Garden of the Gods sees start to potential record-breaking tourist season

Laura Galliardo is savoring the memory of seeing the famed Kissing Camels at Garden of the Gods Park for the first time.

Argentina is home and she’s making her inaugural visit to Colorado

“Oh, I love the rock formations, the red rocks, these colors, it’s attracting me,” Galliardo said.

Employees say Memorial Day is one of the biggest on the calendar at Garden of the Gods.

“We’re so excited to host guests from all over the world,” spokeswoman Dolores Davis said. “We think it’s going to be a great season. We expect over a million people through our doors.”

According to the visitor center, close to 20,000 people made a stop at this national mark on the holiday weekend.

For Galliardo, the rocks provide the memorable moments, and her stay provides a lesson in culture on a proud, symbolic day.

“I can see how the local people are enjoying a special weekend and I’m staying with veterans who are preparing for this day, so that gave me a different perspective on how you live this Memorial Day weekend here,” the tourist said.