Garden of the Gods waterline project starting Wednesday and running through spring, with road and trail closures expected

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - A major project is kicking off Wednesday at one of Colorado Springs' most popular locations.

The Garden of the Gods waterline project is intended to improve the park's water infrastructure, as well as enhance the park's safety and accessibility. It is being spearheaded by several city agencies, including Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services; Colorado Springs Utilities; the Colorado Springs Fire Department; and the Colorado Springs Office of Accessibility. Work will last until next spring and will cause intermittent road and trail closures, though the park itself will be open for the duration.

"We truly appreciate the community's patience and cooperation as we begin the waterline project," said Anna Cordova manager of Garden of the Gods Park. "We realize some of the detours and closures will be inconvenient at times, but our goal is to create as little disruption to park operations as possible. We are committed to maintaining access to Garden of the Gods Park and thank you for your understanding and support as we work together to preserve this National Natural Landmark."

According to the project website , it will involve installation of an up-to-date waterline network and hydrants to increase the park's water supply capacity and distribution efficiency, more ADA-compliant hard surface trails, a fully accessible parking lot, and improvement to restroom facilities.

The following are the current scheduled closures, with more expected further into the project:

Wednesday through Friday, Oct. 16-18:

- Gateway Road west will be closed into Garden of the Gods Park to both vehicles and cyclists.

- Visitors can park in Parking Lot 1 and walk via Gateway Trail into the park.

- Cyclists will be permitted to use Gateway TRAIL to access Juniper Way Loop.

- The eastbound lane of Gateway Road will remain open for vehicles exiting the park.

- Vehicles wishing to enter the park must use alternative routes (listed below).

Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19-20:

- Gateway Road will reopen to vehicles and cyclists over the weekend.

- Visitors are urged to exercise caution around construction equipment.

Monday through Wednesday, Oct. 21-23:

- Gateway Road west and Juniper Way Loop north will be closed.

- Pedestrians will be allowed to enter the park via Gateway Trail to Bretag Trail.

- Cyclists and vehicles must use alternative entrances during this time.

- Cyclists will not be able to access the park via Gateway Trail at this time.

- Vehicles and cyclists traveling through the park will need to exit via Gateway Road, as Juniper Way Loop will be inaccessible.

Alternative Entrances:

- Balanced Rock (off Garden Drive)

- Ridge Road (off West Pikes Peak Avenue)

- Beckers Lane (off Manitou Avenue)

Shuttle Information:

Free shuttles will operate from Parking Lot 1 into Garden of the Gods Park from Friday through Monday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please note that shuttle service will not be available on October 18 and October 21. Shuttle service will resume on Friday, October 25 and will run through the end of the year.

Restroom Access:

The restrooms in Parking Lot 2 will be closed from October 16 through November. During this time, portable restrooms will be made available for visitors.

Parking Lot and Trail Closures:

Parking Lot 4 is now closed and expected to remain closed until spring 2025. However, Parking Lot 1 will remain available for visitors throughout the duration of the construction project with access into Garden of the Gods Park via the Gateway Trail. Additional ADA spots have been added to Parking Lot 2.

Central Garden Trail from Gateway Rd. to Parking Lot 4 will close Wednesday, Oct. 23 and is expected to reopen early spring 2025. Visit the project page for alternate routes.