The natural beauty of this location is otherworldly.

Garden of the Gods (GotG) is one of the most popular visitor destinations in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It is also popular among photographers due to its breathtaking scenery and geologic history. It is a family-friendly, must-see natural wonder that everyone will love. When I feel like going on a beautiful hike that makes me feel completely immersed in nature without having to drive hours away from the city, Garden of the Gods is my number one, go-to place. Get your camera ready, because when you see this place in person, you'll hardly put it down. You don't even need to get out of your car for spectacular views, but you should! Driving through the park just isn't enough. You have to park, get out, stretch your legs, and enjoy a nice walk through the park to really experience the beauty of GotG. There's plenty of paved and unpaved trails to choose from, with varying levels of difficulty. The trails are just as diverse as the perspectives, too! You'll get different views depending on which hike you take and if you're unsure of where to go, I always say, stick with the basics. That is, you can never go wrong with hiking the main garden paths that are paved, but always keep your eye out for rattlesnakes during warmer months, even if you're on the sidewalk.

Due to the natural wonders of this impressive destination, GotG is a popular location among locals and out-of-state travelers, alike. Plan your visit wisely, especially if you plan on visiting in the summertime during peak tourist season. The earlier you arrive, your chances of landing a decent parking spot are higher. Pack plenty of water, because hydration is an absolute must in Colorado's high altitude climate. Don't forget to pack snacks, because hiking isn't fun when your energy is low, and you'll keep your whole party happy during your hike with those refreshments. Visit the official Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature website (here) for more information, and you can go inside the Nature Center for a physical map of the park; but also, visit their website (here) for more nature-style photography examples of the park (this link may work better on a desktop).

As always, respect wildlife and leave no trace. Take only pictures and leave only footprints behind. Garden of the Gods is a treasure for all. It is also home to some of Colorado's most iconic wildlife, like Colorado's famous state animal, the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, along with mule deer, coyotes, and more. Larger predators have also been spotted in the park before, which is why it's important to maintain awareness of your surroundings at all times. We are visitors to these natural spaces, and we cannot forget to respect wildlife and care for the land that so effortlessly cares for us. Park Rangers do a wonderful job keeping our parks clean, and so can we. As we enjoy the serene beauty of natural paradises like Garden of the Gods, we open ourselves up to understanding how important it is to protect the environment.

Full disclaimer: I am that photographer that will never get bored with a location I love, no matter how popular, overrated, or overcrowded it may perceptually be. I will always recommend Garden of the Gods for photoshoots because it's perfectly placed beneath the Colorado Rockies, with an almost always snow-capped Pikes Peak (America's Mountain) as an iconic backdrop. The lush green, summertime vegetation, wild grasses and wildflowers make GotG so irresistible that I just can't turn this place down. Fall and winter are just as beautiful, and it all depends on timing. For lifestyle photoshoots, the hour before sunrise or sunset always gives us that gorgeous, soft-light ambiance everyone loves.

It's simply stunning.

Below are some of my favorite landscape photos that I took at Garden of the Gods, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Garden of the Gods has endless photography backdrop opportunities, even for families. Imagine your family standing in the middle of that footpath, which is part of the main Garden Loop Trail. Gorgeous.

Garden of the Gods is more than a nature park. In my mind, it is a Sanctuary; a Photographer's Paradise.

You will not regret visiting GotG, nor will you regret getting your family pictures taken there. With multiple parking lots and trails, there's something unique and new for everyone. You can choose a popular location, like High Point Overlook, one of my favorites, or somewhere more adventurous, like one of the ridge trails. One thing is certain, no matter where you begin your journey here, you will leave Garden of the Gods wondering when you'll be back for another adventure. That's how amazing this ancient landscape truly is.