4.5Cherry Creek State Park(521 reviews) - The Cherry Creek Family Shooting Center is a Gem Monday: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM State Parks
Part of Cherry Creek State Park, this recreation area offers miles of bike trails.See more..
4.5Roxborough State Park(439 reviews) - If you have extra time in Denver.... do not miss Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM State Parks • Hiking Trails • Geologic Formations
What a surprise; we were introduced to this State Park by another website and had the time to visit while we were in the Littleton (Denver) area. What A Treat !! If you have been to the Garden Of The Gods in Colorado Springs, this is equal to OR even better. We walked the 1.5-hour circle Fountain Valley loop trail; it was easy with a few inclines and rest stops. Most of it was in the sun ( not much shade), so take water and sunscreen. The price has gone up to $10, and cash is required as the CC machine is nonoperable. Enjoy.See more..
4.5Chatfield State Park(335 reviews) - Great Dog Park Monday: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM State Parks
This park has an outstanding dog park that is fully fenced and includes a couple of ponds where your pets can swim. Plenty of parking. There is a $3 charge but there is a $25 annual option as well. Plenty of parking. Combination of paved and natural trails.See more..
The hike we took was wonderful. Thankfully we had micro spikes. Through the canyon there were quite a few places that were icy or muddy. The views were awesome and it was not very crowded. I highly recommend stopping by the Visitor Center and checking out all the exhibits. See more..
4.5Bear Creek Lake Park(183 reviews) - A nice family swim lake Monday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM State Parks
Bear Creek Lake Park offers a swimming lake with shade as well as other outdoor activities. Beach with roped off swimming area, no lifeguard but park rangers are on site. Picnic areas, playground, and concessions for food are available. For the more active, canoes, kayaks and stand up boards are available for rent. Walking/ hiking trails throughout the park.See more..
4.0Trinidad Lake State Park(180 reviews) - Oh yay, another start park around a reservoir State Parks • Parks
Colorado seems to like building state parks around reservoirs. As such, they are usually less attractive than the nearby mountains. Trinidad Lake is good for waterfowl enthusiasts who arrive at the right time of year to catch the various species that stop here on their annual migrations.See more..
Small but might park full of post card views in every direction. The south boulder creek flows through the golden canyon walls leaving majestic views. The Fowler and Continental Divide trails are excellent!See more..
A year-round destination, this beautiful state park offers a multitude of recreational activities from cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing in the winter to camping, hiking, biking and boating in the summer. The natural setting is highlighted by the beautiful scenery of Sand Mountain and Hahn's Peak bordering this 1055 acre lake. At 8000 feet in elevation, Colorado mountain wildflowers and wildlife are abundant. Our trail system allows you and your family to see nature up close. The campgrounds of 188 campsites allows you to experience the beauty of the outdoors and still have the comfort of modern amenities and facilities.See more..
Boyd Lake State Park provided an opportunity to explore Rocky Mountain National Park over a week’s stay. It is about an hours drive from Estes Park on very winding roads. There are some parts of the park that have more trees than our site had. Bathroom was clean although the power outlets didn’t work. Did not use lake. The adjoining town of Loveland has everything you could ever ask for as far as food and shopping. Dump station, easy access water, electric. Fair distance between campsites except when it is an RV next to people with 2 tents and food canopy. See more..
Very nice memorial at the top of the hill of this park. As a graduate of Columbine I feel it is an important memorial to have. These students and teacher will never be forgotten and this is a very nice space to reflect and remember. See more..
4.5State Forest State Park(105 reviews) - Beautiful park Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM State Parks
We came specifically in search of moose. We spent lots of time in the early morning and again in the evening in search of them. Just as we were driving out I spotted a big moose by the creek. We then saw her adorable tiny baby walk out toward her! We also saw a number of deer. The park is very pretty and is likely gorgeous during the leaf change in the fall. The main roads are in good shape but probably wouldn’t try most of the side roads unless your vehicle is high-clearance/4WD. Entrance fee is only $9/day. Lots of people were camping yet it didn’t seem too crowded.See more..
This is a great state park and although it was a billion degrees we took a lovely walk around a lake and along the river. There was an ancient car in the far side of the cliff at one point, impossible to retrieve, and we saw a little weasel-like thing carrying another weasel-like thing. Crazy!See more..
