Garden of the Gods to be vehicle-free on Earth Day morning

If you’ve always wanted to explore Garden of the Gods without the rumble of an engine passing by, you’ll get your chance on Earth Day this year.

As part of the park’s Earth Day celebrations, no motorized vehicles will be allowed into Garden of the Gods from 5 to 10 a.m. on April 22. (All other park rules and regulations will be in effect.)

Parking will be available at the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center or at the Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site.

The idea came about after a study about transportation in the park, specifically about alleviating congestion on the park’s roads. Officials said part of the feedback they got reinforced the “Motorless Morning” program.

“While we believe Earth Day’s Motorless Morning will provide a truly unique and positive experience for visitors, we certainly want to emphasize that this is a pilot program, and we will look closely at survey feedback following the event,” said Kim King, an administration manager.

Entrance to the park will remain free as Earth Day activities go on.