Garden of the Gods, and Pikes Peak

On July 6 we took my parents to Garden of the Gods, and up to Pikes Peak.

Garden of the Gods is in Colorado Springs which is about 90 minutes from where we live. The outstanding geologic features of the park are the ancient sedimentary beds of red, blue, purple, and white sandstones, conglomerates and limestone that were deposited horizontally, but have now been tilted vertically and faulted by the immense mountain building forces caused by the uplift of the Pikes Peak massif. Evidence of past ages; ancient seas, eroded remains of ancestral mountain ranges, alluvial fans, sandy beaches and great sand dune fields can be read in the rocks (www.wikipedia.com). Garden of the Gods was very mellow, relaxing good time. We hit the gift shop and the cafe for lunch afterward.

My mom and dad at Garden of the Gods.

Mark and I.

Rocks

Pikes Peak, which is at an elevation of 14, 110 ft., was the exact opposite of Garden of the Gods. The road leading to Pikes Peak is shaky at best. There are sections of the road that are not paved, and many sections have no guard rail; one small mistake and you will tumble down the mountain. To call the road leading to the top two lanes would be generous.

Mark pointing out that we could easily drive off the cliff.

A view out of my window on the way up to the Peak.

Mark, please pay close attention.
We made it to the top.

My Dad really felt the effects of the altitude at the top, and to a lesser extent my Mom & Mark did more than I, although I could really feel it. I ended up driving down the mountain. Mark said he would never go to the top of Pikes Peak again. The road was scary, but something I would do again.