4.5Winter Park Resort(1.489 reviews) - Great Boarding Instructor Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Ski & Snowboard Areas
Voted Best Ski Resort in North America by USA Today readers & named Colorado’s Top Adventure Town two years in a row by Elevation Outdoors, Winter Park is Colorado’s favorite ski resort. Tucked away in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Winter Park offers more than 3,000 skiable acres and is home to the legendary Mary Jane Territory. The Resort also boasts six other unique territories to explore, offering trails to accommodate all skill levels. Situated among vast wilderness of untouched and open space, Winter Park invites you to experience Colorado Unfiltered.See more..
4.5Butterfly Pavilion(725 reviews) - Butterflies, Butterflies, Butterflies Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Science Museums • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Butterfly Pavilion has been part of the Colorado community since 1995 and is the first Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited, stand-alone, non-profit invertebrate zoo in the world, currently occupying a 30,000-square foot facility situated on an 11-acre campus. Frolic with 1,600 free-flying tropical butterflies in Wings of the Tropics, hold the famous Rosie the tarantula in the Crawl-A-See-Em, dive into the wonder of the coral reefs and other ocean invertebrates in Water's Edge, and and explore the unique and diverse invertebrate habitats that exist here in Colorado. Our mission is to foster an appreciation of invertebrates by educating the public about the need to protect and care for threatened habitats globally, while conducting research for solutions in invertebrate conservation. Beyond Colorado, Butterfly Pavilion conservationists are doing important invertebrate conservation projects around the world from Mongolia and Saudi Arabia to Tanzania and Indonesia.See more..
This is the second time we’ve visited the wolf sanctuary. The first time we did the VIP meet and greet, which I highly recommend. Getting to meet the wolves up close is a very intimidating and emotional experience. My husband and I loved it. This time we brought our two children, 14 and 8, and they had a wonderful time. From petting the horse in the pen next to the entrance to the howl at the end, they were engaged and enthralled throughout (except the beginning, it’s the educational and safety talk so to be expected :)). We even got to see wolf pups playing in their pool. Definitely worth the side trip. And all costs associated with the tour and whatever additional experience you choose (optional) are 100% used for the running of the sanctuary.See more..
4.0Dinosaur Ridge(533 reviews) - Fun tour with fun guide! Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
This hidden gem is home to numerous fossils from the Cretaceous and Jurassic periods. Explore dinosaur tracks, visit the exhibition hall, and dig for fossils at two play areas. The informative bus tour is highly recommended; otherwise it's an uphill walk for about half of the way. If you opt for the bus, sit on the right side for the best views. Before you leave, stop at the souvenir shop for some affordably priced trinkets. It can get rather hot in summer, so plan your trip during the cooler months for a more comfortable experience. – TripadvisorSee more..
We stopped by the park on our way back from the Royal Gorge Park so unfortunately we did not have much time to spend in the park and that was a shame. This park is part of the Colorado Springs regional park system and is simply a hidden gem of a park. It has beautiful hiking trails from easy to difficult with waterfalls and beautiful views of the surrounding area. We hiked to Helen Falls and were enamored by the beauty of the falls and the surrounding forests. It felt so calm and relaxing hearing the water falls amongst the silence of the trees. There is no entry fee which is an additional bonus. When we come back to Colorado Springs, one of our first stops would be to come here and spend more time in this beautiful park. I would recommend to come early morning if it is in the summer in order to beat the heat and hot sun of the afternoon. A definite must!See more..
I'm fortunate enough to live 20 minutes away from this magical refuge and visit often. If you enjoy wildlife photography, birding, and/or the quiet enjoyment of nature this is a must visit. There are a wide variety of birds that call the refuge home or that visit during migration. Mule deer are plentiful and the bison herd is often visible on the 10-mile wildlife drive. I highly recommend timing your visit close to sunset or sunrise, as there are far fewer people/cars and the wildlife is most active. If you drive the loop road, take your time and stop occasionally to listen to the birds singing and enjoy the quiet this refuge offers.See more..
Colorado Gators began in 1977 as a fish farm. The geothermal well is 2050 ft deep and 87 degrees. In 1987, the first alligators were brought in as 'garbage disposals' for dead fish. Some of these original gators are now 12 feet long. There are many species of reptiles on our farm, most of which come from uninformed pet owners. We take care of these animals and display them for education of the public.See more..
