The Kissing Camels
Where it is
North Gateway Rock and South Gateway Rock are both named on the park map. The park’s rocks are sandstone layers tilted upright by the Laramide uplift about 70 to 60 million years ago; see the rock formations page. The Kissing Camels sit along the top of North Gateway Rock, so the shape reads from the park roads and trails around the rock, not from on top of it. Off-trail travel is prohibited.
Climbing rules around it
Technical climbing needs a free permit from the city, in parties of two or more and without chalk. The east face of North Gateway Rock is typically closed to climbers from April 1 to July 31 for nesting raptors, and bouldering is banned on its south face; see the city climbing page and the rock climbing page.
On a tour
The Segway tour’s listing names the Kissing Camels among its sights, with Praying Hands and a park overlook, on a 1.5-hour route from the Visitor Center.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the Kissing Camels at Garden of the Gods?
On top of North Gateway Rock, per the official park map. See the rock formations page.
Can you climb up to the Kissing Camels?
As a permitted technical climb; scrambling above 10 ft without proper equipment is illegal. See the rock climbing page.
Which tour names the Kissing Camels?
The Segway tour’s listing does. See the Segway tour close-up.