When it comes to states that people associate with outdoor recreation, Colorado is definitely near the top of the list, and with 43 state parks, it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re a hiker, climber, angler, boater, or cyclist, there’s a state park that’s perfect for you.
We sourced info from locals and GearJunkie staff to round up the Colorado state parks that you can’t miss next time you visit the Mountain West, along with info on camping, reservations, and fees.
Castlewood Canyon State Park
Typically, mountains get all the love and attention, but don’t sleep on prairies. These unique landscapes are beautiful in their own way. To fully appreciate them, visit Castlewood Canyon State Park, where tall grass prairies meet the unique Black Forest region of Colorado. Enjoy impressive vistas of the Front Range and Pikes Peak, and explore the ruins of Castlewood Canyon Dam, which burst in 1933.
Things to note: Leashed dogs are permitted, except on the East Canyon Trail. Biking and horseback riding are not allowed.
Must-do activity: Combine the Lake Gulch and Inner Canyon trails for an easy 2-mile loop to access several scenic viewpoints.
Trails: 12 miles of hiking trails.
Camping: None.
Barr Lake State Park
Birders, take note: Barr Lake State Park should be on your bucket list. Part of the lake is a designated wildlife refuge and home to more types of birds than anywhere else in Colorado, with over 370 species. It’s one of the few places on the Front Range where bald eagles have successfully nested.
If you’re drawn more to the water than looking up in the air, the park also allows boating, kayaking, and other water activities.
Things to note: The park has all-terrain track chairs free to use for those with disabilities.
Must-do activity: Stroll along the 0.3-mile Fox Meadow Trail with your binoculars and take your time to observe as many birds as you can.
Trails: 21 miles of hiking trails. The longest is the 9-mile Lake Perimeter Trail.
Camping: None.
Crawford State Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a major attraction in western Colorado, so if you’re in the neighborhood, it’s worth driving 20 minutes to nearby Crawford State Park. There’s a 400-acre reservoir perfect for taking a dip after a long day traversing trails. With an elevation of 6,600 feet, it’s got a mild, temperate climate, even in peak summer heat.
Things to note: Waterfowl hunting and fishing are allowed, provided that participants obtain the required licenses.
Must-do activity: Kayakers, paddleboarders, water skiiers, and boaters alike should grab their swimsuits, life jackets, and watercraft and get ready to have some fun in the sun.
Trails: 3.2 miles of trails.
Camping: There are two campgrounds at Crawford. Iron Creek has 45 sites, and Clear Fork Canyon has 20. Almost all the sites have electric and water hook-ups with potable water. Sites cost $41 per night and can be reserved online.
Highline Lake State Park
This park is an oasis within the desert landscape near Grand Junction. It actually has two lakes, Highline and Mack Mesa, which are popular with boaters, anglers, and kayakers. There are 105 designated picnic sites, making it a great spot for an outdoor gathering with friends and family in the summer. And in the winter, it’s a popular spot for ice fishing and ice skating.
Things to note: Dogs are allowed on leash. There is a designated small game hunting area that allows shotgun use only.
Must-do activity: Be sure to check out the 3.5-mile Highline Lake Trail, which offers terrific opportunities to view the park’s 200 species of birds. The National Audubon Society named the park an Important Birding Area.
Trails: There are over 9 miles of trails.
Camping: There are 56 campsites, which come equipped with a grill, fire ring, and picnic table. Reserve sites in advance online for a fee of $28 per night.
Lake Pueblo State Park
With 4,600 surface acres of water, there’s a reason why Lake Pueblo State Park is a must-visit for anglers. Channel catfish, sunfish, crappie, walleye, bass, wipers, rainbow trout, and brown trout abound here. Spend a lovely day on the lake, exploring its many small coves. Scuba diving and horseback riding are also popular activities here.
Things to note: All boats must be inspected at each boat ramp’s inspection stations. Boats may only launch or load during inspection hours. Find more information here.
Must-do activity: However you’d like, you have to get out on the water. The South Shore Marina offers daily pontoon boat rentals.
Trails: The park is home to 14.6 miles of trails. Most of the 6.7-mile South Shore and Driftwood Trail follows along the water for a scenic atmosphere.
Camping: With 400 campsites, Lake Pueblo is a haven for campers. Basic sites cost $28 a night. Reserve them online here.
Lory State Park
If mountain biking is your outdoor sport of choice, ride on over to Lory State Park. The Corral Mountain Bike Park offers 69,600 square feet of thrills for riders of all levels, with jumps, flow trails, and launching platforms. This part of the park is free to use. If that’s not your cup of tea, there’s also horseback riding, bouldering, hiking, and hunting.
Things to note: Water sources are not widespread on trails in the park, so be sure to bring an adequate supply.
