4 National Parks in Colorado

Black Canyon of the Gunnison has the lowest attendance of the 4 National Parks in Colorado, but holds a beauty unto itself.  This park is located on the western slope and known for its dramatic, steep-walled canyon carved by the Gunnison River. The canyon's sheer cliffs and rugged beauty make it one of the most awe-inspiring natural attractions in the U.S

Best Time to Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

The best time to visit depends on what you want to do:

Spring (April–May): Great for hiking, cooler temperatures, and wildflowers beginning to bloom. However, some higher-elevation areas may still have snow.

Summer (June–August): Best for hiking, camping, and stargazing, but it can get hot during the day, especially in the canyon. Mornings and evenings are ideal for exploration.

Fall (September–October): One of the best times to visit, with cooler temperatures, stunning fall foliage, and fewer crowds.

Winter (November–March): Peaceful with snow-covered scenery, but some roads (especially to the North Rim) may be closed. Good for solitude and photography.

Main Attractions at Black Canyon of the Gunnison:

• South Rim Drive – The most popular scenic route, offering 12 overlooks with breathtaking views of the canyon, including the famous Painted Wall, the tallest sheer cliff in Colorado (2,250 feet).
• North Rim Drive – A quieter, less-traveled route with several overlooks offering different perspectives of the canyon.
• Gunnison River – The river has created some of the steepest cliffs and oldest exposed rock formations in North America.
• Warner Point Nature Trail – A 1.5-mile round-trip trail that offers panoramic views of the canyon and surrounding mountains.
• Chasm View – A must-see overlook with one of the closest views of the canyon’s sheer drop.
• Iconic viewpoints along the South Rim are Pulpit Rock, Sunset View, and Devil’s Lookout.

Lodging & Camping in and near the National Park:

• South Rim Campground: Open year-round, with electric sites available in some loops.
• North Rim Campground: A smaller, more remote campground, open seasonally.
• East Portal Campground: Located at the bottom of the canyon near the river, accessed via a steep road.
• Nearby Lodging: The closest town is Montrose, CO (about 15 miles from the South Rim), which offers hotels, motels, and vacation rentals.

Popular Hiking Routes in Black Canyon of the Gunnison

• South Rim Trails (Most Popular & Accessible)
  Rim Rock Nature Trail (1 mile one-way, easy) – A scenic walk along the rim with views of the Gunnison River.
• Warner Point Trail (1.5 miles round-trip, moderate) – Leads to an amazing overlook with panoramic canyon and mountain views.
• Oak Flat Loop Trail (2 miles round-trip, moderate) – A descent partway into the canyon with diverse scenery.
• Gunnison Route (1.8 miles one-way, extremely strenuous) – A steep and rugged hike down to the Gunnison River, requiring a wilderness permit.
• North Rim Trails (More Remote & Less Crowded)
• Chasm View Nature Trail (0.6 miles round-trip, easy) – Short trail leading to dramatic cliffside views of the inner canyon.
• North Vista Trail to Exclamation Point (3 miles round-trip, moderate) – Offers one of the best viewpoints of the canyon.
• North Vista Trail to Green Mountain (7 miles round-trip, strenuous) – Extends beyond Exclamation Point, leading to Green Mountain for panoramic views.

Inner Canyon Routes (For Experienced Adventurers)

These hikes are not maintained trails and require a wilderness permit. They involve steep, rocky descents with loose terrain.

• Gunnison Route (South Rim) – The most commonly used route into the canyon, steep with 1,800 feet of elevation loss.
• S.O.B. Draw Route (North Rim) – A difficult scramble through loose rock and scree to reach the river.
• Warner Route (South Rim) – One of the least technical inner canyon routes, but still challenging.

Located in southern Colorado, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is home to North America’s tallest sand dunes, rising up to 750 feet against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The park offers diverse landscapes, including alpine lakes, forests, and grasslands.