The feeding time tour was really interesting - the guide shared a lot of information about each animal (even though a rainstorm was moving in). These are animals that cannot survive in the wild, and daily feedings must cost a small fortune. Some of the animals have been in the care of the park for 15 years or more, and they all appeared very well cared for. Educational and fun.See more..
4.5Durango Wildlife Museum and Fish Hatchery(195 reviews) - Fun, Simple Visit. Museum CLOSED Monday: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Nature & Wildlife Areas
We opened the Museum on June 12, 2022. We are open to visitors until Sunday, September 11, 2022. Our hours are 11:00-3:00 Sunday through Saturday. The hatchery is open.See more..
4.5Aurora Reservoir(153 reviews) - Best reservoir in south Denver Monday: 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
With over 800 acres of water surface, Aurora Reservoir is one of the city's largest park and open space sites. Named by Westword as "The Best Park for Fishing" in 2012, the reservoir provides multi-use recreation and serves as a drinking water storage facility for Aurora.See more..
5.0Blue Mesa Fishing(130 reviews) - Great fishing with Seth Marinas • Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Blue Mesa Reservoir is Colorado's largest reservoir and home to the largest in Kokanee Salmon population in the Western US. Blue Mesa Reservoir is 330 feet at the deepest point and is made up of 3 basins, 4 boat launches, two marinas and over 100 miles of shoreline. It is truly a magnificent area nestled in the Rocky MountainsSee more..
4.5Mount Sanitas Trail(128 reviews) - Lion’s Lair Trail - the perfect winter hike and the highlight of our trip! Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
I searched for weeks to find a hike I felt confident would be doable in the snow. Not too steep at all. We did our hike on February 24 and the weather was GORGEOUS. It is pretty windy though so I wore my scarf as a head wrap to protect my skin. A very short Uber ride from Boulder, there was no issue getting there once you find the starting point address (1929 Sunshine Canyon Drive). From there, the trail is very well defined and easy to follow and took us about 3 hours to get to the top and back down. Most important thing is to wear spikes! We bought some on Amazon for $25 that just hook onto your boots and they were more than sufficient. There was a lot of ice and mud but it was a very comfortable hike.See more..
This hidden gem is away from the crowds but right off the road. We initially were confused on location because GPS took us to the middle of Crede and the reviews were not specific. Without great reception in the area I had to ask for directions. The Falls are actually another 20 miles north of Crede; between Crede and Lake City. It is well worth the drive. We agree w/ others on TA. A real hidden gem.See more..
Connect with nature at this 110-acre park. Inside experience exhibits that depict migrating birds and reveal secrets of the ponderosa pine forest. Visit the Discovery Corner and Observation Room. Outside stroll trails winding through forest and meadow, picnic beneath towering pine trees or join a naturalist-guided program.See more..
Spiritual Lands. This land signifies peace, tranquility and protection. Dennis Weaver memorialized this river edge parcel as an early advocate of environmentalism, sustainability and natural resource advocacy. Stop at the prayer rock or walk along the plateau paths, this park is unique and magical. We need more people with resources and vision like Mr. Weaver and his family to set aside our beautiful country for the public to embrace. My Granddaughter was born as I stopped at this park. It holds heartfelt value for me and I hope for you, too.See more..
We love hiking here with our dog. The trails can be very busy at times, but if you go off peak then things are much quieter. Note that parking at busy times can be very limited. The trails themselves are well kept. They are easy to follow and have good markings. You can't get lost. Well you could, but it would be hard. There are several hikes off the trailhead. Most rise pretty quickly and afford great views toward Boulder and the Front Range. All the trails are generally easy. As I said, the trails are dog friendly. There's a clean bathroom at the trailhead. There's even a sunscreen dispenser.See more..
Remote, scenic area near the northern Colorado border popular for fishing, hiking and whitewater rafting.See more..
4.0Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge(75 reviews) - Auto tour loop and walking trail Monday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
Was able to see many birds along auto loop trail (not as many on walking trail). Very close to town. Free.See more..
4.5Leadville National Fish Hatchery(73 reviews) - Fun feeding fish. Monday: 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
I thought the historic fishery building was very interesting . Due to covid-19 we could not go inside. They had a pond outside of the regular settling pools where you can feed the trout. Since the sides were sloped the fish come right up to you and splash you when they went for the food. Then we opted to go on the Rocky Creek loop trail 2.4 MI. We kept following the signs that said Rocky Creek but somehow missed the loop. The terrain kept getting rougher and steeper. Usually a decent trail. Went through some marshy area. Went by some beautiful lakes and a side trip to the mountain stream. When we hit the Colorado trail we knew for certain we had gone too far. decided to finish out the Kearney Park trail. Over 8 mi for the day. Wished we had our walking sticks and more water. Never did see a sign saying Kearny Park.See more..
