Omayra Acevedo, Colorado Springs.   Get up early. I know it’s my go-to advice when exploring Colorful Colorado, but trust me. If you want the most out of your explorations, less crowds, good parking spaces and the best encounters with nature, well, I repeat, get up early.

Just over an hour South of the city of Denver, in the city of Colorado Springs, you can find yourself in one of many historical and beautiful places in Colorado. The jaw-dropping red, pink, white sandstone and limestone rock formations were formed during a geological upheaval millions of years ago. Each formation is unique from the other with its own story to tell. It has been described as a place fit for Gods to unite. Hence the reason it was given the name Garden of the Gods.

There are many ways you can explore this National Natural Landmark. Driving it is the quickest way to enjoy some of the scenery. Once you find yourself on the one-way Juniper Way Loop it will take you 2.4 miles to travel through the park, but be warned, not much exploring can be done from your vehicle. However, if you are willing, you can pull over at the Garden of the Gods overlook to take in one of Colorado’s amazing views.

Biking it is another easy way to discover the history and beauty of this park. Unlike driving, biking will give you a little more access to the park. Bicycles are allowed on all roads and on select trails. If you prefer not to bring your own bike, you can always rent one or go on one of their many bike tours. Another reason to get up early and go.

My favorite, and in my opinion the best way to get up close and personal with the Garden’s red rocks, is to hike it. There are 15 miles of trails in the park. You can make it as long or as short as you’d like. You don’t have to go at it alone either. You can join one of many guided walking tours or hike one of the more popular trails so you always have company. There’s even a wheelchair accessible trail that starts at the main parking lot. For those seeking solitude, you can find that there too. Just inquire about the lesser-known trails at the visitor center.

These are three great reasons to visit Garden of the Gods, but I’ll give you a couple more. Horseback riding, ride a Segway, take a jeep tour, go rock climbing, birding and it’s free! Nearby, you have the quaint towns of Colorado Springs, Colorado City and Manitou Springs, which all also have a plethora of things to do that you can add to your list. If you’ve read any of my columns, I think you know by now that I am crazy about Colorado. The colors, the history, the beauty, the many things to do and enjoy make this state so incredible. So, go drive it, bike it and/or hike it, but get up early!