Dreaming of another trip to this magical place. Close to Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods is at about 6400' altitude and full of amazing rock formations mostly in sandstone with some others thrown in for interest :)  This is the story of how , purportedly, it got it's name "

In 1859, Melancthon Beach and Rufus Cable, two railroad surveyors, were sent to locate and establish the city of Colorado City. When the two happened across the rock formations — it’s said — Beach exclaimed, “This would be a capital place for a beer garden!” Cable replied, “Beer garden! Why this is a place fit for the gods to assemble. We shall call it the Garden of the Gods!”  Whether or not this is entirely true I don't know. I do know it's a beautiful place in which to spend a day.