The 12 Best State and National Parks in Colorado

Colorado is well-known for its mountainous landscape, and many tourists head to the state each year for hiking, skiing, camping, and other outdoor recreation. In addition to the mountains, the area is home to waterfalls, canyons, rivers, and other gorgeous landscapes.

State and national parks throughout Colorado preserve many of the most scenic areas in the state, and these destinations are ideal for those who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the area and outdoor recreational activities.

Altogether, there are 42 state parks in Colorado, and these parks are located in all regions of the state. More than that, Colorado notably is home to four national parks, and these are federally preserved areas that having striking natural beauty and geological significance in some cases.

Both state and national parks in Colorado give you an amazing way to experience the great outdoors. These preserved natural landscapes are home to a wide range of native plants and animals, and you can observe them in their natural habitat when you visit the parks.

The parks also have numerous amenities, such as picnic areas, campsites, hiking trails, nature centers, and more. If you are planning to explore Colorado with a fun-filled road trip, these are some of the best state and national parks to consider exploring.

Looking to visit one of Colorado’s parks? Make sure your car is fully covered first by entering your ZIP code above and comparing auto insurance options!

The 12 Best State and National Parks in Colorado

#1 — Rocky Mountain National Park

Area: 265,461 acres
Established: January 26, 1915
Highlight: The Continental Divide, four unique ecosystems

The Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the larger national parks, and it is conveniently located a short drive northwest of the Denver metropolitan area. One of the primary entrances to the park is through Estes Park, a mountain resort town.

This unique park spans across the Continental Divide and has significant elevation changes because of its unique location. Therefore, it is home to four unique ecosystems, making it abundant in a diverse range of plant and animal species.

Notably, there are more than 300 miles of hiking trails and several unique campground areas that you can choose to set up camp in.

These campsites are in high demand, so make your reservation well ahead of your planned vacation dates. The park is open year-round, but some roads may be closed seasonally. The one-day entrance fee is $20 per car.

#2 — Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Area: 84,997 acres
Established: September 13, 2004
Highlight: Tallest sand dunes in North America

The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is one of the newer parks in the national park system. Located in southern Colorado, it is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America.

Some of the dunes tower 750 feet above the ground. Notably, the sand dunes are only one of many landscapes found in this vast park, and you can also find creeks, valleys, mountains, and more here.

The seven-day entrance fee for a non-commercial vehicle is $15. Additional fees are required if you camp overnight. Visitors should make a reservation for a campsite well in advance of their trip because campsites are limited.

#3 — Colorado National Monument

Area: 454,510 acres
Established: May 24, 1911
Highlight: Flat-topped mountains, canyons, cliffs

Colorado National Monument is located close to Grand Junction, and this federally preserved natural area is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor recreation. At this park, you will find beautiful canyons and cliffs as well as numerous species that thrive in the arid climate.

This monument is a great location for hiking, viewing wildlife, sightseeing, cycling, and more.

The park is open 365 days each year, except when road conditions are dangerous. Call ahead before heading to the park to ensure that roads are in good conditions. The park entrance fee is $15 per vehicle for a seven-day pass.

#4 — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

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Area: 30,750 acres
Established: October 21, 1999
Highlight: Deep river gorge, towering cliff walls

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park features what is arguably one of the more dramatic landscapes in the state. You can enter the park from either Montrose or Crawford, and you can drive through or hike along 12 miles of the deepest stretch of the canyon.

In addition to hiking, camping and viewing wildlife, many people enjoy rock climbing, kayaking, and fishing in this park.

Many of the hiking trails in this park are strenuous because of steep elevation changes, so you should prepare accordingly. The South Rim is open daily, but the North Rim is closed during the cold weather season.

A $15 entrance fee per vehicle is charged, and this fee provides you with entrance for seven days.

#5 — Eldorado Canyon State Park

Area: 885 acres
Established: 1978
Highlight: Canyons, cliff walls, stunning overlooks

The Eldorado Canyon State Park is located conveniently just a short drive from Boulder near the Denver metropolitan area.

Rock climbers delight in visiting this park, because it has more than 1,000 technical climbing areas, while other visitors enjoy hiking along 11 miles of trails that vary in their level of challenge.

Picnicking, cross-country skiing, and fishing are also popular activities here.

This state park does not permit overnight camping, but other campsites are available outside the park in select areas. The park is open year-round, but it may close periodically when weather conditions are not ideal.

#6 — Staunton State Park

Area: 3,908 acres
Established: May 18, 2013
Highlight: Tree-covered hills with rocky outcroppings

Staunton State Park is one of the newer state parks, and it offers visitors an excellent selection of recreational activities to enjoy. This park is a day-use park, so camping is not permitted.

However, you can enjoy hiking and biking through heavily wooded trails, rock climbing, and horseback riding. Many people also enjoy fishing in the streams and ponds found throughout the park.

Elevation at the park ranges from 8,100 to 10,000 feet, so dress appropriately for elevation changes if you plan to drive through the park or explore its trails. The park is open daily, and a different entrance fee is charged for resident versus non-resident visitors.

