Wish to discover the best national parks in Colorado? Planning a road trip to this beautiful and ruggedly wild land and want to explore its national monuments and recreation areas?
The Centennial State is home to magnificent mountains, vast prairies, awe-inspiring canyons and tranquil lakes. Its four national parks are home to a wide variety of landscapes and wildlife such as bears, bison, elk, moose.
But apart from the national parks, Colorado is home to several national monuments as well.
Enjoy the breathtaking views at Rocky Mountain National Park and Mesa Verde National Park. Explore the overlooked gems tucked away in remote corners – including the beautiful Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Camp Hale National Monument.
Go on incredible hikes set against a backdrop of spectacular scenery. Here is an ultimate guide to exploring the best national parks in Colorado.
Also Read: 19 Best State Parks in Colorado to Visit Now
Best National Parks in Colorado
If you’re looking to explore the beautiful nature and diverse wildlife in Colorado, then the state’s numerous national parks are your best bet.
They offer many unique experiences such as hiking to see petroglyphs in Mesa Verde,…
….climbing to the top of Star Dune near Alamosa, camping near the Black Canyon, hiking to Dream Lake…
…and seeing prehistoric dinosaur fossils on the western slopes!
Colorado’s national parks offer visitors plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Here are the best national parks in Colorado to visit on your next trip.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park is also one of the most visited national parks in America.
It is also most famous of all Colorado National Parks.
The park is famous for its stunning alpine scenery, where majestic peaks reach for the clear blue Colorado sky.
Trail Ridge Road
Estes Park is the eastern getaway town to Rocky Mountain National Park while Grand Lake is the western entrance.
The two towns are connected by the Trail Ridge Road, a 48 mile long scenic road that opens only in summer.
This scenic route reaches an elevation of 12,183 feet. In fact, it is the highest paved road in any national park in the United States.
The road provides panoramic views of the Rocky Mountain National Park.
From the many scenic overlooks, you can enjoy views of the vast valleys and towering peaks.
Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park
The park offers over 300 miles of hiking trails for nature lovers and explorers – some of them the best trails in Colorado.
They weave through dense forests, meadows filled with wildflowers, and the rugged Rocky mountains.
Wildlife is abundant.
Visitors can often spot herds of elk, mule deer, and smaller creatures like the yellow-bellied marmots.
One of the highlights of the park is the iconic Longs Peak, boasting an elevation of over 14,000 feet.
Scaling the peak provides some of the most challenging mountaineering routes in the state.
Camping is another popular activity in Rocky Mountain National Park.
It’s an ideal way to truly experience the park’s beauty, from its glorious sunrises to the star-studded night skies.
Remember to plan ahead and mindful of the park’s Leave No Trace principles to protect these precious landscapes.
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park, located in the Four Corners region, is a fascinating place.
The park is popular for its very well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, notably the immense Cliff Palace.
The park is a window into the past, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of the ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for over 700 years, from AD 600 to 1300.
Covering 52,485 acres, Mesa Verde boasts nearly 5,000 known archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings.
This Colorado National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hence on the bucket list of most Colorado visitors.
Cliff Palace
The Cliff Palace, the park’s largest dwelling, encapsulates the richness of this ancient culture with its intricate stone and mortar constructions.
The structure, with more than 150 rooms and 23 kivas (circular underground rooms used for religious rituals), exhibits the architectural prowess of the Pueblo people.
You can see Cliff Palace as well as other cliff dwellings such as Balcony House and Long House on guided tours managed by the National Park Service.
Things to do in Mesa Verde National Park
Apart from the dwellings, the Mesa Verde hiking trails offer beautiful views of the Montezuma and Mancos valleys.
Wildlife enthusiasts might spot mule deer, wild turkeys, and golden eagles, among other species.
Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum, the only museum in the park, is also a must-visit.
Visitors are urged to respect the cultural significance of the site and to adhere strictly to park regulations.
This includes not climbing on the structures or removing any artifacts within Mesa Verde National Park.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
This park is the hidden gem amongst Colorado National Parks.
The Black Canyon was carved by the Gunnison River for over two million years and is a stunning geological wonder.
South Rim
South Rim is the more visited and developed area of the park.
It can be easily reached from Montrose or Grand Junction.
It is famous for its spectacular views and diverse recreational activities.
Topping the list of must-do activities is hiking the South Rim’s trails.
The Warner Point Nature Trail is one of the best hiking trails in Colorado.
This 1.5-mile round trip trail offers stunning panoramas of the Black Canyon and the distant San Juan Mountains.
