Colorado’s national parks are popular for their stunning beauty, array of outdoor activities, diverse landscape, and abundant wildlife. There are four national parks in Colorado spread across the state, each with unique features and qualities that can’t be found in the others. All four parks are sure to fascinate you and provide fun and enjoyment to people of all ages. What can you see and do in the national parks in Colorado? Let’s find out.
National Parks in Colorado
1. Rocky Mountain National Park
Located in Northern Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park has a history dating back to 1915. Its biggest plus is its 300 miles of hiking trails, which take you through towering mountains and picturesque lakes. The park assures year-round fun for everyone.
Wildlife Viewing
Rocky National Park is home to hundreds of elk herds, mule deer, moose, bats, marmots, pikas, and bighorn sheep. With golden eagles, stellar jays, falcons, nutcrackers, water ouzels, and ptarmigans, the park is a paradise for bird watchers. The diverse and abundant wildlife makes wildlife viewing and wildlife photography the top-ranked activities in the park.
Winter Activities
Winter in Rocky Mountain National Park is the best time to enjoy with your family. Sled down the icy slopes of the Hidden Valley Sledding Hill. Put on your snow shoes and waterproof boots and enjoy snowshoeing with your loved ones. Glide along the dense forests filled with white snow on your cross-country skis. Join a ranger-led snowshoe hike and go for an unforgettable adventure. Make reservations in advance to avoid disappointment.
Camping
The campsites, which have tent pads, tables, fire grates, and flush toilets, provide the best camping experience in all seasons and are perfect for overnight backpacking.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding has been one of the favorite activities in Rocky Mountain National Park. The park has several trails exclusively for horseback riding.
Other interesting activities that attract visitors include ice fishing, hot tubs, rock climbing, and miniature golf.
Book Hotels in Rocky Mountain National Park
Read Also: Romantic Getaways in Colorado with Private Hot Tubs
2. Mesa Verde National Park
Cliff Dwellings
Home to thousands of archeological sites and hundreds of cliff dwellings, Mesa Verde National Park is a haven for history buffs. You can explore the remains left behind by the ancestral Pueblo people who occupied this area for centuries. The highlight of the sites is the cliff dwellings. The cliff dwellings are of various sizes from small single-room dwellings to large ones with more than 100 rooms. Take a tour to see the well-preserved cliff dwellings. You can’t walk through other cliff dwellings except the Step House, a unique structure reflecting two different cultures.
Hiking
Numerous hiking trails in Mesa Verde National Park are suitable for novice and experienced hikers. The most popular trails are Spruce Canyon Trail, Prater Ridge Trail, Knife Edge Trail, and Point Lookout Trail. Spruce Canyon and Knife Edge trails are great for birdwatching. Look for woodpeckers, flycatchers, hawks, jays, golden eagles, falcons, warblers, and chickadees.
Stargazing
There are several amazing spots for stargazing. Camp overnight at the Morefield Campground to view the twinkling stars across the clear dark skies.
Winter Activities
In the winter, the place is very calm. You can enjoy hiking, snowshoeing, and skiing peacefully. As most of the trees are bare without leaves it is the perfect time to see wildlife.
Cultural Shows
The park hosts cultural dances and performances done by Pueblos and tribes. The shows are fascinating. Check the schedule before going.
Book Hotels in Mesa Verde National Park
3. Great Sand Dunes National Park
Visit the Sand Dunes
If you want a different experience from other national parks in the USA, Great Sand Dunes National Park is a great choice. It is not a very large park but it promises unique fun and enjoyment. It is home to the tallest dune in America, the 750-foot-tall Great Sand Dunes, and the second tallest dune, the 699-foot-tall High Dune.
What can you do on the dunes? Dip your toes into the sand and take leisurely walks. It takes a lot of time to cover even small distances on sand. Hike to the highest dune and admire the stunning views. Enjoy sand sledding and sandboarding in the park. Do you love photography? If so, capture the sunrays falling on the dunes with the mountain ranges as a backdrop.
Camping
You can camp in the dunes or the campground. See the stars in the clear skies. Moonless nights are perfect for stargazing.
Medano Creek
It is a popular seasonal stream flowing in the park. It is a wonderful place to splash in the cool flowing water. Floating on a raft and tubing down the creek are incredibly enjoyable adventures.
Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the vast dunes and their changing colors and contours.
Book Hotels in Great Sand Dunes National Park
Read Also: Weekend Getaways in Colorado
4. Black Canyon of the Gunnison
With striking black colors and beautiful cliffs Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is one of the most impressive national parks in the country.
Scenic Drive
Take a scenic drive along the South Rim to see Tomichi Point and along the gravel North Rim road to enjoy the incredible views. You will be stunned by the views at Warner Point, Pulpit Rock, Chasm View, Painted Wall View, High Point, etc.
Hiking
The park has many hiking trails. Some of them are easy, some moderate, and some strenuous. You can explore the natural beauty of the region, enjoy the vibrant flora, admire the wilderness of the area, watch birds, and go up to the river while taking the hiking trails.
Rock Climbing
There are vast opportunities for rock climbing in the deep and narrow Black Canyon. The place is home to numerous adventurous climbing areas. The most challenging one is the Painted Wall, the tallest vertical wall in Colorado.
Fishing
Cast your rods at the Gunnison River and try your skills and luck in fishing. The water of the river is designated as the Gold Medal Waters. So, you are assured of the best fishing experience.
Camping
Make reservations in one of the campgrounds and stay overnight. The unobstructed view of the stars and the Milky Way in the clear sky will capture your heart. You can register for one of the astronomy programs such as the evening constellation tours, telescope viewing, etc.
You can also enjoy wildlife watching, ranger programs, kayaking, and horseback riding. In the winter, you can enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, etc.
Book Hotels in Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Wrapping Up
Colorado’s National Parks are worth visiting for nature lovers and adventure lovers. Pack your bags and make plans to enjoy the dramatic views.