#7 — Mueller State Park

Area: 5,112 acres
Established: 1988
Highlight: Impressive wildlife, summer and winter recreational opportunities

Mueller State Park is located just west of Colorado Springs in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. This huge park boasts more than 55 miles of trails that are ideal for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and snowshoeing, and the park is also popular for:

• Hunting
• Camping
• Sledding
• Snow tubing

When you visit Mueller State Park, plan to keep your eyes open for an abundant range of wildlife that lives in the area, including black bear, eagles, elk, and other species. Mueller State Park is open year-round, and it openly accepts reservations for campsites.

#8 — Mesa Verde National Park

Area: 52,485 acres
Established: June 29, 1906
Highlight: Puebloan cliff dwellings, hiking trails

Mesa Verde National Park is one of the most fascinating preserved areas in the state, because it is home to numerous well-preserved cliff dwellings from Pueblos that date back hundreds of years.

In addition to featuring more than 600 unique cliff dwellings, it has 4,300 sites, a visitor’s center, and guided tours to some of the more popular cliff dwellings.

Some areas of the park and some of the staffed attractions are closed seasonally and during holidays. Reservations are accepted for overnight camping throughout the park. When you call ahead to check if the park is opened, ask about the entrance fee that changes seasonally.

#9 — Castlewood Canyon State Park

Area: 2,621 acres
Established: 1964
Highlight: Castlewood Dam remnants, hiking trails

The Castlewood Canyon State Park is located at the site of the Castlewood Dam, which ruptured in 1933 and caused flooding in downtown Denver.

In addition to touring the dam’s remnants, you can also enjoy numerous hike and bike trails as well as rock climbing opportunities on numerous geologic outcroppings and feature.

This park is home to species that include the red fox, the black bear, the coyote, the mountain lion, and more. Wildlife viewing is a popular activity for those who spend time in this park.

Some areas of the park are closed seasonally, and camping is not permitted at any time. The daily entrance fee is $7 per person.

#10 — Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Area: 11,998 acres
Established: 1960
Highlight: Tremont Mountain, rock formations

Golden Gate Canyon State Park is located in the north-central region of the state, and it offers visitors more than 36 miles of hiking trails to explore.

There are an additional 22 miles of biking and horseback riding trails that you can enjoy while at the park. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking and camping in designated areas.

While mountain lion, bear, elk, and other large animals are often seen here, many people also enjoy bird watching at this park. The park is open year-round, and the daily entrance fee per person is $7.

#11 — Roxborough State Park

Area: 3,339 acres
Established: 1975
Highlight: Red rock formations

Roxborough State Park is a relatively small state park that boasts striking red rock formations and several archaeological sites. Hiking through the park and touring the visitor center to learn more about the history of the area are popular ways to spend the day at this park.

Many people also enjoy looking for wildlife, such as deer and black bear.

The daily entrance fee is $7 per person, and the park is open year-round. Camping is not permitted in the park.

#12 — Cherry Creek State Park

Area: 3,356 acres
Established: 1959
Highlight: 880-acre reservoir, shooting range

Situated in Littleton, Cherry Creek State Park is a fun place to spend the day because of its abundance of outdoor recreational activities. A total of 35 miles of multi-purpose trails can be used for cycling, hiking, and more.

The 880-acre reservoir is ideal for boating and swimming; an outdoor shooting range and camping facilities are also located on-site.

This park is open year-round, but it may close during extreme weather conditions. The daily entrance fee is $9 per person.

Driving Safely in State and National Parks

Accidents and mishaps can happen any time you get behind the wheel. If you plan to take a road trip through Colorado to explore its beautiful natural areas, consider reviewing your insurance coverage ahead of time, and take a few additional steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.

– Car Insurance for Driving Through State Parks

Car insurance is legally required in Colorado and consists of liability insurance. Liability insurance only pays for expenses that others face as a result of your actions behind the wheel, but this coverage does not pay for your own vehicle repairs and medical bills.

When you drive on Colorado roads, you may experience a collision with another car or with wildlife; weather-related damage may also occur.

Comprehensive insurance is another type of coverage that may protect you from additional expenses if your car is damaged through wildlife, weather, and more. This coverage pays for your own repair bills and other related expenses.

You should review and update your coverage before your trip to local parks, but you should also make the additional effort to review your policy again every six months. Each time you compare insurance options, review at least three or four different options so that you can find the best deal possible.

– What to Watch Out For

Driving through Colorado’s parks can be relaxing and enjoyable, but you need to be aware of potential hazards, such as hikers and cyclists on the road, wild animals crossing the road, unsafe road conditions, and fallen debris.

These mountain driving tips will help you to keep you safe on the road:

• Always drive the speed limit, and reduce speed when road conditions are not ideal
• Downgrade to a lower gear when driving down a steep incline to protect your brakes
• Ensure your vehicle is in good condition before starting a road trip in the mountains

– Keeping an Emergency Kit in Your Car

Storing an emergency kit in your car before you start a road trip is a smart idea. This kit can help you to stay safe if you are stranded for any period of time. Some of the items that you may want to include in your kit are:

• Food that will not spoil
• Water
• Blankets
• First aid kit
• A simple toolkit
• Bear spray
• Window defroster

If you’d like to hit the road and tour one of Colorado’s parks, start comparison shopping today for better auto insurance by entering your ZIP code below!