Golden Circle Trailhead - Garden of the Gods

The Garden of the Gods wilderness features an outstanding scenic views along with very unusual rock formations. Trails for hiking and equestrian use will take you by some indications of past use by people including homestead, fruit trees, cemeteries and abandoned roads. Being adjacent to the Garden of the Gods Observation Site, this wilderness is the most popular of Shawnee's Wilderness area's. Overflow parking is at the Golden Circle Trailhead just outside the recreation area along Forest Road. The Trailhead also serves as a horseback riders parking area large enough to accomidate trucks and stock trailers. To reach Golden Circle Trailhead from the Recreation Area, go back down the entrance road, turn north (left) onto Forest Road and go a short distance around the curve then turn east (right) into the Golden Circle Trailhead parking lot.