Garden of the Gods: Motorless Morning

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This special event at Garden of the Gods Park eliminates motor vehicle access within the park from 5 a.m.-noon, offering guests a unique experience in the park.

Without cars, the park’s winding roadways beckon to cyclists and joggers, skaters and dog walkers, offering the chance for a wide variety of user groups to join together, slow down and enjoy the splendor of this wonderful city park.  

At noon, the park reopens to motor vehicles.

As always, admission to the park is free.

Download a park map

Next Motorless Morning

April 29, 2023 from 5am to noon.

Rules

All park rules and regulations, including speed limits, apply; there will be designated slow zones and one-way traffic.

The one exception to park rules is that skateboarding and longboarding are allowed on park roads.

Visitors may encounter bicyclists and ebikers, hikers and runners, skateboards, and visitors with dogs. Please be considerate of others and share the trails and the road so everyone can have a safe and enjoyable time.

Rules for the Road

  • No motor vehicles are allowed. Even though there are no cars, there are many different ways that people use the road during this event. Share the road and be aware of your surroundings.  
  • E-assist bicycles are allowed, as are all other power-driven mobility devices (OPDMD). Click here to view the City’s OPDMD policy. Skateboards are also allowed, on the road only.
  • Slow down and enjoy. The speed limit is 20 mph throughout the park. 
  • Respect all of the marked SLOW ZONES. They are in place for everyone’s safety.
  • Follow the marked one-way traffic and do not go against traffic for the safety of others.
  • During the event, the bike lane is not designated for bikes. Slower traffic should use the right side of the road, and passing should occur on the left. 
  • People downhill of you have the right of way.  Control your speed and announce yourself to others when attempting to pass. 
  • Even when you’re not on a hill, it’s always a good idea to make your presence known to other users, particularly when approaching from behind. 
  • Please don’t block the road. Allow room for other users to pass safely.  You may need to form a single file line, or in some areas step to the side to let others pass.
  • Pets are welcome, but must be on leash at all times and all pet waste removed. Be aware of the length of your leash and your surroundings.
  • Stay alert. Always be on the lookout for other users. Wear only one earbud while listening to music for both personal safety and awareness.

Off Road Rules

  • The park has unique and sensitive soil that is easily damaged. Even one person off trail can create decades of destruction. Protect the park by staying on official trails.
  • The rocks in the park are easily damaged. Do not mark, carve or ride on them. Skates, skateboards, bikes and other equipment can cause significant damage to the rock formations.
  • Horseback rides on designated trails can be scheduled with Academy Riding Stables. If you bring your horse to the park, ride only on designated trails.
  • Rock Climbing Permit and safety gear are required for any rock climbing activities inside the park. You can get a permit online or at the information desk in the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center.
  • There are areas inside the park for bouldering. You must have a climbing permit and climbing safety pads are recommended. 

Free Parking

  • Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center (1805 30th Street),
  • Garden of the Gods Trading Post (324 Beckers Lane, Manitou Springs)
  • Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site (corner of 30th Street and Gateway Road).

Designated parking for persons with disabilities is available at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center. From the visitor center, a shuttle into the main parking lot will be available upon request on Motorless Morning for those guests who need it. All park visitors will have access to accessible routes into and throughout the park, and the City will permit the use of other power-driven mobility devices (OPDMD), per its OPDMD policy.

Other Events

The Early Bird Hike & Bike at Garden of the Gods is another opportunity for recreationalists to enjoy the park and its roadways without motor vehicles. See event dates.

Event dates

Location Date/Time Saturday, April 29, 2023 - 5:00am to 12:00pm

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