Another option is the Cedar Point Nature Trail, a short but scenic hike providing two separate overlooks of the canyon.
In addition to hiking, the South Rim is also great for wildlife viewing, with potential sightings of mule deer, elk, and various bird species.
The South Rim Road is another highlight, a 7-mile drive with several overlooks like Pulpit Rock Overlook, Cross Fissures View, and Rock Point, each offering unique vantage points of the canyon.
North Rim
Looking for more solitude?
Visit the remote and less frequently visited North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
The North Rim provides a set of unique and challenging hiking opportunities, taking you along the wild and rugged rim of the canyon.
The viewpoints here provide a less crowded and more intimate experience of the park.
The journey to this side involves a gravel road and the absence of visitor services guarantees solitude and an opportunity to reconnect with nature.
Within the park, there are a variety of activities to enjoy, such as kayaking, rock climbing, and fishing.
The park’s steep cliffs and crags make it a haven for experienced climbers, while the Gunnison River offers excellent fishing opportunities, with its population of rainbow and brown trout.
If you’re interested in astronomy, the park’s remote location and dark skies provide fabulous opportunities for star gazing.
It is amongst the least visited national parks in Colorado and offers and off-the-beaten path experience.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is an intriguing spectacle in Southern Colorado.
It is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America.
The dunes stretch over nearly 30 square miles, with the highest peak, Star Dune, reaching an impressive height of 750 feet.
This unique landscape was formed over thousands of years by sand deposits from the Rio Grande River.
It is a paradise for sandboarding and sand sledding, popular activities within the park.
Beyond the dunes, the park transitions into a diverse landscape of alpine lakes, tundra, forests, and wetlands in the Sangre de Cristo Range.
The park is also a sanctuary for various wildlife species, ranging from mule deer and bison to more elusive creatures like the kangaroo rat and the Great Sand Dunes tiger beetle.
Medano Creek
Within the park, you will also find the Medano Creek.
It creates a beach-like environment at the base of the dunes from late April to early June.
It’s a favorite spot for kids and families to splash around, build sand castles, and picnic.
Stargazing in Great Sand Dunes
The preserve part of the park is also an incredible place for stargazing due to its designated status as an International Dark Sky Park.
On clear nights, visitors can indulge in stunning views of constellations, the Milky Way, and sometimes even meteor showers.
It is one of the best Colorado National Parks to enjoy stargazing.
You will find the park entrance near the small town of Alamosa, which is also a great place to stay.
Colorado National Monument
Colorado National Monument is a stunning testament to the power of natural forces and the passage of time.
Located near the city of Grand Junction, this mesmerizing park stretches over 20,000 acres and is renowned for its striking red rock canyons and towering monoliths.
The monument’s canyons have been shaped over millions of years by erosion, creating a dramatic landscape that is a paradise for outdoor lovers.
Rim Rock Drive
Driving along the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive, visitors can marvel at the breathtaking views of the canyon and the surrounding area.
This scenic route offers multiple viewpoints and trails for visitors to stop and explore the monument’s rugged beauty.
Some of the notable formations to look out for include the Independence Monument, the Kissing Couple, and the Coke Ovens.
Hiking Trails and more attractions
For hikers, the monument offers a variety of trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs.
The Serpents Trail, often referred to as the “Crookedest Road in the World”, provides an excellent view of the park’s unique geology.
For a more strenuous hike, the Monument Canyon Trail leads to some of the park’s most iconic rock formations.
The park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife.
Visitors may spot desert bighorn sheep, golden eagles, and a variety of reptiles.
Birdwatchers will enjoy the park as it is home to over 100 bird species.
Colorado National Monument offers a unique and awe-inspiring experience, a must-visit for those exploring the National Parks of Colorado.
Dinosaur National Monument
Located on the border of Colorado and Utah, Dinosaur National Monument is a treasure trove of prehistoric history when dinosaurs roamed the earth.
It offers an extraordinary glimpse into the world that existed millions of years ago.
It is also the popular national park in America for dinosaur lovers.
Fascinating Scenery
This captivating park spans over 210,000 acres, encompassing breathtaking canyons, mountains, and rivers.
A trip to Dinosaur National Monument presents a wealth of activities for visitors of all ages.
You can embark on a scenic drive along the Harpers Corner Road to enjoy the panoramic views of the Yampa and Green rivers.
Hiking trails abound, with routes suitable for every level of experience, leading to mesmerizing petroglyphs, roaring waterfalls, and incredible vistas.
