The Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs — I arrived in Colorado Springs on time. Now what? We’d booked a hotel in Colorado Springs so that Ginger could take a rest, and I could get cleaned up ready for the next part of our trip. Our hotel room wasn’t ready, so we went for a quick walk around some of the more popular parts of the Garden of the Gods.
The sudden shock of being confronted with the expanse of the plains — I saw this picture — well, one like it — while driving north on Day 3 and made a note to take a picture on the return trip, except I couldn’t find the exact viewpoint I’d found, which is a shame because it was a much better composition. Oh well, this photograph will have to do.
Plains and mountains — Seen from Hwy 24, Colorado. The Rocky Mountains are striking, but the unexpected plains between them took my breath away. Driving across the plains for miles and miles was humbling.
Leaving Chalk Creek Canyon — I hadn’t gone far before the scenery in the rearview mirror begged me to stop and take a picture.
Nearly down — it took me around fifty minutes to get here from the top of the ridge.
A brief respite — The trail levels out briefly in places.
Looking up the trail — Going up was much easier than coming down. I have just noticed that I can see my footprints going up the trail in this picture.
The views continue to impress me.
Descending — The long trudge down the ridge has begun. The trail is steep and sandy at the top, making for a very loose footing.
A last look to the southeast — before dropping back down into Chalk Creek Canyon, I popped over to the other side of the ridge for one last look at the view across the plains to the southeast.
The endless play of light — I stayed here for several minutes watching the ever-changing light move across Chalk Creek Canyon. 2
Chalk Creek Canyon — I couldn’t resist taking a picture of Chalk Creek Canyon framed by this tree and bush. It was windy and the light was changing rapidly as the clouds moved across the sky.
Getting near to the top — Looking southwest. A glimpse of the trail can be seen at the bottom of the frame. It’s looking quite rugged, and it was.
Time to head back up the ridge — At least it’s only 300 ft. on this side. But I still have 900ft. to descend on the other side.
Heading back — Look carefully, and in the middle distance, you can see the ridge I’m going to climb.
Turnaround Point, and stopped for lunch — According to my calculations, I was about three-and-a-half miles into my hike, and this log offered a great view and spot to eat lunch.
Descending — Nearly down the south side of the ridge, and the trail is leveling out. It was quite rugged in places.
Looking over the other side of the ridge — I’m facing roughly southeast. The drop on this side of the ridge is only 300ft. Hopefully not a very rugged descent, and not too far for me to climb up on my return.
Under an hour later and I’m on the top of the ridge — And what a view! The fall colors and mountains are spectacular. That was a lot easier than I expected, but it was very steep in places. It was worth it for the views.
Chalk Cliffs from the Colorado Trail. Day 8 – Road Trip, October 2025. Of course, they are not chalk. They are white quartz left behind after other minerals have been leached from the original rock by hot water.
Cascade Campground. Day 7 – Road Trip October 2025.
Approaching Cascade Campground. Day 7 – Road Trip October 2025. 2
Chalk Creek Cascade — This is just the start. The cascade runs for a tad under half a mile and drops over 250 ft. The Cascade campground is just around the corner on the left. The Denver, South Park, and Pacific Railroad Trail. Day 7 – Road Trip October 2025.
This trail is really easy going — the Denver, South Park, and Pacific Railroad Trail. Day 7 – Road Trip October 2025.