Colorado Springs to Golden, via a Scenic Rocky Mountains Route

Bequeathed to the City of Colorado Springs by the family of railroad mogul Charles Elliot Perkins in 1909, who originally purchased land here in 1879, Garden of the Gods consistently ranks among the best public parks in the US, and indeed, its striking red rock formations are something to behold.
To best explore the park in around an hour, take one of the easier nature hikes. If time allows, check out the 15-minute immersive video experience in the Geo-Trekker Theater in the Visitor and Nature Center — or the center's excellent gift shop.
Visitor & Nature Center Opening Hours: Daily: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Winter Months) Daily: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (Summer Months)

A bit of historic lore about this stretch of Hwy 24: Long before automobiles, covered wagons, and Spanish and American explorers crossed over the 9,165 feet summit, Ute Pass was the route for herds of buffalo, crossing between the high alpine basins to the Great Plains beyond Colorado Springs.
The back-and-forth migration of some millions of buffalo over an untold period of time carved the route, which was also used by Colorado's Ute Indians — who no doubt appreciated the well-trodden footpath. All the way until South Park basin, you are indeed following in the footsteps of "where the buffalo roam."