The park’s rivers provide thrilling white-water rafting opportunities.
Fossils Galore
But what truly sets this park apart is its remarkable collection of fossils.
The renowned Carnegie Quarry, housed within the Quarry Exhibit Hall, is a site to behold.
Here you can witness a preserved dinosaur fossil bed, where more than 1,500 fossil remnants are visible in the cliff face.
The fossils belong to various species, including the gigantic long-necked Apatosaurus and the carnivorous Allosaurus, providing a fascinating insight into the age of dinosaurs.
But it’s not just dinosaurs that this park is famous for!
Dinosaur National Monument is also an International Dark Sky Park and home to amazing star gazing opportunities.
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is a true hidden gem in Colorado.
It is the perfect day trip from Colorado Springs and can be reached within an hour’s drive.
The park is rich in history and geological wonders.
It’s a site of significant paleontological discoveries, with millions of years old fossilized plants and insects, capturing the ancient ecosystems in astonishing detail.
The area was once a lush, subtropical environment and was home to massive redwoods, related to California’s coastal redwoods.
There are over 14 miles of scenic hiking trails winding through the monument’s diverse landscapes, from meadows and forests to rocky hillsides.
Along the trails, you can come across the park’s iconic petrified redwood stumps, some of which date back around 34 million years.
The visitor center is an excellent starting point, offering interactive exhibits about the park’s geology, fossils, and history.
Additionally, park rangers regularly conduct guided walks and talks, providing a deeper understanding of the park’s geologic significance.
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, located in the southwestern corner of Colorado, is a remarkable repository of history and culture.
The monument gives you a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloan people who once inhabited these lands approximately 700 to 2000 years ago.
The area boasts the highest known archaeological site density in the United States.
These richly preserved remnants of the past include cliff dwellings, kivas (ceremonial structures), and rock art.
The Sand Canyon trail is a popular route, leading visitors through scenic canyons and past ancestral Puebloan ruins.
The monument is also home to the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum, where you can learn more about the monument’s archaeological and natural history.
The museum showcases a variety of artifacts ranging from pottery and baskets to historic Puebloan tools.
It provides fascinating insights into the life and times of the monument’s ancient inhabitants.
In addition to its rich cultural heritage, Canyons of the Ancients also offers a diverse range of outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing.
Browns Canyon National Monument
Browns Canyon National Monument is a paradise for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Surrounded by high peaks and expansive sky, this 21,000-acre park offers breathtaking scenery and plenty of activities to keep visitors busy.
The park is best known for its thrilling whitewater rafting trips along the Arkansas River, which runs through the heart of the canyon.
The intense rapids and spectacular views make it an unforgettable experience.
For a more leisurely activity, you can take a scenic float trip on the river to explore the park’s diverse wildlife and landscape.
Hiking is another popular way to discover Browns Canyon, with trails ranging from easy strolls to strenuous hikes.
Hovenweep National Monument
Hovenweep National Monument, straddling the Colorado and Utah border, is a testament to the ingenuity and architectural prowess of the ancient Puebloan people.
Established as a National Monument in 1923, Hovenweep protects six prehistoric, Puebloan-era villages spread over a twenty-mile expanse of mesa tops and canyons.
The monument is renowned for its solitary towers perched on canyon rims and balanced on boulders, a sight that sparks wonder and intrigue among its visitors.
Explorers can walk the two-mile looped trail leading to and from the visitor center, offering stunning views of the Square Tower Group, the most intricately designed and well preserved of the structures.
The monument is open year-round, and nightfall offers a breathtaking panorama of the starlit sky, owing to its certification as an International Dark Sky Park.
Hovenweep provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the serenity and silence of the desert, while reflecting on the mysteries of the ancient civilizations that once thrived here.
Chimney Rock National Monument
Chimney Rock National Monument is located in southwestern Colorado in the San Juan National Forest.
It is a site of remarkable natural beauty and historical significance.
The monument gets its name from the iconic 315-foot sandstone spire that towers over the surrounding landscape.
What makes this site truly unique, however, is its connection to the ancient Puebloan people, who inhabited the region over a thousand years ago.
Archaeological evidence suggests that the site served as an astronomical observatory and a major cultural center for the Puebloan people.
These ancient inhabitants built over 200 homes and ceremonial buildings around the base of Chimney Rock and its companion rock formation, Companion Rock.
A guided tour of the site reveals the sophisticated architecture of these structures, including kivas — ceremonial rooms used for spiritual purposes.