4.5Barr Lake State Park(93 reviews) - Fantastic, friendly staff Monday: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM State Parks
A premier Colorado spot for birdwatching.See more..
4.5Lathrop State Park(92 reviews) - Noisy campground within a desert park State Parks
Desert state park with hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and etc. Camped in Yucca campground. Very primitive, no tent pads, but I was fortunate enough for a flat spot without cacti; however, I worried about snakes. (We we’re fortunate not to have encounters.) This campground bumped up against Highway 160, which truly was nonstop traffic all night! Didn’t get much sleep, but did enjoy the free program at the amphitheater, hiking, and geocaching. At the sunset snd sunrise really was pretty.See more..
4.5Staunton State Park(85 reviews) - Great place to hike State Parks • Parks
What a great place to hike/sightsee! I've been there twice in the last month and have hiked up to views that include Pikes peak. No part is too tough for most people in good health (I'm a 69-year old with perhaps a hint of more weight than I need ). The cost to enter the park is minimal, at $10 a car. Both times, upon leaving just before dusk I've spotted herds of deer and/or Elk. If you plan on going up to any of the major lookouts, park at the farthest/newest lot, and count on about 4 hours. Bring water - you won't want to drink out of the creeks!See more..
4.0St. Vrain State Park(75 reviews) - Worked well for winter camping State Parks • Parks
Winter Camp spot. Easy and flat spot with lake views. Pay attention to the rates. The spot is one price and then you have to pay a $18 a day rate per vehicle on top. No water in the winter, restrooms closed. The dump station is open which is great if you can keep your tanks from freezing solid (IYKYK, grin). Spot 36 was ideal for my 25' C-class. Saw ice fishermen in the morning, which was a surprise.See more..
4.0Eleven Mile State Park(62 reviews) - Very nice "backcountry" camping. Monday: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM State Parks
A state park in Central Colorado's South Park Heritage Area known for fishing, camping, biking, and more.See more..
2.5Jackson Lake State Park(54 reviews) - Jackson Lake has potential Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours State Parks
This park is an "Oasis in the Plains," for swimming, boating, fishing and waterskiing. But that's not all... Jackson Lake is ranked one of the "Top 15 Park Beaches" by Reserve America. Anglers, boaters, or naturalists realizing there’s too much fun for just one day enjoy the variety of water or land-based recreation land-based facilities found here. Birders and hunters flock here because of the parks location in the Central Flyway for migratory birds. Quiet winter months provide hearty wildlife viewers some excellent opportunities to spot the many animals that live here. No matter the season, Jackson Lake is, as novelist James Michener suggests, “an oasis of the plains."See more..
An unexpected beautiful surprise. We drove out here for the falls but stayed the afternoon at the swim beach tucked all the way in the back of the park. Blue waters, Sandy/small rock beach and clear clean for swimming. Very quiet. Seemed like a local place. Great place for kayaking, throwing a frisbee, floating in an inner tube or splashing with the kids. A few picnic tables in the shade. Toilet available. See more..
4.0Stagecoach State Park(50 reviews) - Great way to spend the day! Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours State Parks • Parks
Stagecoach State Park sets the stage for great recreation in the lush Yampa Valley by Steamboat Springs. Vistas and views are backdrops to the 820-acre reservoir providing renown lake and river fishing. A year-round destination, the park also makes a great base to explore the variety of sports and attractions of the area. An array of activities await with boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking and camping. Winter offers trails for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fat-tire biking for those seeking a less commercial experience. In summer, water sports enthusiasts enjoy the many ways to recreate at the reservoir. Off-season and weekday visits are wonderfully serene, providing great opportunities to take pleasure in the land, water and nature without the crowds. Cabin fever in the winter can be relieved by camping in one of the five electrical sites maintained just for winter camping. Stagecoach State Park is a great place to hold base camp when exploring the many outdoor opportunities around the park such as the Flattops Wilderness Area and Sarvis Creek Wilderness Area.See more..
