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6 Best State and National Parks in Colorado

6 Best State and National Parks in Colorado

Known for its beauty, Colorado offers stunning state and national parks, so today we share the best state and national parks in Colorado.

Why Colorado?

Colorado is a western state known for its diverse landscape, which includes the Rocky Mountains, deserts, and forests. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, as it is home to several national parks. These parks allow visitors to explore beautiful mountain ranges, hike through wilderness areas, and view wildlife. In addition to the national parks, Colorado is also known for its skiing and snowboarding destinations, as well as its hot springs and recreational opportunities on the many rivers and lakes throughout the state. Here is what you need to know about visiting the national parks in Colorado.

Best national parks in Colorado

national parks in Colorado

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

Located in north-central Colorado, this park offers visitors the opportunity to explore the majestic Rocky Mountains and the diverse wildlife that call the area home; this is an incredible park that must be on your USA bucketlist. Some of the main attractions within the park include hiking and backpacking, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and camping. Popular trails include the Keyhole Route to Longs Peak, the highest summit in the park, and the Alluvial Fan Trail.

national parks in Colorado

2. Great Sand Dunes National Park

This park is located in the San Luis Valley of southern Colorado and is home to the tallest dunes in North America. Visitors can explore the dunes by hiking, sandboarding, and even sledding on the sand. Additionally, the park offers ranger-led programs, camping and picnicking areas, and opportunities to view wildlife such as bighorn sheep and elk.

national parks in Colorado

3. Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde is located in southwestern Colorado and is known for its well-preserved cliff dwellings and ruins of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Visitors can take guided tours of the cliff dwellings, such as the Cliff Palace and Balcony House, and hike the park’s many trails, including the Petroglyph Point Trail, which offers a great view of the surrounding landscape. The park also offers ranger-led programs, camping and picnicking areas, and a visitor center with exhibits about the Ancestral Pueblo people.

Best state parks in Colorado

national parks in Colorado

1. Lory State Park

This state park is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, USA. The park is known for its scenic beauty and offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The park has more than 20 miles of trails that take visitors through the foothills, with views of the mountains and the surrounding valley. The park also offers picnic areas, a playground, and a visitor center with exhibits about the park’s history and natural resources. 

national parks in Colorado

2. Castlewood Canyon State Park

This Colorado state park is located in southwest Colorado’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Castlewood Canyon State Park is home to various outdoor recreational activities, including horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. It is also known for its natural beauty and offers scenic overlooks, a variety of trails that take visitors through wetland habitats, and scenic views of the surrounding mountains. The park also offers campgrounds, picnicking areas, a visitor center with exhibits about the area’s history, and opportunities to view wildlife such as coyotes and mule deer.

3. Rifle Falls State Park

Rifle Falls State Park is located on the shores of Lake Granby in central Colorado. Visitors can explore the park’s three waterfalls, located on the West Rifle Creek, and the triple drop of waterfalls is unique among the Colorado state parks. The park has several miles of hiking trails that offer views of the waterfalls and the surrounding landscape, including the Beaver Creek trail, which offers a glimpse of Beaver Creek and its source. Since the park is located on Lake Granby’s shore, visitors can view many species of birds and other wildlife.

Unique Things to Do in Colorado

Getting around Colorado

Colorado is a large state, and many national parks and other popular tourist destinations are located far apart, making it difficult to rely solely on public transportation. Having your car shipped to Colorado is an excellent option for those who want to have the convenience and flexibility of driving their vehicle around to explore the state’s many national parks.

Additionally, the state’s national parks are particularly popular and can get crowded during peak season, so having your car will allow you to avoid the hassle of trying to navigate the parks with a large number of other visitors.

There are several car shipping companies that can transport your vehicle to Colorado, and the process is generally fairly straightforward. You can arrange for door-to-door service, where the car is picked up from your home and delivered to a location in Colorado of your choice, or you can drop off and pick up your car at a terminal. Researching different companies and comparing prices is vital to ensure you get the best deal for the service you need.

Colorado is great for those who love outdoor activities and stunning natural beauty. The state has several national parks, each offering unique experiences and attractions. In addition, the state is known for its skiing and snowboarding destinations, hot springs, and recreational opportunities on the many rivers and lakes throughout the state.

Colorado is a perfect destination for visitors who want to experience the great outdoors, and the parks are must-see attractions for nature lovers. So if you wish to hike the parks’ many trails or just relax on a riverbank, Colorado is sure to please visitors of all ages and interests.


The BEST national parks in the USA

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