Colorado State Parks

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a 149,028 acre space that was established in 2004 to conserve a number of large sand dunes on the edge of the San Luis Valley.

It was originally designated in 1931 by President Hoover. The sand dunes are mesmerizing to see in person and are as tall as 750 feet high. They are the tallest sand dunes in North America and contain over 5 billion cubic meters of sand.

It is believed that the first historic people to occupy the area were the Navajo, Apache, and Southern Ute tribes. You can do your own research or accompany a local guide to learn a lot about the area as you explore it; be sure to enjoy sand sledding and sandboarding while you’re there.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a 30,750-acre outdoor space which was established in 1999. The park received over 300,000 visitors annually, many of whom come to explore the beautiful park and view the 12 miles of the 48-mile long Black Canyon of the Gunnison River. You’ll be able to see some of the deepest and most dramatically beautiful parts of the canyon from the park. Though there are longer and deeper canyons across America, the combination of depth, narrowness, and darkness found at Black Canyon are incomparable - some parts of the gorge only see 33 minutes of sunlight a day.

Garden of the Gods is a public park in Colorado Springs which was established in 1909 and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1971. The park comprises 1,367 acres and was first called the Red Rock Corral. You’ll be able to see some impressive rock formations as you explore the park - formations that are believed to have been created millions of years ago during a geological upheaval along a natural fault line. The rocks can be seen in all shapes and sizes, with one of the most prominent formations being the Lyons Formation. Native American people resided on the land around 250 BC and there are several petroglyphs around the park which tell the story of the creation of the formations, supposedly carved by Utes.

Address: 1805 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, Phone: 719-634-6666

Cheyenne Mountain State Park was officially established in 2006, though the history of land goes back long before that. Spanning 1,680 acres, it is the only state park in all of El Paso County. There is a visitor center where you can learn all about the surrounding land through educational displays. The center also hosts several interactive programs and nature hikes throughout the year; these are perfect for visitors of all ages and skill levels. Other aspects include camping sites for tents and RVs and designated day-use picnic sites. Some of the wildlife you may come across are foxes, coyotes, golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, cougars, and black bears.

Address: 410 JL Ranch Heights Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80926, Phone: 719-576-2016

Colorado National Monument, locally known as “the monument”, is 20,533-acre natural space that was established in 1911. The desert land can be found high on the Colorado Plateau and is full of sheer-walled canyons and marvelous granite and sandstone rock formations. If you’re an ornithology aficionado then bring along a pair of binoculars as you’re sure to see ravens, golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and many more species of resident and migratory birds. You can choose to explore the area via a scenic drive or spend your time hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, or camping. Their visitor center also contains a museum dedicated to local natural history and a gift shop.

Address: Rimrock Dr, Fruita, CO 81521, Phone: 970-858-3617

Getting its name because of its location eleven miles away from Lake George, Eleven Mile State Park is wonderful place to explore Colorado’s beautiful outdoors. The 7,662-acre park was established in 1970 and is home to a beautiful namesake reservoir. Facilities include a visitor center, which is the best place to start your adventure. There are also five miles of trails open to hikers and bicyclists and over 300 campsites. The park is a popular spot with anglers and houses many species of fish such as cutthroat, rainbow trout, northern pike, and its most famous fish, Kokanee salmon.

Address: 4229 Co Rd 92, Lake George, CO 80827, Phone: 719-748-3401

Established in 1977, the 2,715-acre Barr Lake State Park has many features and amenities which the entire family would enjoy. You are invited to hike or bike through the 12 miles of trails, including an 8.8-mile trail that circles the lake and offers stunning views of your surroundings. The park has been separated to allow fishing and boating on the northern side while focusing on being a thriving wildlife refuge on the southern side. There are several wildlife viewing stations there from which you’ll be able to see an array of wildlife and over 350 species of bird including bald eagles.

Address: 13401 Picadilly Road, Brighton, CO 80603, Phone: 303-659-6005

Established in 1960, Golden Gate Canyon State Park spreads over nearly 12,000 acres in northwest Colorado. Start your visit at the park’s Visitor Center, where you can learn all about the historic area and all there is to see and do. You can spend your time hiking, biking, or horseback riding on the 36 miles of trails which can be found there. Other facilities include over a hundred designated picnic sites and campsites. Some of the most commonly seen wildlife at the park are black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, elks, turkey vultures, and the occasional moose.

Address: 92 Crawford Gulch Rd, Golden, CO 80403, Phone: 303-582-3707

Castlewood Canyon State Park is a beautiful outdoor space which spans 2,621 acres and was established in 1964, though its history goes back long before that. Visitors will be able to see the remnants of Castlewood Canyon Dam, a unique part of Colorado’s history.

The dam was active for many years before it burst in 1933, which resulted in a 15-foot water of water flooding all the way to Downtown Denver. Another historic feature of the park which you’ll be able to see is Cherry Creek Bridge, a concrete arch bridge which was built in 1948 and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Activities you can partake in while at the park include hiking, rock climbing, and picnicking.

Address: 2989 S State Hwy 83, Franktown, CO 80116, Phone: 303-688-5242

Harvey Gap State Park is a popular place for visitors to go boating or fishing. It is home to the Grass Valley Reservoir, which spans 190 acres, and allows fishing all year long. Anglers will be able to catch northern pike, crappie, catfish, rainbow trout, perch, and smallmouth and largemouth bass in the reservoir. Other aspects of the park include a day-use area, designated and shaded picnic areas, a small swim beach, and boating for small boats. You’ll be able to see tons of flora and fauna at the park such as lush cedar and cottonwood trees, migratory waterfowl, and much more.

Address: Silt, CO 81652, Phone: 970-625-1607