rock formations

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Hiking in Roxborough State Park

I, Zeb the Duck, went hiking with Soapy Smith Duck and mom.  Roxborough State Park is 25 miles south of Denver and we loved it!

Here we are at Roxborough State Park

Here we are at Roxborough State Park

Mom picked a trail and we started down the path.

Heading down the trail

Heading down the trail

Then we saw this sign warning us about poison ivy.

Poison Ivy?? Be careful!!

Poison Ivy?? Be careful!!

Be careful mom.  We don’t want to spend a few days itching.   We looked back at the Visitor’s Center.

Last view of the Visitor's Center

Last view of the Visitor’s Center

Great view of rock formations don’t you think?  Our trail led us through a wooded area with many wild flowers.  Of course we ducks think yellow flowers are the best color.

Peaceful with yellow flowers

Peaceful with yellow flowers

An employee told us the wild flowers lasted longer this season because we had more rain this year.  They are so pretty—we saw yellow, white, blue and purple flowers.  At a break in the trees these rock formations came into view.

Beautiful rock formations

Beautiful rock formations

WOW!!  Roxborough State Park also has lighter colored rock formations.

Lighter rock formations add contrast to the park

Lighter rock formations add contrast to the park

We could not pick a favorite.  The trail had this bridge to cross the creek.

We like bridges

We like bridges

When we were driving away from the trails, this male was watching us.

We were being watched

We were being watched

This lady has a young deer by her side.

Mom is protecting her young.

Mom is protecting her young.

We all loved Roxborough State Park and we will be back for more hiking while admiring the beautiful scenery.  We would like to meet you on a trail here.

We will be looking for you

We will be looking for you

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Garden of the Gods with Zeb and Soapy Duck

This Colorado Springs park boasts beautiful and unusual rock formations.

Natural rock formation

Natural rock formation

Zeb and Soapy Duck explored Garden of the Gods Saturday with our moms. It was great!

Stopping at the Visitors Center, we appreciated the view of some rock formations and a slightly snow covered Pikes Peak in the background. Some remodeling taking place at the Visitors Center, but everything is open and functional. The 15-minute movie, gift shop, restaurant and the most important park rangers and their vast knowledge were appreciated.

Kissing camels???

Kissing camels???

The rock formation at the right of the photo is called kissing camels.  Also, you can see a man ready for the Segway tour. So much to see and do here.

After driving to the rock formations, we wandered through many areas.

Stunning

Stunning

Each formation is equally breathtaking.

Uprooted tree on rock

Uprooted tree on rock

The children of Charles Elliott Perkins gave this park to the city of Colorado Springs in 1909. Mr. Perkins died before completing the transfer of land to the city, but his children honored his wishes.

Thanks to the Perkins family

Thanks to the Perkins family

The Garden of the Gods is to be forever free for all to enjoy.

Garden of the Gods is home to various animals. You may see these birds or different kinds.

He enjoys living at the Garden of the Gods

He enjoys living at the Garden of the Gods

Most of the rock formations are red,

Variety of rocks here

Variety of rocks here

so this white rock was very noticeable. As was the bird watching over the park.

Guardian of Garden of the Gods

Guardian of Garden of the Gods

This young deer was so close to us.

Our new friend

Our new friend

We think he liked us and he will like you, too. We watched deer at a few places among the rock formations.

He likes us!

He likes us!

This park is so beautiful and peaceful that wedding parties come here for pictures.

Congratulations to these happy newlyweds

Congratulations to these happy newlyweds

Several hiking trails cross through the park. You can hike as long as you wish. Many of the trails are paved, so strollers and wheelchairs are welcome. Horse and Segway tours can be arranged. Technical climbs are permitted with a permit.

Technical rock climbers

Technical rock climbers

You will marvel at balanced rock.

Balanced Rock

Balanced Rock

The rock looks like it will fall any time, but it has been balancing there for millions of years. Opposite balanced rock this other formation fascinated our moms.

Massive rock

Massive rock

At the nearby Trading Post, enjoy a muffin and browse the art gallery. You will love both. For more information visit www.gardenofgods.com We will look for you next time we visit the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.

Visit Garden of the Gods

Visit Garden of the Gods