Garden of the Gods Resort and Club is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2026, marking a milestone that coincides with Colorado’s 150th anniversary and the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Perched atop a mesa overlooking the dramatic red rock formations of Garden of the Gods Park and snow-capped Pikes Peak, the Colorado Springs resort has welcomed generations of travellers, community members and celebrated guests. Its story began in 1949, when Al and Margaret Hill purchased the property and envisioned a private club, luxury resort and residential community surrounded by one of Colorado’s most extraordinary natural landscapes.
Garden of the Gods Club officially opened in June 1951 and soon became a gathering place for prominent business leaders, politicians, artists, authors, musicians and Hollywood personalities. Walt Disney, Gene Autry and John Wayne were among the notable guests drawn to the club’s elegant hospitality, recreational amenities and remarkable setting.
In 2007, Sunrise Company purchased the property from Hill Development and the Hill family. Local ownership returned in 2013 when longtime club members and Colorado Springs business leaders Brenda Smith and Judy Mackey acquired the resort. The property was subsequently renamed Garden of the Gods Resort and Club, beginning a new chapter focused on preserving its heritage while expanding its appeal as an inclusive luxury and wellness destination.
A New Era of Transformative Wellness
Central to the resort’s modern identity has been the development of Strata Spa & Salon and Strata Med, which bring together traditional spa therapies, integrative medicine, fitness, nutrition and mindfulness.
Guests can take part in personalized wellness journeys supported by physicians, therapists, fitness professionals, nutrition specialists and wellness coaches. Programs combine elements of Western and Eastern health practices, helping guests pursue goals related to relaxation, movement, stress management, nutrition and whole-person well-being.
In 2023, Garden of the Gods Resort and Club completed a $60-million investment in the property. The improvements included renovated guest rooms, enhanced wellness facilities, updates to the Kissing Camels clubhouse and the transformation of Grand View restaurant.
The investment reinforced the resort’s commitment to evolving with the needs of today’s wellness traveller while maintaining a strong connection to its surroundings and history.
“Celebrating 75 years is both a milestone and a responsibility,” said Judy Mackey, co-owner of Garden of the Gods Resort and Club. “We are proud of the legacy entrusted to us, rooted in vision, hospitality, and stewardship of this extraordinary setting. As we look ahead, we remain committed to honoring our history while evolving as an inclusive, holistic wellness destination for future generations.”
Honouring 75 Years
The resort commemorated its anniversary from June 12 to 14, 2026, with a weekend of programming for club members and resort guests.
Anniversary experiences included yoga, sound baths and fitness classes throughout the property, along with historical food and beverage offerings at Grand View. Guests could also explore curated exhibits highlighting the resort’s history and take part in family-friendly activities, including live music, a pool party and a tennis exhibition.
Special 75th-anniversary merchandise was introduced, including a historical coffee-table book chronicling the resort’s evolution. A time capsule containing photographs, stories and significant artifacts was also created to preserve memories of the property for future generations.
A Rocky Mountain Wellness Retreat
Today, Garden of the Gods Resort and Club features 117 rooms and suites across its lodge, cottages and casitas. Accommodations range from traditional guest rooms to spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, with private patios and views of Garden of the Gods Park available in many rooms.
Beyond Strata Spa & Salon and Strata Med, resort amenities include a 27-hole championship golf course, indoor and outdoor tennis and pickleball courts, three outdoor swimming pools and a collection of dining experiences.
In 2025, Garden of the Gods Resort and Club was recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Fitness and Wellness Retreats. Strata Spa was also named the No. 1 spa in Colorado in Spas of America’s Top 100 Spas.
Seventy-five years after welcoming its first members, the resort continues to build upon a legacy shaped by natural beauty, hospitality and recreation. Its expanded approach to wellness offers guests an opportunity not only to enjoy the Colorado landscape, but also to restore their energy, reconsider their routines and return home with a renewed sense of possibility.
For reservations and additional information, call 719-632-5541, email the resort at info@gardenofthegodsresort.com, or visit www.gardenofthegodsresort.com.
