National and State Parks in Colorado
Colorado’s abundance of National and State Parks is just one reason why this state is so special. There are 4 National parks and 42 State Parks. All of these parks have been preserved for various reasons; however, you can expect to find an abundance of natural beauty and wildlife. State Parks include RV and tent camping amenities, along with other features unique to each location. Although National Parks allow camping and there are some designated campgrounds, they don’t have the scale of amenities that the State Parks have.
Colorado’s National Parks
- Rocky Mountain National Park – One of the most popular National Parks in the United States (located just 65 miles from Denver).
- Mesa Verde National Park – located in southwest Colorado. Explore ancient cliff-dwelling civilizations from 600 A.D.
- Great Sand Dunes National Park – Located in the San Luis Valley, southcentral Colorado. The Old Spanish Trail skirts the southern region. Try sand sledding, skiing, and sandboarding.
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison – Located on the western slope between Grand Junction and Telluride. The park is known for its amazingly narrow canyons, carved over millions of years.
Colorado State Parks
Home to over 40 State Parks. Colorado’s state parks offer some of the best outdoor recreation in all of the U.S., including Camping, fishing, hiking, rock climbing, and water sports. It’s all here and much more, often just a short drive from Denver. Plan your trip with a free visitor’s guide. Take time to check out at least a few of these amazing natural wonders. Check out our State Park’s Guide to find more details about each park.
Colorado’s National Forest and Grasslands
Explore 11 National Forest and 2 National Grasslands. These large public lands span north to south, mainly located in Colorado’s central rocky mountain region. National forests provide an abundance of wildlife and recreation opportunities.
Colorado’s BLM
Colorado has 8.3 million acres of public land and more than 27 million acres of mineral estate. The BLM manages resources and recreational use on these lands.
Visiting Colorado’s National and State Park
Visiting Colorado’s National and State Parks is a must-do for locals and tourists. Visiting all National and State Parks is not feasible unless you make it a mission. If you look around, you will notice that they are in close proximity to popular towns and cities throughout Colorado. Depending on your interests, you can find State and National Parks that will satisfy your outdoorsy self.
Brew at the Zoo presented by Three Corners Connector
Apr 27
3455 Nuckolls Ave, Pueblo, COPueblo’s favorite festival is back for its 7th year! Pueblo Zoos Brew at the Zoo presented by Three Corners Connec
Battle MMA Championships 13
Apr 27
Norris Penrose Indoor Event Center, 1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd, Colorado Springs, COAn adrenaline-fueled epic night filled with fights! Local fighters go head-to-head in battle, showcasing their skills in
Collecting and Collections by Renowned University Expert
Apr 27
200 West Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins, CORussell Belk, Distinguished Research Professor and Marketing Chair at York University in Toronto, Canada, will present C
International Trivia Night
Apr 30
200 West Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins, COThe ever-popular International Trivia Night will be held from 6-8 pm Tuesday, April 30, at the Global Village Museum of
237 Virginia Avenue
May 02 - May 19
2700 Arapahoe St, Denver, COSYNOPSIS When Eric, an overeducated and underemployed professor, begins researching the history of his father Rex’s pr
Maria Schneider Orchestra
May 03
2344 E Iliff Ave., Denver, COThe seven-time Grammy award-winning Maria Schneider Orchestra has been hailed by critics as “evocative, majestic, magi
Pack Rats at Heart: The Joys of Collecting
May 04
200 West Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins, COWith over 60 years of adventures collecting artifacts, Gary and Carol Ann Hixon will present Pack Rats at Heart: The Joy
Desert Highlights Trail Camp
May 10 - May 13
777 Grande River Drive, Palisade, COJoin us for a long weekend in the colorful desert landscape of Western Colorado! This year, we have partnered with Gemin
Resplendent Rachmaninoff – Fort Collins Symphony
May 11
417 West Magnolia Street, Fort Collins, COOur season closes with music that has captivated audiences in concert halls, movie theaters, and figure skating arenas f
Run to the Shrine
May 18 - May 19
4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, COJoin us on Saturday, May 18 or Sunday, May 19, 2024 for Run to the Shrine, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s annual fundraiser r