Canyon for which this national park was named.See more..
4.5Great Sand Dunes National Park(998 reviews) - What a fun experience! Spent More than 3 hours Mountains • National Parks • Deserts
This was so much fun! Sand boarding down the sand dunes was my favorite thing I did in Colorado. Here are some tips: 1. If you are looking to rent a sand board or sled, there is a place called Great Sand Dunes Oasis. This place is close to the sand dunes and is on your way to and back. It’s only $20 for a board or a sled. You are able to rent them but gotta return to the store before they close. 2. The visitor fee to the sand dunes is $25. 3. I would recommend wearing sandals or water shoes to the sand dunes. There is quite a walk to the actual sand dunes. There is an area in the middle that you have to cross that have water flowing through. So expect to get your feet wet. Plus if you are renting a sand board/ sled, they recommend you to use it barefoot or with socks on.See more..
4.5Hovenweep National Monument(700 reviews) - Smaller than Chaco Canyon, but no less impressive Spent 2-3 hours Ancient Ruins • National Parks • Monuments & Statues
Located in Utah but near Cortez, this site has six ruin sites all built around 1200 AD. Hovenweep is 42 miles from Cortez, CO and approximately 48 from Blanding, UTSee more..
5.0San Juan National Forest(582 reviews) - Pass Creek Trail to Engineer Mt--Gorgeous Wildflowers National Parks • Forests
Wilderness area consisting of forested mountains, 14,000-foot peaks, scenic roads, geological formations, prehistoric communities and a narrow-gauge railroad.See more..
We made a brief stop here on our way from Colorado Springs to Leadville. Both of the kids (6 and 8) were very excited about earning Junior Ranger badges and completing activities in the booklet they were given. I loved that the booklet encouraged them to learn about what they were seeing and to experience it in ways they might not have, like sketching a pine tree or touching an aspen and describing how the bark felt. All of the rangers were very friendly and wonderful with my kids’ questions, even helping my son identify pictures he took of wildflowers while hiking. There are several trails, even accessible trails to make the space enjoyable for everyone. Kids were free, and the $10 each for adults gained us access for seven days. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to return this time and explore more, but we hope to in the future.See more..
4.5Mesa Verde National Park(342 reviews) - The culture of early Indian Population. Spent More than 3 hours National Parks
A natural wonder you need to experience. Seeing these cliff dwellings make you wonder how and why these people built these structures were they did. You cannot enter the majority of them but from a distance you can still see all the details that were included in the designs. You must stay within the national park as it it at least a 35 minute plus drive to get to the locationsSee more..
This 42,000-acre Recreation Area features three reservoirs, Blue Mesa, Morrow Point and Crystal, which are surrounded by rugged, steep-walled canyons and mesas.See more..
5.0Gunnison National Forest(130 reviews) - Black Canyon Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM National Parks • Forests
National preserve that encompasses part of Colorado's central mountains, around the towns of Gunnison and Crested Butte.See more..
One of twelve national forests in Colorado, this one-million-acre forest offers snow-capped peaks and crystal mountain lakes.See more..
4.5High Dune Trail(99 reviews) - Great experience Spent 2-3 hours National Parks • Deserts • Hiking Trails
I gave this a 5 star review, because it was an incredible experience! I would recommend to go early in the morning before it gets too hot. The surface of the sand can get up to 104 degrees. Make sure to wear sneakers, NOT sandals. Bring lots of water and make sure to apply sunblock and wear a hat. There is a 1/2 mile walk from the parking lot to the bottom of the dunes in sand- can be strenuous. Enjoy- it’s worth it!!See more..
Did a sunrise hike at Bear Lake in RMNP. Arrived at the park entrance before 5am which allowed us access to Bear Lake Road before the timed entry kicked in. Otherwise you'll need to login the day before and try to obtain one of the limited entry passes with a 2 hour window and which does not guarantee you parking. But at this hour there was ample parking available at Bear Lake but I was still surprised at how many cars were already there. I was concerned about hiking in the predawn light but it was a super easy trail . Sunrise over the lake was peaceful and inspiring - well worth the early morning wake-up. Afterwards we hiked to Emerald Lake, stopping by Dream Lake and Nymph Lake. This hike is still considered "easy" but it did have a few short steep sections especially near the end.See more..
5.0North Rim(66 reviews) - The Quieter of the 2 Rims National Parks
Less visited but wonderfully scenic area.See more..
4.5Many Parks Curve Overlook(57 reviews) - Great Overlook on Trail Ridge Road Spent < 1 hour Mountains • National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests • Valleys
This was an unexpected stop for us but offered a beautiful overlook. Driving Trail Ridge Road can bring a lot of anxiety so this was a great way to take a break and relax. I highly recommend making this stop.See more..
5.0Pike National Forest(53 reviews) - Simply fantastic Monday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM National Parks
Forest region that contains more than one million acres of land with 14,000-foot mountains, fishing streams, campgrounds and wilderness areas.See more..
4.5Summit Lake Park(50 reviews) - Beautiful but still frozen the third week of May Spent < 1 hour National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Went the third week of May. The lake was still frozen but a beautiful spot. We enjoyed hiking around the lake in the snow with the dog. Mount Evans Road was closed but there were still plenty of people picnicking and enjoying the lake. Beautiful area and would recommend.See more..
5.0Rio Grande National Forest(25 reviews) - Wrong turn but a beautiful surprise National Parks • Forests
We camped in Island Lake Campground here but several sweet spots to stay if you can. We had large deer come right up to our picnic table and eat vegetation fearlessly. The lakes are simply gorgeous but too cold for swimming. If you have a kayak don’t miss out!!See more..
4.0Alvarado Campground(5 reviews) - Camping at 9000 feet! Spent More than 3 hours Mountains • National Parks • Hiking Trails
Alvarado is a nice campground located on the slopes above the Wet Mountains Valley. It offers sites for tents, RV's and four sites for horsemen in their equestrian area. Water points, bearproof dumpsters and very clean pit toilets are all available here.See more..
