It's easy to see how this natural landmark earned such an ethereal title: These magnificent red rock formations look as though deities could've carved them. However, the sandstone pillars are, in fact, the work of geological activity along a natural fault line, as well as rainfall over millennia. You can learn about the garden's formations at the visitor and nature center, which houses numerous informative displays and hosts daily nature presentations.

Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. From meadows found in the montane life zone to the glistening lakes in the subalpine zone and to the mountain peaks located in the alpine zone, there is something for everyone to discover. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible wildlife viewing.

Colorado Springs has plenty of nearby outdoor attractions like Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods, but if you're looking for something further afield, you can't go wrong with Royal Gorge. Sitting 50 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, Royal Gorge is 10 miles long and 1,200 feet deep, carved into the landscape by the Arkansas River. It's here that you'll find some of the state's best whitewater rafting and zip line tours. But if you want something slightly more structured, you'll have plenty of options.

If you think of Red Rocks Park as just a beautiful place to see a concert, think again! All around you are 738 total acres of deer, dinosaurs, pines and prairie, geological wonders and spectacular vistas. At 6,450 feet above sea level, Red Rocks Park is a unique transitional zone where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains. The diverse environment allows visitors to see plants, birds and animals of both regions. Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a geological phenomenon – the only naturally-occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheatre in the world. From Sting and The Beatles, to opera stars and U2, every artist aspires to play on this magical, spiritual and emotional stage.

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Visible across the region, Pikes Peak stands as our most treasured national landmark. But the mountain towns, downtown cityscapes and roaring Arkansas River have so much more to offer admirers of the Purple Mountain Majesty. We’ll help you plan the Colorado Springs’ adventure you always dreamed of and never knew existed. 

Coors Field is a baseball stadium in downtown Denver, Colorado. It is the home field of Major League Baseball's Colorado Rockies. Opened in 1995, the park is located in Denver's Lower Downtown neighborhood, two blocks from Union Station. The stadium has a capacity of 50,144 people for baseball

Bear Lake is a natural freshwater lake on the Idaho–Utah border in the Western United States. About 109 square miles in size, it is split about equally between the two states; its Utah portion comprises the second-largest natural freshwater lake in Utah, after Utah Lake.

Downtown Denver is dominated by the 16th Street Mall, a pedestrian strip lined with gift shops, street food vendors and al fresco bars and restaurants. In the lively theater district, musicals, plays and concerts are staged at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Nearby, the landmark Brown Palace Hotel offers weekly guided tours and is a popular spot for afternoon tea.

Empower Field at Mile High is an American football stadium in Denver, Colorado, United States. The primary tenant is the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. It opened in 2001 to replace the Broncos' original home, the old Mile High Stadium.

If you're visiting Colorado Springs during the summer, consider spending a day at North Cheyenne Cañon Park, located about 5 miles southwest of town. This park comprises more than 1,600 acres at the bottom of a 1,000-foot-deep canyon; the park's differing altitudes can support a vast array of wildlife, including deer, mountain lions and black bears. Miles of hiking trails run through the park.

Animal lovers say that the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a must if you're visiting Colorado Springs with kids. Located south of the city on the side of Cheyenne Mountain, this facility makes it easy to get up-close to hundreds of furry, scaly and feathery creatures. While here, you can also feed a giraffe, take a spin on the zoo's chairlift-style, open-air ride and snap photos with the zoo's residents during animal encounters. 

The hike to Seven Falls in Colorado Springs follows a paved canyon trail 0.8 mile to this famous tiered waterfall. After severe damage by the floods in 2013, the Broadmoor Resort purchased the property and has made significant improvements, including trail and site repairs, as well as creating an on-site restaurant. As in the past, there is an access fee to this Colorado Springs attraction. Explore the full Seven Falls hike profile for 4 different hike options, driving directions, trail map, and tips for making the most of your trip to Seven Falls.

Situated in southern Colorado’s San Luis Valley,Great Sand Dunes National Parkis one of the most famous and fantastical locations on our list. The name should be a pretty obvious giveaway of what you’ll see here. It boasts the tallest sand dune in the country. And, yes, the rumors are true...you can indeed go sandboarding and hiking (duh). That’s not all! The Medano Creek and peaks of Sangre de Cristo round out the otherworldly landscape. A word to the wise: hit up Great Sand Dunes National Park early in the morning because it gets super hot.

By now we’ve established that Colorado isn’t lacking in stunning locales. However, Hanging Lakemanages to stand out from the rest. Located near Glenwood Springs, this National Natural Landmark and popular tourist attraction remains a remarkable example of a travertine geological formation. Prepare to be impressed by the crystal-clear water, moss-covered rocks and gently cascading falls. Getting to Hanging Lake takes a fair amount of effort. It’s accessible via a scenic—albeit steep and strenuous—backcountry hike. Don’t expect to cool down once you arrive, swimming of any kind is strictly prohibited to protect the fragile ecosystem.

The amphitheater is an experience unto itself. The road is an incredibly scenic winding road up the mountain. The amphitheater itself is incredibly cool, with an incredible view of both Boulder and Denver. Worth the hike, worth the drive, and worth a thousand pictures. A must visit!