Best Time to Visit the Great Sand Dunes National Park

Spring, March–May: Sandhill Crane Migration – Thousands of cranes pass through the San Luis Valley. Best seen at the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge. Also, an excellent time for sandboarding and hiking. Medano Creek starts flowing in late April.

May–June: Peak Flow of Medano Creek – A perfect time for "beach-like" experiences at the dunes. Flow peaks late May to early June.

Summer (June–August) – Hot days but cool nights. Best for stargazing and Medano Creek activities. Dune surfaces can reach 150°F midday! Perseid Meteor Shower – The park’s dark skies make for an incredible meteor-watching experience.

Fall (September–October) – Cooler weather, fewer crowds, and golden aspen foliage in the mountains.

Winter (November–February) – Peaceful with occasional snow on the dunes. Ideal for photography.

Main Attractions at the National Park:

• Star Dune – The tallest dune in North America (~750 feet). A strenuous but rewarding hike.
• High Dune – A shorter (~693 feet) but popular hike with panoramic views.
• Medano Creek – A seasonal creek at the base of the dunes, perfect for wading and sandcastle-building (best flow in late May–early June).
• Zapata Falls – A short hike outside the park to a stunning waterfall in a rocky crevasse.
• Sangre de Cristo Mountains – Provide a dramatic backdrop and offer alpine hiking trails.
• Sandhill Crane Migration – In spring and fall, thousands of cranes pass through the nearby San Luis Valley.

Things to Do at the Great Sand Dunes National Park

• Sandboarding & Sand Sledding – Rent boards in nearby towns and ride the dunes.
• Hiking the Dunes – Popular hikes include High Dune (2.5 miles one-way) and Star Dune (4 miles one-way).
• Medano Pass Primitive Road – A scenic 4WD road with stream crossings, leading to backcountry camping.
• Night Sky Viewing – One of the darkest skies in the U.S., perfect for stargazing and astrophotography.
• Wildlife Viewing – Look for mule deer, black bears, and even bobcats.

Camping & Nearby Lodging at the Great Sand Dunes

Camping in the National Park

• Piñon Flats Campground – Main developed campground, open seasonally (mid-April to October), with tent and RV sites.
• Backcountry Camping – Available on the dunes or in the mountain forests. Requires a permit.
• Medano Road Campsites – Free, primitive 4WD-access sites along Medano Creek.

Nearby Lodging

• Alamosa, CO (35 miles away) – Offers hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. Closest town with full amenities.
• Great Sand Dunes Lodge (just outside the park) – A small motel with stunning views.
• Zapata Ranch – A working bison ranch offering upscale lodging and tours.

Recommended Trails in Great Sand Dunes National Park

Dune Hikes

• High Dune on First Ridge (~2.5 miles round-trip, strenuous) – Offers panoramic views of the dune field and Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
• Star Dune (~8 miles round-trip, very strenuous) – The tallest dune in North America (750 feet). Takes about 5–7 hours to complete.
• Hidden Dune (~6 miles round-trip, strenuous) – A lesser-known but stunning dune with fewer crowds.

Forest & Mountain Trails

• Montville Nature Trail (1 mile loop, easy) – A shaded, scenic trail with views of the dunes and mountains.
• Mosca Pass Trail (6.5 miles round-trip, moderate) – A hike through forests and meadows, following an old Ute and Spanish trail.
• Medano Lake Trail (7 miles round-trip, strenuous) – A high-altitude hike leading to a beautiful alpine lake.

Mesa Verde National Park, located in southwestern Colorado, is famous for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, some over 700 years old. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a unique glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans who lived in the region for over 700 years.

Best Time to Visit the National Park

Spring (April–May) – Mild weather, fewer crowds, and blooming wildflowers. Some tours may not yet be available.

Summer (June–August) – Peak season with all ranger-led tours open, but it can be hot and crowded. Morning or evening visits are ideal.

Fall (September–October) – A fantastic time to visit with fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures, and stunning autumn colors.