Must-do activity: Escape into the wild and camp at one of the park’s backcountry campsites, which are at least 2 miles from any trailhead. Visit during the spring to turn your backpacking trip into a wildflower spotting expedition.
Trails: There are 27 miles of trails, 21 of which are accessible to equestrians. Be sure to check out the 1.7-mile trail to Arthur’s Rock. Hikers will reach a final elevation of 6,780 feet and witness impressive vistas of the Front Range and Horsetooth Reservoir.
Camping: Backcountry camping is the only kind of camping permitted in the park. There are six sites, which cost $18 and should be reserved in advance.
Staunton State Park
Colorado is a climber’s paradise, and the rock is good almost everywhere. Even with all the terrific climbing here, Staunton State Park still stands out. It’s home to over 450 sport, trad, mixed, and multi-pitch lines on high-quality granite.
For a different kind of adventure, visit the archery range, which is free to everyone who’s paid the entrance fee.
Things to note: Certain crags will close seasonally for falcon nesting. Avoid climbing at Lion’s Head, Roughneck Area, and Wildcatter Wall from March 15 to July 31.
Must-do activity: Newer climbers should check out the Pooka Kings Landing area, while more experienced climbers will enjoy the Dungeon. Not a climber but interested in trying it out? Golden Mountain Guides offers guided experiences in the park.
Trails: With 37 miles of trails, there’s plenty to explore here. If you’re feeling ambitious, embark on the 10-mile trail to Elk Falls. It’s got nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain, so be sure to bring sturdy shoes and trekking poles.
Camping: The park has 25 walk-in campsites that you can reserve online. Sites cost $28 per night. No fires or charcoal grills are allowed — just propane or camping stoves.
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
This park is located less than 20 minutes outside of Colorado Springs, making it a convenient after-work or Saturday escape. Hiking is the real highlight here, with 21 trails that cover 28 miles through the foothills of the namesake mountain.
With a disc golf course, archery range, horseback riding, and cycling, there’s something for everyone.
Things to note: Leashed dogs are allowed only on 2 miles of designated dog-friendly trails. Be sure to check before beginning your hike with your pup.
Must-do activity: In the summer, park staff offers a wide variety of free educational and enrichment events. Go on a night hike with an expert ranger to learn about nocturnal critters, or participate in an archery lesson.
Trails: For a true taste of the park’s varied landscapes, try the 2.64-mile Talon trail, which takes hikers from the prairies to forests to mountains. The 3.29-mile Sundance Trail is great for kids: It’s flat and moderate, and is prime viewing territory to spot some prairie dogs.
Camping: There are 70 campsites and two small cabins available to reserve. Basic tent sites cost $28 a night.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Golden Gate Canyon is one of those rare places that is just as special in the winter as it is in the summer. In the snow, the hiking trails transform into stellar cross-country skiing and snowshoeing routes. It’s also home to unique geology and rock formations that have been shaped by centuries of erosion. Check out the park’s event page for fun educational classes and guided hikes.
Things to note: Fishing and hunting are permitted with proper licenses. Dogs (on leashes) and horses are allowed in the park.
Must-do activity: Hike 5.2 miles along the Mule Deer and Raccoon trails to access Panorama Point, an aptly named overlook that displays stunning views of the Continental Divide.
Trails: The park offers nearly 35 miles of trails across its 12,000 acres. Keep an eye out for wildlife like moose and blue grouse.
Camping: This park offers some of the most varied lodging options among Colorado’s parks, with classic campgrounds, yurts, cabins, and backcountry campsites. The cabins and yurts (both $90 a night) have gas heating and electric, if you prefer a less rough and tumble outdoor experience.
Fees
All visitors to Colorado State Parks must pay an entry fee. A single day of access to one park costs between $10 and $17.
If you plan to visit multiple parks, an annual pass ($80-120) is likely a better value. Colorado residents also have the option of buying a “Keep Colorado Wild” pass when they renew their car registration. It provides access to all state parks for just $29. Find more information here.
A Bonus County Park
Paint Mines Interpretive Park
While this is a county park, GJ Camping Editor and Colorado resident Will Brendza insisted we simply had to include it. Located in Calahan, Colo., mounds of colored clay here create a stunningly beautiful landscape unlike almost anything else in the state. As far back as 9,000 years ago, Indigenous peoples lived here, and used the clay to make paint.
Things to note: The park is free to access year-round, and is open from dawn to dusk. No pets, bikes, horses, or drones are allowed.
Must-do activity: Walk along the trails and soak in your surroundings. Visit on select Saturdays to participate in guided hikes about the site’s geology, ecology, and human history.
Trails: There are 4 miles of trails here. The main 3.4-mile interpretive trail takes you through most of the park, and it’s relatively flat and easy.
Camping: None.
