Day 4: Exploring Red Rocks & Garden of the Gods

- We started day 4 with cups of coffee at our Air BnB and peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Once we were caffeinated and our bellies full, we loaded up the rental car and headed to the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. We really lucked out, as we arrived just as a high school graduation was ending (but actually, I think those recent grads are the lucky ones because they got to have their graduation ceremony at the Red Rocks!).

- We found a parking spot at the upper parking lot which was conveniently located near the amphitheatre. Once we entered the main amphitheatre space, we were welcomed with beautiful panoramic views of the red rocks and surrounding mountains.

- We journeyed down to the Red Rocks Amphitheatre museum which is located in the lower level of the visitor center. I highly recommend this, as you can learn about the history of the amphitheatre and see the massive list of all of the past and present musicians who have played there and see who graced their Hall of Fame wall. They even have a projector screen displaying footage of some of their most famous visitors playing in the amphitheatre.

- All along the walls are display cases that house memorabilia from some incredible musicians. Of course, I had to take a snap of the James Taylor display case! And ogle at the displays for The Beatles, Willie Nelson, and Ella Fitzgerald.

- After taking in the scenic views at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, we then hopped back in the car and ventured toward Colorado Springs to the Garden of the Gods park.

- This drive was fairly easy, despite some congested traffic and road construction. But most noteworthy were the endless views! Colorado sure is a state of natural beauty.

- Once we arrived at the Garden of the Gods park, we stopped in the visitor center to grab a map. There was a lovely volunteer who helped us navigate a route to get from the visitors center to the Siamese Twins Trail (located on the other end of the park). It still shocks me that this park is free!

- Here is how we got from one end of the park to the other: At the Visitor Center, take Gateway Trail to the Central Garden Trails, then follow the Central Garden Trails to the Scotsman Trail. Take this until it connects with the Palmer Trail and this will then lead you to the Siamese Twins Trail loop. After the Siamese Twins Trail loop, you can hop back onto the Palmer Trail to connect back to the Scotsman trail and essentially retrace your steps back to the Gateway Trail at the Visitor Center. The views on this route were incredible and the footpath traffic was very light.

- We couldn't have asked for better weather - it was sunny with a light breeze. The trails were well marked and there was hardly a crowd.

- In the early parts of our hike, you could see climbers scaling the large red rocks which I found fascinating. We also saw a goat doing something similar!

- Though the weather was beautiful, we were grateful to have ample water packed in the backpack, as the dry heat was very dehydrating and we needed to keep our energy up for this trek. I did not see any water stations, but there were some picnic areas that you could rest at. As well as plenty of red rocks to perch on.

- Those snack-pack sized apple juices that we bought from our trip to Boulder sure came in handy! They provided us with a bit of a sugar rush to power us through our afternoon hike.

- The Siamese Twins Trail was recommended to us from a local friend and I'm glad we went with this! Though our feet ached from walking all over the park, we sure did enjoy the view from the Siamese Twins Trail. The red rock formations were really cool and the mountains, as always, were breathtaking!

- After finishing the Siamese Twins Trail loop, we started our trek back to the other side of the park. We spent a solid 2+ hours wandering the Garden of the Gods park. It was exceptional! On our way out, we drove to Balanced Rock and took in the sights from the side of the road.

- The trails were by no means steep, nor intense. They were fairly level with some ups and downs. The hardest part was acclimating to the altitude and dry heat. Despite that, the Garden of the Gods is a perfect place for families and dogs. I do believe some trails are even paved so they are wheelchair accessible!

- After our adventure in the Garden of the Gods park, we decided it was necessary to grab some food! Our local friend recommended the Colorado Mountain Brewery at the Roundhouse. And oh boy, I am so glad he did! This place was so nice! The service was absolutely amazing and the food was delicious! Their menu clearly labeled gluten free foods and they had SO many drinks to choose from.

- Added bonus: we arrived during happy hour! They had $2 off a flight of house beers, which Tim got, and lots of price cuts on cocktails, beers, wines, and food. I went with a glass of Riesling wine and Tim ended up ordering a pint of their house amber ale. For food, we ordered the happy hour loaded nachos, a kale caesar salad, and sweet chili glazed brussels sprouts to share. This really was the perfect place to go after an afternoon spent hiking. We practically collapsed into their seats and devoured their food. It was a great time.