Winter (November–March) – Many facilities and tours close, but self-guided scenic drives and snowshoeing offer a unique experience.

Major Attractions at Mesa Verde National Park

• Cliff Palace – The largest and most iconic cliff dwelling in North America, with over 150 rooms and 23 kivas. Ranger-guided tours are required to visit.
• Balcony House – A more adventurous cliff dwelling tour, featuring a 32-foot ladder climb and a narrow tunnel crawl.
• Long House – The second-largest cliff dwelling, accessible via a guided tour on Wetherill Mesa.
• Spruce Tree House – One of the best-preserved cliff dwellings, visible from an overlook near the Chapman Research Center (closed for direct access due to rockfall concerns).
• Petroglyph Point Trail – A 2.4-mile round-trip hike featuring Ancestral Puebloan petroglyphs.
• Mesa Top Loop Road – A scenic 6-mile driving tour showcasing viewpoints of pit houses, cliff dwellings, and overlooks like Sun Point View and Square Tower House.
• Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum – Features exhibits on the history, artifacts, and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans.

Things to Do at Mesa Verde National park

• Ranger-Guided Tours – Required for access to Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House (tickets available in advance).
• Hiking – Trails range from easy overlooks to moderate backcountry routes like Petroglyph Point Trail and Spruce Canyon Trail.
• Scenic Drives – Both Mesa Top Loop Road and Wetherill Mesa Road offer stunning views and historical sites.
• Stargazing – Mesa Verde is a designated International Dark Sky Park, offering excellent opportunities for night photography.
• Wildlife Viewing – Spot deer, wild turkeys, and black bears, especially near Morefield Campground.

Camping & Lodging at Mesa Verde National Park

Camping in the Park

• Morefield Campground (4 miles from the park entrance)
• Open seasonally from mid-May to mid-October
• RV and tent sites available
• Includes a small store, café, and hiking trails nearby

Lodging in the Park

• Far View Lodge (inside the park, open seasonally)
• Offers balcony views of the mesas
• No TVs, this maintains a peaceful experience

Closest lodging to the major cliff dwellings

Nearby Lodging

• Cortez, CO (9 miles away) – Has hotels, motels, and restaurants. Closest full-service town.
• Mancos, CO (20 miles away) – A small, artsy town with rustic lodging options.
• Durango, CO (35 miles away) – A larger city with a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions like the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Located in northern Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) spans 415 square miles of stunning alpine landscapes, dense forests, and high-altitude lakes. With elevations ranging from 7,500 to over 14,000 feet, the park is home to breathtaking mountain views, diverse wildlife, and over 350 miles of hiking trails. Of the 4 National Parks in Colorado, RMNP is by far the most popular. You could spend your lifetime exploring this park and never get bored.

Major Events & Seasonal Highlights at RMNP

Spring (April–May) – Snow begins to melt, wildlife is active, and wildflowers start blooming at lower elevations.

Summer (June–August) – Best for hiking, scenic drives, and camping. Wildlife is abundant, but Trail Ridge Road and popular areas get crowded.

Fall (September–October) – Elk Rut (mating season) occurs in September; golden aspens make for spectacular scenery.

Winter (November–March) – Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and wildlife viewing. Some roads and campgrounds close, but Bear Lake Road remains accessible.

Annual Events at Rocky Mountain National Park:

• Elk Fest (Late September, Estes Park) – Celebrates the annual elk rut with wildlife talks, music, and educational events.
• Rocky Mountain Half Marathon (August, Estes Park) – A scenic race with breathtaking mountain views.
• RMNP Night Sky Festival (August) – Special stargazing events and astronomy talks.