What a wonderful experience today. My husband and I did the guided auto tour through Picketwire Canyon. Lyn was our guide and was very informative at the many stops we made. The dinosaur tracks were absolutely amazing and walking across the river to see even more tracks was exciting. Take plenty of water and food and don't expect to have phone service. Be sure to read the requirements for this drive at their website.See more..
The Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center is a member-supported, non-profit organization. Our beautiful setting along the Arkansas River features a variety of facilities and picnic areas, where we also offer educational nature programs for all ages. Bike, walk, or blade along our paved riverside trails, cast your line on the scenic fishing deck, or visit our resident birds of prey at the Raptor Center (open from 11 AM to 4 PM, Tuesday through Sunday). For an up-close raptor encounter, come to one of our free bird of prey presentations at 11:30 AM every Saturday and Sunday!See more..
South Platte Park contains the only unchannelized stretch of the South Platte River in the Denver Metro Area. 878 acres of open space provide 5 lakes open to fishing, 4 miles of walking trails, a paved regional recreation trail, 2.5 miles of river, over 300 species of wildlife, a free nature center with interactive exhibits, and nature classes for schools, youth, families, and adults.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..
Great hike- we did four miles round-trip, to the top of the ridge and back. There are informational signs along the trail (which added to my understanding of the landscape we were hiking). There is plenty of wildlife to be seen (we saw mule deer, prairie dogs, and an unidentified snake). The view at the top is beautiful! Great for photos. I will warn about the incline, though. Stretch beforehand, especially if you are not an experienced hiker.See more..
4.5Mission: Wolf(53 reviews) - Living with the Wolves Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
Everyday was a new experience. I really enjoyed every bit of my adventures there at Mission:wolf making friends with the wolves. I lived for two months in a tipi with the wolves, gaining work experience through education, sustainability, refugee and animal care. Got to learn new perspectives to broaden my horizon. Really cool place. Hope once pandemic slides we can meet again. I was there may2019-July 2019See 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..
I am an avid fly fisherman and my son (4 y/o) is getting into fishing as well. Our family went to the hatchery for a visit, combined with a walk around the neighboring Frantz Lake. A nice 2 hour outing. The hatchery has a visitor office with displays of many kinds of trout and other fish. A 10 minute video offers interesting information about the history of the hatchery and about how rivers and high mountain lakes get stocked. But the highlight of the visit was surely getting a Folgers coffee can with fish food, and being able to wander around the hatchery feeding the fish :)See more..
The campsite was nice, the location was really nice (only being 45 minutes west of Denver), but the facilities were disgusting. The campsite offers one fresh water spigot and you have to drive to get to it. The restrooms are plentiful, but they appear to have lacked any maintenance since they were installed. Unfortunately having a 5 year old daughter I had to make several trips to the restroom. It was everything I had to keep from puking as you get within 10-15 feet of the toilet. If this campsite wasn't so close, I would probably never go again, simply because of the restroom conditions. I will be looking next year for a new location to camp.See more..
Made 3 drives through the refuge in 3 days. Great viewing of moose (11 spotted, including a mom and baby.) Saw long-earred owl, deer, fox, rabbits, pronghorn, prairie falcon, pelicans.... had the place to ourselves. Don't miss driving up to Owl Ridge.... was able to spot moose easily from that vantage point.See more..
4.0Union Reservoir Park(34 reviews) - My family and I had a great experience at Union Reservoir. Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
We rented stand-up paddleboards and thoroughly enjoyed our first experience with them. Then we brought out our canvas chairs and had a picnic lunch. I recommend Union Reservoir for an outdoors/water option with a nice view of the mountains.See more..
Say hello to Mr & Mrs idiot. We went on this hike for our 33 anniversary. Good first. Saw a beautiful wild horse and 10 big horn sheep. Great views all the way. Please follow this advice. Get the COTREX app before you go, it saved us and is free and don’t need service. Our mistake was the going down part, we did the loop and as soon as we started down Hoodoo we knew we were in trouble. We were heading to coal canyon trail but the very steep downhill got us. When you hit Coal canyon trail BLM 300 it is sand so walking was very hard after the downhill. We ended up calling 911 for a ride out for our safety. Just be prepared with water and watch your miles. I calculated 13 miles in 6 hours. We ended up 18 miles as per fit bit in 10 hours. Not bad for 62 ish hikers. See more..
