Kissing Camels Rock Formation – North Gateway Rock and Plaque loop from Centennial & High Tech SB

Hiking trails & Routes

Kissing Camels Rock Formation – North Gateway Rock and Plaque loop from Centennial & High Tech SB

Moderate

4.9

(3553)

7,807

hikers

Kissing Camels Rock Formation – North Gateway Rock and Plaque loop from Centennial & High Tech SB

04:44

17.3km

260m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 24, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Blair Bridge Open Space

Garden of the Gods Park

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

5.20 km

Views of Gray Rock (Kindergarten Rock) and Gateway Rocks

Highlight • Viewpoint

5.57 km

Ute Trail, Garden of the Gods

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This trail runs parallel to the eastern edge of the Garden of the Gods area. As you hike, you'll get up close to stunning giant red rocks, and you might even catch sight of people rock climbing these massive formations.

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6.39 km

Niobrara Trail, Garden of the Gods Park

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

On this hard-packed dirt trail, you'll encounter winding hills that provide an enjoyable running experience. When you reach the ridge, the views are so impressive that it's worth taking a break to admire the striking contrast between the red rocks of Garden of the Gods and the lush greenery that surrounds them.

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9.59 km

Benches on Central Garden Trail, Garden of the Gods

Highlight • Trail

The Central Garden Trail offers benches where you can sit down and relax along the way. This easy, 1.5-mile roundtrip path features less than a 30-foot rise, making it a leisurely and accessible walk for visitors.

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9.75 km

Palmer Trail, Garden of the Gods

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Running along the outer perimeter of Garden of the Gods, this trail treats you to more significant elevation changes, dirt paths, and occasional rock steps. The views are nothing short of spectacular, and this area tends to be less crowded than other parts of the park, allowing you to savor the tranquility and the breathtaking surroundings.

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11.3 km

Kissing Camels Rock Formation

Highlight • Natural Monument

From this spot, you can easily see the famous Kissing Camels rock formations. Its distinct shape closely resembles two camels in a kissing pose, thanks to an opening in the ridge that forms two noticeable camel heads. Unlike some formations with less obvious names, the Kissing Camels are easy to recognize.

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11.5 km

North Gateway Rock and Plaque

Highlight • Natural Monument

North Gateway Rock is one of the most prominent features in Garden of the Gods. This towering sandstone fin is where the famous "Kissing Camels" formation is located (they are best viewed from the east side of the formation), the rather infamous "Tourist Gully," and several famous rock climbs. Although scrambling is not allowed in the park, Tourist Gully got its name from the multitude of tourists over the years who hopped the fence and scrambled up the gently angled rock ramp, only to discover that it is far easier to get up it than down it, requiring rescue. There is also a large dedication plaque here mounted on the side of the rock comemorating the generosity of the Perkins family who gifted this land to the city in 1909.

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11.8 km

Gateway Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Gateway Trail is a hiking and biking route that winds through the foothills near Mount Sanitas. There are great views of Boulder and the surrounding landscape. The trail is moderately challenging and has a mix of rocky terrain, wildflowers, and pine forest.

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