National Parks in Colorado – Overview and Travel Guide
Colorado boasts four incredible National Parks, each offering unique landscapes and experiences—from high alpine peaks to vast sand dunes and ancient cliff dwellings. Here's a full summary of each park, with travel tips and a “Which One to Visit?” guide to help you decide.
1. Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP)
Location: Northern Colorado, near Estes Park and Grand Lake
Best For: Mountain lovers, hikers, families, wildlife watchers
RMNP Highlights:
- Over 60 peaks above 12,000 feet, including Longs Peak (14,259 ft)
- Trail Ridge Road – one of the highest paved roads in North America
- Lakes, waterfalls, and over 350 miles of trails
- Frequent wildlife sightings: elk, moose, marmots, eagles
Scenic Travel Route:
Trail Ridge Road west of RMNP connects to Grand Lake.
Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
- Connects: Estes Park (Rocky Mountain NP) → Nederland → Black Hawk (55 miles)
- Front Range Views, aspens in fall, pass through charming mountain towns
- A scenic access to RMNP
Travel Tips:
When to go: Late June–September (Trail Ridge Road is closed in winter)
Where to stay: Estes Park (east side) or Grand Lake (west side)
Permits: Timed-entry reservations required in summer
Great for: Day hikes, scenic drives, fall foliage, family trips
2. Mesa Verde National Park
Location: Southwest Colorado, near Cortez and Durango
Best For: History buffs, archaeology lovers, cultural travelers
Mesa Verde Highlights:
- Home to 5,000+ archaeological sites from the Ancestral Puebloans
- Iconic Cliff Palace and Balcony House cliff dwellings
- Scenic mesa-top drives and self-guided hikes
Scenic Travel Route:
San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway connects near Mesa Verde NP and passes through Durango, Silverton, Ouray, and Telluride.
- Length: 236 miles
- Includes Million Dollar Highway section (Ouray to Silverton)
- Look for waterfalls, rugged cliffs, ghost towns, alpine passes
- Start from either Cortez (near Mesa Verde) or Durango
Travel Tips:
When to go: Spring to fall; some cliff dwellings close in winter
Where to stay: Inside the park (Morefield Campground) or Cortez/Durango
Permits: Guided tours of dwellings require advance tickets
Great for: Educational trips, photography, slower-paced exploration
3. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Location: South-central Colorado, near Alamosa
Best For: Adventure seekers, families, stargazers
Great Sand Dunes Highlights:
- Tallest sand dunes in North America (up to 750 feet!)
- Popular for sandboarding, sledding, and starry skies
- Seasonal Medano Creek (natural “beach” at the base of dunes)
- Access to alpine forests, wetlands, and wildlife
Scenic Travel Routes:
Highway 50 - Monarch Pass to Black Canyon
- Connects Great Sand Dunes NP to Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP (120 miles)
- Monarch Pass tops out at 11,312'
- Arkansas River valley, Curecanti National Recreation Area
Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic Byway
- Connects Alamosa to Great Sand Dunes NP to Fort Garland to SanLuis (129 miles)
- Check out cultural sites, historic towns, views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Travel Tips:
When to go: Late May–early June for Medano Creek; fall for cooler temps
Where to stay: Alamosa or camp inside the park
Gear: Bring sand sleds (can rent nearby), water, sun protection
Great for: Families, photographers, night sky viewing, offbeat adventure
4. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Location: Western Colorado, near Montrose
Best For: Solitude, dramatic scenery, experienced hikers/climbers
Blcak Canyon Highlights:
- Deep, narrow canyon with 2,000+ ft vertical cliffs
- Striking overlooks like Painted Wall and Chasm View
- Opportunities for hiking, kayaking (experienced only), and fishing
- Less crowded than other parks
Scenic Travel Route
Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic Byway
- Connects: Grand Junction → Gateway → near Black Canyon NP (via CO-141) (133 miles)
- Red rock canyons, rivers, and remote desert landscapes
- Feels like a mini–Grand Canyon drive
- Proximity: Use when coming to Black Canyon NP from the west
- Great option if combining Black Canyon with Arches/Canyonlands in Utah
Travel Tips:
When to go: Spring to fall; North Rim closes in winter
Where to stay: Montrose (South Rim access) or Gunnison (for North Rim)
Be aware: Very steep terrain—not ideal for young kids or casual hikers
Great for: Escaping crowds, dramatic photography, geology lovers