Characterized by steep, rugged terrain, this wilderness area encompasses 9,400 acres with an elevation range from 6,200 to 8,600 feet.See more..
4.5Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area(28 reviews) - Beautiful place to spend our 41st anniversary day!! Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
My and I wife spent the day at Eleven Mile Canyon for our 41st Anniversary. We wanted to spend the day in a beautiful setting not far from home. The canyon experience did not let us down. We took beautiful pictures of the stream and surrounding geography in the canyon and found a nice spot for a picnic lunch. There were rock climbers and fishermen abound. The weather was perfect! A very relaxing day. There are plenty of camp sites and picnic areas. Definitely worth the $6.00 fee admission per vehicle.See more..
We saw this drive listed as a scenic byway, and checked with the Chamber of Commerce in Kremmling before attempting it. Kristine at the chamber said is was a gorgeous and easy drive and she was right on both accounts. The locals call it "Trough Road" and we used a GPS to find and drive it from just south of Kremmling to State Bridge. The road was wide and fairly smooth. The wildlife and the views were both amazing. We saw plenty of elk and deer. Others report moose and big horn sheep, which we did not see. It took only a couple of hours and was an unexpected delight. We highly recommend it.See more..
4.5Plains Conservation Center(27 reviews) - Fun, interesting and informative Monday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
I am a kindergarten teacher and we take field trips to Plains Conservation at least twice a year. They have friendly and knowledgeable staff that seem to enjoy teaching the little ones. Inside one of the buildings they have some animals such as snakes, lizards, and turtles. They have different options such as wagon rides on the plains or exploring various items in a yert. You and see prairie dogs and they have teepees and sod houses. Sometimes they will show the children games pioneer or Native American children played. There are more options but you can probably call them for more information.See more..
5.0Montgomery Reservoir(26 reviews) - Interesting water falls/rapids Nature & Wildlife Areas
After hiking the Hoosier Pass, which overlooked this reservoir, we decided to picnic with the fishing folks. There are no picnic tables but lots of rocks. We noticed a water feature on the far end and hiked from our parking lot. You can basically drive to the falls if you take the high road and not the low road to the first parking lot. It was a fine walk and the rushing water was fun to photograph. The mine building which is in previous pictures here was not visible, so I imagine it has been taken down.See more..
4.5Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area(26 reviews) - Summer is hot for hiking, great for biking. Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Equestrian Trails • Hiking Trails
Wonderful to bike through always, beautiful to walk through any time but dead summer. Check out the bike paths that run through here all the way into old town. Get a bike map and enjoy this family friendly biking/walking path that runs from here and all the way around town. In sping/ early summer the birds and greenery and flowers . . . just heavenly with lovely spots to stop and sit. Just beware, no trees, just prairie, so don't plan on shade in summer. And beware the ocassional rattle snake on the path (why I prefer to bike it).See more..
Our family of seven had an amazing time here! Mark was super knowledgeable and you could tell by his presentation that he had a true passion for the wolves! With every tour being private and at no charge, this place and the wolves will steal your heart. I highly recommend not only visiting, but consider donating to such an amazing cause!!!!See more..
5.0Sand Wash Basin(24 reviews) - Best $0 bucks I ever spent! Nature & Wildlife Areas
Sand Wash Basin is a great place to get lost! (literally, when you're coming down from Lookout Mountain you can very easily get lost off trail). When not driving on the Horse Loop be very aware of road signs and write down visible numbers on posts when you see ANY that aren't faded to dust. I highly recommend Lookout Mountain but it is 4WD only to the top. You will see horses if you go there. I was expecting to see probably 20 and ended up seeing around 100 to 115 horses in a single day. 4 wheel drive is recommended for the entire Basin but you could get away with driving a car with good clearance on most of the Horse Loop and main trails without much problems. You could NOT take a car to the top of Lookout Mountain via the Sand Wash Basin road though. BE VERY CAREFUL when approaching any groups of horses. The group I approached closest was not the problem however an angry lone horse ran in from a quarter mile away making tons of noise and tried to fight all the horses in the herd I was near and THEN he charged at me and stopped a few feet short of trampling me. He crossed about 75 feet within 5 seconds. It happened very quickly and I was nowhere near my vehicle. It can all transpire faster than you'll think. So stay 'closer' to your vehicle when possible and definitely further from horses unless inside your vehicle.See more..
