What new sounds can be heard in the absence of vehicle engines? Perhaps it is the calling of birds, the chirps of crickets or the sound of the breeze through the leaves of the shrub oak.
Spending the morning at Garden of the Gods without the disturbance of vehicles can be a great way to relax and unwind from the stress of college life. Fewer cars ferrying through the park is also beneficial to nature and wildlife.
On Oct. 9, Garden of the Gods will offer Motorless Morning, a time when visitors to the park can enjoy the scenery without cars, trucks or other motorized vehicles.
Motorless Mornings allow the park’s wildlife to take a break from the usual stress of cars, trucks and motorcycles. A morning without disturbances such as engine noise and exhaust gives the park a chance to breathe.
The overall vision of the park is to bring together the Colorado Springs community and encourage guests of the park to take a break from the usual stress and fast pace of life.
“Without cars, the park’s winding roadways beckon to cyclists and joggers, skaters and dog walkers, offering the chance for a wide variety of user groups to join together, slow down and enjoy the splendor of this wonderful city park,” the website says.
The upcoming Motorless Morning will be held from 5 a.m.-12 p.m. The event is free and offers services such as shuttle transportation from the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center to the park for visitors with disabilities. Visitors can park their vehicles at the Visitor Center or the Trading Post.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their families, friends and pets to walk the designated roads and trails. For personal transportation, skateboards are only allowed on the park roads. Electric bicycles are allowed within the park.
At 11:30 a.m., half an hour before the end of the event, park rangers will drive along the roadways and inform visitors that the event is coming to a close. At 12 p.m., motor vehicles will be permitted in the park.
Motorless Mornings usually happen twice a year, once in April and again in October, and have been held since 2018.
For more information on the upcoming Motorless Morning and how to provide feedback on your experience during the event, visit the website here.
