Palmer and Central Garden Loop

If you want to immerse yourself in the Garden of the Gods, then the Palmer and Central Garden Loop is the route to take. Traveling from the Balanced Rock to the Siamese Twins and up to the Kissing Camels and Tower of Babel, this trek delivers. Enjoy the immense blades that jut from the landscape and the mind-boggling boulders that balance above the timberline. This trek truly checks all the boxes when it comes to exploring the Garden of the Gods, and we cannot recommend it enough.

Departing from the Balanced Rock Trailhead, follow the Balanced Rock Trail to an intersection. Here, turn left onto the Cabin Canyon Trail. Follow the rightmost Cabin Canyon Trail, merging onto the Siamese Twins Trail at the next junction. Follow this path to the Siamese Twins, an impressive sculpture of twin rocks overlooking the park. From here, head north along the Palmer Trail. This path will reveal sights of the epic blades that protrude from the countryside. Follow this path through the garden to the trail’s end.

From here, track the Central Garden Loop south, past rock climbers, and the Kissing Camels. Continue along this route until you reconnect with the Palmer Trail. Here, retrace your footing along the path back to the trailhead.