5.0Caribou Ranch Open Space(19 reviews) - Make sure it's open. Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
One of my favorite hikes. Easy, beautiful, and historical. Once the path of a tourist train, then a destination for rock n rollers, including Elton John, Joe Walsh, Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, Chicago and lots more who recorded at the recording studio that burned in the 1980s. Just make sure it's open as it often closes to protect the environment and wildlife.See more..
4.5Hessie Trailhead(19 reviews) - Great family backpacking trip Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
We went to Woodland Lake with our four kids under 11 and our dog. We absolutely loved it. It was so hard to leave. August turned out to be a great time of year for it. Mosquitoes weren’t bad. We went in on a Thursday had the lake to ourselves.See more..
4.5Hidden Mesa Open Space & Trail(19 reviews) - Short trip on a sunny day Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Equestrian Trails • Hiking Trails
The name says it all, Hidden Mesa. Was looking for somewhere close and not to popular to go on a sunny Colorado day. Mesa Rim Loop/Pleasant View Pass is definitely a "Hidden" gem. The trails are good for both hikers and mountain bikers alike and the views from the Mesa Rim Loop are awesome. Add another winner to my book.See more..
While I can appreciate a wildlife sanctuary in the middle of the city, you cannot do it on your own terms in one section of this Refuge. The majority of it is fenced off, you need to call for hours and visiting times, you can't get into it otherwise. The section you CAN get into is what they call the Prairie Trail. That consists of a walk around a field that has a bench. And, don't expect to bring a dog with you; dogs, even if on a leash, are not allowed. (even if you pick up after them) Although many times I have walked by and have seen dogs unleashed running thru there. Supposedly they have 'cameras' placed around the Prairie Trail. You would be better off visiting Van Bibber Open Space, in Arvada as well, with sidewalks, dirt trails and tons of wildlife that you can enjoy with your leashed pet.See more..
4.0Neversink(16 reviews) - Nice Short Hike Nature & Wildlife Areas
Popular hiking trail and rich habitat for a variety of wildlife.See more..
4.5Reservoir Hill Park(16 reviews) - Beautiful under snow, lots of places to hike and snowshoe Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
Highlights: Not far from the town center (a 5- to 10-minute walk uphill). Views of the whole surroundings and mountains. Beautiful trees (great job from the city to trim them and protect the eco system - you can read all about it on several placards in the forest). Cool picnic areas (one secluded in addition to the pavilion). The disk golf was closed but it makes sense during Covid. Lowlights: None.See more..
5.0Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary(15 reviews) - Peaceful and Cozy Rest Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Farms
I first discovered Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary at a vegan meetup in 2017 and took the leap to be a volunteer. As I've watched, and been a part of their growth, I am constantly impressed with the level of intention, care, professionalism, and love everyone has for every rescued animal. I've learned to become comfortable around large animals, mostly, and have formed friendships with other like-minded people. I brought my students and families on a tour, and one student describes Luvin Arms as, "The clean farm". Come visit and see how peaceful and happy every animal is here.See more..
4.5Red Rocks Group Campground(14 reviews) - Peaceful and Wonderful in Winter Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
We tend to really appreciate places where you can enjoy nature without commercialization and money grabbing attractions. This place is about as understated as any you could imagine. It's especially serene in winter (take your micro spikes) and you will find wonderful views and rock formations that are simply there for you to enjoy. There are no signs to interfere with nature... you'll see evidence that others were there, but that's about it. It's one of those places that you can easily imagine looked the same hundreds of years ago. Be calm and quiet and just enjoy the solitude. It's timeless.See more..
4.5Clear Creek Canyon(14 reviews) - Possibly most scenic canyon in Colorado Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
This place is a gem, and so accessible from Denver. The scenery combines green hills with granite cliffs, a rushing stream, tunnels, bridges with numerous pull-offs which allow you to take it all in. Stop and stare at the cliffs and pretty soon you'll be able to spot the rock climbers, as spots of color start moving on the wall. Sturdy folks. A relatively flat, paved walking / biking trail makes it a great spot for those of us who can't scamper up rock faces like monkeys. I lived in Denver back in the 60's and a trip up Clear Creek Canyon is the surest way to bring back all those wonderful memories. Do it.See more..