Major Attractions at RMNP

• Trail Ridge Road – A 48-mile scenic highway that crosses the Continental Divide, reaching 12,183 feet. Open seasonally (late May to October, depending on snow conditions).
• Bear Lake – One of the most accessible and picturesque alpine lakes, with a flat 0.6-mile loop trail and connections to other hikes.
• Moraine Park – A stunning valley known for wildlife viewing (especially elk) and wildflower-filled meadows.
• Alpine Visitor Center – The highest visitor center in the National Park System (11,796 feet), with panoramic views and exhibits on tundra ecosystems.
• Old Fall River Road – A historic one-way dirt road leading to the Alpine Visitor Center, offering a more rugged, scenic drive.
• Longs Peak – The park’s highest mountain (14,259 feet), a challenge for experienced hikers and climbers.
• Horseshoe Park & Sheep Lakes – Best places to see bighorn sheep and other wildlife, especially in summer.
• Glacier Gorge – A trailhead offering access to multiple stunning destinations, including Sky Pond and Alberta Falls.

Things to Do at Rocky Mountain National Park

• Hiking & Backpacking – From easy nature trails to challenging alpine ascents.
• Wildlife Viewing – RMNP is home to elk, moose, black bears, bighorn sheep, and marmots.
• Scenic Drives – Trail Ridge Road, Old Fall River Road, and Bear Lake Road provide breathtaking vistas.
• Horseback Riding - Guided horseback trail rides through the park. Perfect for beginners and advanced riders.
• Photography & Fall Colors – Autumn (late September–early October) offers golden aspen and stunning landscapes.
• Stargazing – RMNP is a designated International Dark Sky Park, making it a top spot for night sky viewing.
• Fishing & Boating – Limited to designated areas; Lake Estes and Sprague Lake are popular.
• Camping & Picnicking – Several developed and backcountry camping areas are available.
• Rock Climbing – Areas like Lumpy Ridge and Longs Peak are famous for technical climbs.
• Ranger-Led Programs – Educational talks, guided hikes, and wildlife encounters.

Popular Hiking Trails in RMNP

Easy Hikes:

• Bear Lake Loop (0.6 miles, flat) – A scenic, wheelchair-accessible lake trail.
• Sprague Lake (0.8 miles, flat) – Great for photography and sunrise views.
• Alberta Falls (1.7 miles round-trip, easy) – A beautiful waterfall near Glacier Gorge.

Moderate Hikes:

• Emerald Lake (3.2 miles round-trip, moderate) – Passes Nymph and Dream Lakes, ending at a stunning alpine lake.
• Sky Pond (9 miles round-trip, strenuous) – A bucket-list hike through Glacier Gorge, featuring waterfalls and alpine lakes.
• The Loch (5.4 miles round-trip, moderate) – A scenic lake surrounded by towering peaks.
• Deer Mountain (6 miles round-trip, moderate) – Offers panoramic views of Estes Park and RMNP.

Strenuous Hikes:

• Chasm Lake (8.4 miles round-trip, difficult) – A high-altitude lake near the base of Longs Peak.
• Flattop Mountain & Hallett Peak (10.3 miles round-trip, very strenuous) – One of the best summit hikes in RMNP.
• Longs Peak (Keyhole Route) (14.5 miles round-trip, extremely difficult) – The most famous and dangerous hike in RMNP. Requires experience, preparation, and an early start.

Lodging & Camping at RMNP

Camping in the Park (Reservations Required)

• Aspenglen Campground – Near the Fall River entrance; seasonal with tent and RV sites.
• Glacier Basin Campground – A central location near Bear Lake Road, seasonal.
• Moraine Park Campground – Open year-round, offers some first-come, first-served sites in winter.
• Timber Creek Campground – The only campground on the west side of the park.
• Backcountry Camping – Requires a permit and is available in remote areas.

Lodging (Outside the Park)

• Estes Park, CO (East Entrance, 5 miles from RMNP) – The main hub for hotels, cabins, and restaurants. Offers luxury lodges, resorts, and budget motels.
• Grand Lake, CO (West Entrance, 2 miles from RMNP) – A quieter option with lakefront cabins, inns, and small resorts.
• Allenspark, CO (20 miles south of Estes Park) – Offers rustic lodges and mountain cabins.