4.5Lory State Park(48 reviews) - Beautiful park, great for a hike Monday: 5:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours State Parks • Parks
This is a beautiful state park west of Fort Collins. It borders the Horsetooth Reservoir and has plenty of hiking trails. The visitor center is worth a stop. I bought a Lory State Park t-shirt when we visited. If you are staying in Fort Collins this park is worth a visit!See more..
This is in our backyard, but I thought some local knowledge might help people from out of town. This is a lovely state park to fish, kayak, paddle baord, and swim. The water can be a bit brisk, but you get used to it after getting in. The wind picks up in the afternoon so plan to come early or come later in the evening for the best conditions on the water. Later in the summer, the water levels start to drop from irrigating and the mud gets a little smelly, but it's still a the best place to learn how to SUP in western Colorado. High Society Paddle Boards from Aspen films commercials here so come check it out.See more..
4.0John Martin Reservoir State Park(37 reviews) - Birding, camping, privacy, views. This is a hidden gem. Monday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM State Parks
A clean and odor free bathroom. Miles of scenery. By mid November there was one or two Bald Eagles, from experience I know there will be more. A few thousand Snow Geese leave the lake in the morning and return in the evening, a great sight. Herons are common. The grounds are clean, the staff is there and friendly. There are many empty camp sites, but some are filled these days. Please see my dawn photo with Mercury, Venus, crescent moon. There are very many picnic tables, they have grills.See more..
For a Friday during the summer it was relatively quiet. Not sure if this is due to COVID-19. Nice swim and paddle board location. Be careful of boat wakes. Entry staff was very nice. There is construction going on for the new bathroom at the day use location. Can be noisy during the week. Great touch by the park staff in selling ice cream mid afternoon. Be sure to bring your own food and water as there are no stores close by. Please Pack it in and pack it out. See more..
4.0Mancos State Park(33 reviews) - Find me where the wild things are State Parks • Parks
Park is very beautiful. Didn’t see many people just our neighbors. We stayed in spot #26 which is secluded and right next to the restrooms. There were a few negatives from our experience. Be sure to grab firewood at a local store since there was no firewood available at the park. There also was no lights at restrooms so definitely have a headlamp ready. The trash can at our camp was also full and had not been emptied. Other wise it was a great stay. There were cows that roamed the park, a pack of coyotes howling in the distance in the early morning. We also had several deer come up to our camp. Which was pretty cool. The lake views were stunning from our spot. We will definitely be returning and hopefully to the same spot.See more..
Our Back-up due to the fact The Great Sand Dunes SP was booked 5 months out. Great Views, no shade except for metal Table cover. Dusty gravel road to the paved loops. We were there at the end of May and didn't know about the sand Fleas until it was too late. Ankles to knees ate up! WARNING! We saw children playing in the sand all afternoon, hope they recover. We would return..with much more bug spray.See more..
4.0Vega State Park(26 reviews) - Great mountain and lake views Monday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM State Parks
At an elevation of 8,000 feet, Vega State Park’s high-mountain lake sits in a beautiful montane meadow on the northeast edge of Grand Mesa National Forest in Western Colorado. Vega is great year round for birding, hiking among the changing aspen, fishing and cross-country skiing. Snowmobilers and off-highway vehicle riders can access hundreds of miles of trails in Grand Mesa National Forest from Vega Early Settlers campground, cabins or OHV lot. The park’s 109 campsites in four campgrounds surround the lake. The campsites range from pull-through sites with electric hookups to 10 walk-in tent sites in the Pioneer Campground. All the sites have fire pits, picnic tables and pleasant views. Vega’s five cozy cabins are available year round and accommodate up to six people. Escape the crowds and come to Vega mid-week. Summer reservations for the Meadows Group Picnic Area are picking up, so call today to reserve this beautiful location for a wedding, family reunion, company picnic, memorial or other group events. Shopping is always fun at Vega State Park. Find those unique gifts, books and comfortable clothing at the Visitor's Center gift shop.See more..
4.0North Sterling State Park(22 reviews) - North Eastern Colorado Gem Spent More than 3 hours State Parks
Great state park. Campsites are nicely spaced out but there aren't any trees so not much privacy. Very clean restrooms with pay showers. Well stocked convinence store is available nearby at the marina. Water was warm when we were there it was busy but not overly crowded.See more..
