritage.
1860s Galloway Homestead
Experience life in a one-room log cabin depicting life in the rough & tumble west before the arrival of the railroad brought rapid change & abundant commerce to the region.
1880s Rock Ledge House & Working Ranch
Take a tour of the beautifully restores Victorian era Rock Ledge House, which served as well as the Chambers family dwelling. This innovative working ranch was one of the most successful in all of El Paso County.
1907 Orchard House
Step back in time & tour this gracious country estate, built by Colorado Springs City Founder & railroad magnate General William Jackson Palmer for his relatives William & Charlotte Sclater, The distinguished South African Dutch architectural style was designed by renowned architect Thomas MacLaren & exhibited the most modern of technology such as running water & electricity!
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In 1858, a young woman from Kansas climbed to the summit of Pikes Peak. Julia Archibald Holmes was the first Anglo woman on record to make the climb, & she became famous for that accomplishment as well as for the way she did it.
Julia had arrived at the base of Pikes Peak with Lawrence Party, they camped near here & spread out to explore the nearby streams. Two of their groups (William Hartley & AC Wright,) recorded their signatures on the red sandstone of the Garden of the Gods. Although their search for gold was largely unsuccessful, their explorations & those of the Russell Party near Denver, led to the "Pike Peak Or Bust" gold rush of 1859.
Julia was called the "Bloomer Girl," because of her choice of clothing-the new "American costume." - no corset, with pants or pantaloons worn beneath a calf-or knee-high skirt. They had walked across the Great Plains, & as they neared the Rocky Mountains, Julia was stunned by her first view of the summit of Pikes Peak.
Tags: Garden of the Gods colorado's red rock formations area Pikes Peak colorado Pikes Peak el paso county colorado early native american people el paso county colorado ute people el paso county colorado gold rush el paso county colorado early explorers el paso county colorado early pathfinders el paso county coloraod & Zebulon Pike el paso county colorado Bloomers Girl-A-Colorado Trailblazer historic marker el paso county colorado bloomer Girl interpretation sign el paso county colorado & Julia Archibald Holmes El Paso county colorado & William Hartley El Paso County Colorado & AC Wright el paso county colorado & Russell Party el paso county colorado Pike Peak or Bust 1859c.
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The beauty of Garden of the Gods Park, with its dramatic red rock formations framing Pikes Peak, serves as a magnificent eastern gateway to Colorado's Rocky Mountans. The Park's towering red sandstone rocks have long been recognized as a landmark.
American Indian people often gathered to stay in the shadow of the red rocks & to enjoy the abundance of plants & wildlife. Early European explorers, miners & settlers also reveled in the beauty of what we now know as Garden of the Gods Park.
In the early 1900s, Charles Elliot Perkins declared his wish to his children that the Garden of the Gods be given to the citizens & international visitors who appreciate its beauty & natural & cultural resources.
The grand vision of Colorado Springs' Founder William Jackson Palmer was to create an environment of parks & open vision & Charles Elliot Perkins's dream are realized in Garden of the Gods Park. In 1972, Garden of the Gods was designated a national Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
In 2009, the City of Colorado Springs, will Mark 100 years of preserving, restoring, maintaining & interpreting the invaluable natural & cultural resources of our locally-treasured, nationally significant & internationally-known City Park. This Centennial Celebration will also provide an opportunity for today's citizens to renew their dedication to protect the distinctive features of Garden of the Gods Park & to support the stewardship of public lands for future generations.
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A Kansas party of 1858 camped on the rivulet east of the Garden of the Gods, which has since been known as "Camp Creek." Their camp was submerged in a flood, when they took refuge in the cave at the gateway. Here the curious may find their names scratched on the rock, also the blackened traces of their campfire.
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