A National Natural Landmark

The National Natural Landmarks Program recognizes and encourages the conservation of sites that contain outstanding biological and geological resources. Sites are designated by the Secretary of the Interior for their condition, illustrative character, rarity, diversity, and value to science and education. The National Park Service administers the program and works cooperatively with landowners, managers and partners to promote conservation and appreciation of our nation’s natural heritage.

In 1971, The Garden of the Gods Park was designated as a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of Interior. Biologist Richard G. Beidleman, PhD, authored the National Natural Landmark application and described the Garden of the Gods as: “The most striking contrast between plains and mountains in North America with respect to biology, geology, climate and scenery.” The Garden with its vertical red rocks and Pikes Peak views is recognized worldwide as a majestic landmark of the American West. As an example of our nation’s scenic grandeur, Garden of the Gods “is of extreme value.” The Garden’s 320 million-year-old rock formations, when added to the geology of Pikes Peak, reveal one of the most complete records of earth history found anywhere in the United States. The upturned sedimentary rock formations reveal many ancient environments: fast-flowing rivers, windblown sand dunes, swampy lowlands and muddy sea floors. The Garden of the Gods is home to many different kinds of native plants and animals because of its unique location in North America and its variety of habitats. Here, the prairie grasslands of the Great Plains meet the dry woodlands of the American Southwest, and merge with the evergreen forests of the Rocky Mountains. Visitors may see Prairie Falcons, hear a Canyon Wren of the Southwest, and see Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep in this convergence of ecosystems. Two animal species are singled out in the National Natural Landmark documents: the White-throated Swift and the Honey Ant. The Garden is one of the largest summer and migratory roosting sites for the Swifts along the Rocky Mountain Front Range. They roost and nest in the cracks and crevices of the towering red rocks. Honey Ants are uncommon, nocturnal insects with a remarkable adaption for survival. The ants forage at night collecting sap from plants and honeydew from aphids, then they feed it to “repletes” which are specialized ants with extended abdomens that serve as living storage vessels for the liquid food – “honey.” The other ants drink from the repletes to survive during winter.

Though only two-square miles in size, Garden of the Gods preserves many plant and wildlife treasures of North America.

Enjoy your discoveries.