First time staying in a yurt. Made my reservation 6 months out. Campsites well spaced out. Flush toilet, sink / running water, paper towels in very clean bathroom. Yurt had 2 bunk beds, a table with 4 chairs, dresser and thick rug between the beds. Very clean too. Picnic table and fire pit outside, but no additional chairs on the deck. Bring chairs for the deck and to sit around the fire. Trail along the lake to the dam at one end - .6 miles each way. No trail completely around the lake though. We were there during the week, so no non-motorized rentals (weekends only). Campground host Richard was very friendly, informative and helpful. Had a snowstorm the second night. Never been so happy to have a heater in the yurt (there were actually 2), to eat inside when it was snowing outside, and to not have to take down a wet tent in the snow the next morning! More nearby hiking and views ‘across the street’ at Steamboat Lake SP. See more..
Love this beautiful location. Very lush and green with picturesque meadows. Plenty of fishing at the lake. Enjoyed one of the cabins. Have heat and lights. And coin operated showers. See more..
3.5San Luis State Park(9 reviews) - Impressive Surrounding Views Spent 1-2 hours State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
The state park is relatively small and while the views on the park are limited relatively to the lake, the views of the Great Dunes and surrounding mountain ranges are simply amazing. This is worth a stop for a while to enjoy the surroundings.See more..
4.5Crawford State Park(8 reviews) - Very nice...and quiet State Parks • Bodies of Water
Maiden solo truck tent camping. Chose Crawford due to a good weather forecast (CO in March) and other than the lake being very low, everything was great. Amazing scenery, good hiking area, and the campsite was clean and in good working order. The park offices were closed with no staff on-site. Camp host was great, very few RV's over the weekend - so, very peaceful. I like the distance between sites, had there been a full campground still seems like plenty of privacy and space. See more..
The reservoir is very full. You can go easily from end to end and side to side and down the little coves. I can't say that the fishing was great because I didn't catch a thing. But the scenery is fabulous the water was beautiful and we had a great day. You can camp and fish there. Or just have a day picnic.See more..
If you want to go where the professionals go, then a Spinney Mountain Reservoir is the place! Best kept secret in Colorado! See more..
4.0Chipeta Lake State Wildlife Area(3 reviews) - Family fun.. RV fun if you can get a space Monday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM State Parks Fun for the whole family .. Recently purchased by the City of Montrose. Along the river great lake for fishing. You will not believe that you are in town. The City is doing the turn around on this property and you can have a walk about the lake, bring your lunch and Repellent as the season progresses. Great for Parking your RVSee more..
4.0Sun Temple(1 review) - What is the GOLDEN RATIO? State Parks Sun Temple is a never-ending source of speculation for scholars and visitors alike. Its D-shaped outline; no evidence of roofing; few doors or household artifacts; and massive architecture is unlike any other structure in the park. Of the few similar D-shaped buildings found in the region, it is the only one not built within a pueblo? Could it have had social, ritual, or even symbolic functions? Researchers found evidence that the people at Mesa Verde had sophisticated mathematical knowledge, using the “golden ratio”, a mathematical ratio also used at the Giza Pyramids, to help construct a Sun Temple. Some experts suggest that the walls of Sun Temple may have been used by observers in Cliff Palace as a marker for astronomical events like the winter solstice sunset. Perhaps the builders intentionally left Sun Temple unroofed, as an observatory for such events, or perhaps it was never finished. Many questions remain. ‘This is what I find especially amazing,’ Dr. Sherry Towers, Professor at Arizona State University says. The genius of the site's architects cannot be underestimated. If you asked someone today to try to reconstruct this site and achieve the same precision that they had using just a stick and a piece of cord, it's highly unlikely they'd be able to do it, especially if they couldn't write anything down as they were working.’ During her research, Towers discovered that the site was laid out using a common unit of measurement just over 30 centimeters in length – equal to about one modern-day foot. She also found evidence that some of the same geometrical constructs from Sun Temple were used in at least one other ancestral Puebloan ceremonial site, Pueblo Bonito, located in New Mexico's Chaco Culture National Historic Park. I am constantly astonished (and a bit humbled) by just how much knowledge was lost along the way rather than learned from. Ancestral Pueblo People knew much more than we give them credit for.See more..
