Hiking at the Garden of the Gods - Colorado Springs, Colorado

One of the activities I tried when we were in Colorado last month was a 'Guided Walk' through the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.  Earlier on our trip, we stayed at the Broadmoor Hotel where my husband attended a work conference.  Later in the trip, we moved over to a resort that was closer to the Garden of the Gods.  My husband played golf and I signed up for the 'Guided Walk'.  Turned out that I was the only resort guest that signed up, so I had the attention of both the 'wellness' coaches and also one of the valets went with us on the walk.  I had told them that I was on a health journey personally and so we hiked a bit higher and longer (with breaks to drink water and breathe - ha!).  Here's some great shots that I took.

From the balcony of our room looking toward the Garden of the Gods and Pike's Peak.

The 'Guided Walk' began on some easy sidewalks.  It got tougher.  

Here's a picture of me that the nice valet took with the two 'coaches' off to the side.  

This is called the 'Kissing Camels', I think.

If you make this picture larger, you might be able to see the bird that's on top of the rock.  Not sure what kind.  Maybe a goose?

The trails were well maintained, but definitely got a bit more challenging.  And we went up and up and up.

Here you can see how far up - we came from way below.

Another shot of how far up we climbed.  Yes, I had to stop and breathe, though I told them that I was 'taking a picture'.  Ha!

This shot (click to make it bigger) shows climbers on top of the rocks.  Our valet companion told us that he had climbed all over this park.  He grew up in Colorado Springs.

You can see another climber on the side of these rocks.  It turned out that our valet companion recognized the climber and told us a bit about how the leader goes first and attaches the ropes so that other climbers can follow along.  The first guy has no ropes.  Scary.

Here we are at the bottom on the regular walking trails.  Both these ladies were very good and encouraging.  I was so glad that I was brave and took the 'Guided Walk'.  It was a fun time!