God's Garden

The Garden of the Gods red rock formations were created during a geological upheaval along a natural fault line millions of years ago. Archaeological... more

by Jon Burch Photography

Title

God's Garden

Artist

Jon Burch Photography

Medium

Photograph - Digital Capture/faa Watermark Will Not Be On Your Finished Photograph.

Description

The Garden of the Gods red rock formations were created during a geological upheaval along a natural fault line millions of years ago. Archaeological evidence shows that prehistoric people visited about 1330 BC. Native American people camped in the park were attracted to plant and wild life in the area and used overhangs created by the rocks for shelter. Many native peoples who have reported a connection to the area including Apache, Cheyenne, Comanche, Kiowa, Lakota, Pawnee, Shoshone, and Ute people.

The Utes' oral traditions tell of their creation at the Garden of the Gods, and petroglyphs have been found in the park typical of their early ancestors. The Utes found red rocks to have a spiritual connection and camped near Manitou Springs and the creek near the bordering Rock Ledge Ranch. The Old Ute Trail went past Garden of the Gods to Ute Pass and guided explorers through Manitou Springs. Starting in the 16th century, Spanish and European explorers as well as trappers traveled through the area. Lieutenants John C. Freemont and George Frederick Ruxton recorded their visits to the area in their journals.

This view of Cathedral Valley was made in in the Garden of the Gods just west of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Image copyright 2016 Jon Burch Photography.

Uploaded

July 29th, 2016