The monument also offers a range of recreational activities, such as hiking and bird watching, and its elevated location provides breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains and the Piedra River Valley.
Yucca House National Monument
Yucca House National Monument, located in the Montezuma County of Colorado, is an unexcavated Ancestral Puebloan archaeological site.
As one of the largest archaeological sites in southwest Colorado, Yucca House National Monument holds great potential for understanding the Ancestral Puebloan culture.
Unlike other national parks or monuments, Yucca House remains virtually untouched, offering visitors a unique experience to observe and comprehend the site as it was centuries ago.
While there are no marked trails, visitor services, or interpretive signs, this monument is a perfect place for those seeking tranquility and an opportunity to connect with the past in its most authentic form.
The monument is also a bird-watcher’s paradise, with a variety of bird species flocking to the surrounding wetland area.
Despite its somewhat hidden nature, Yucca House National Monument represents a significant part of Colorado’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
Curecanti National Recreation Area
Curecanti National Recreation Area is a hidden gem in the heart of Colorado.
It’s a haven for those who appreciate wildlife, water sports, and stunning mountainous landscapes.
Central to the recreation area are three large reservoirs, Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal Reservoir, which are all part of the Upper Gunnison River.
These reservoirs offer a plethora of water-based activities such as boating, fishing, and even ice-fishing during winter months.
One of Curecanti’s most famous features is the Dillon Pinnacles.
These bizarrely beautiful rock formations are best admired from the Dillon Pinnacles Trail, an easy four-mile round trip trail.
From the trail, you can panoramic views of the pinnacles juxtaposed against the sprawling Blue Mesa Reservoir.
Curecanti National Recreation Area also hosts a significant piece of American history.
The recreation area is home to the Denver and Rio Grande Western Narrow Gauge Railroad exhibit where visitors can learn about the area’s railroading past.
It features a restored railroad depot, several vintage rail cars, and sections of the original rail line.
A highlight is the chance to look at the Cimarron Railroad Exhibit, which features a vintage steam locomotive.
Amache National Historic Site
Amache National Historic Site, situated in southeastern Colorado, stands as a poignant reminder of a darker chapter in American history.
This site was formerly known as Granada Relocation Center, one of the locations where Japanese-Americans were interned during World War II.
Today, the site serves as a testament to the resilience of those interned during this period, their stories etched into the very landscape.
Visitors can explore the remnants of the original 29 residential blocks as well as the military police compound.
They can also see the cemetery, which serves as a solemn memorial to those who passed away during their internment.
Interpretive exhibits and placards throughout the site provide a profound understanding of the lives of the internees.
The Amache Preservation Society Museum, located nearby, houses a collection of artifacts, photographs, and personal testimonies that offer a deeper insight into this historical event.
Despite its somber past, Amache National Historic Site is a place of learning and remembrance, encouraging us to reflect on the past to better shape the future.
Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, located in southeastern Colorado, commemorates a tragic event in American history.
The site is where the Sand Creek Massacre took place on November 29, 1864, when a 675-man force of Colorado U.S. Volunteer Cavalry attacked and destroyed a village of Cheyenne and Arapaho Native Americans, resulting in substantial loss of life.
The National Historic Site preserves the location of the massacre, providing visitors with a somber and reflective experience.
Along the site’s trails, interpretive signs recount the events leading up to, during, and following the massacre.
The site also offers educational programs to further promote understanding of this event and its consequences.
Despite its tragic history, the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site stands as a powerful reminder of the need for compassion and understanding between different cultures and peoples.
Santa Fe National Historic Trail
The Santa Fe National Historic Trail, stretching across five U.S. states including Colorado, retraces a significant 19th century trading route between Franklin, Missouri, and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The trail imbues a sense of wonder and adventure as it winds through vast prairies, arid desertscapes, and rugged mountains.
Visitors can explore various historical and cultural sites along the trail, such as Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site, which served as a significant trading post on the Santa Fe Trail.
The trail offers numerous recreational activities, from hiking and camping to wildlife viewing and photography.
Visitors can also engage with interpretive displays that recount the rich history of commerce, cultural interaction, and conflict along the trail.
The Santa Fe National Historic Trail is not just a journey through diverse landscapes, but also a journey through time, bringing to life the stories of traders, settlers, and Native Americans who once traversed this historic pathway.
Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument
Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument near Vail is the newest addition to the roster of Colorado’s prestigious national monuments.
Located in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, this site was once the training ground for the 10th Mountain Division, a group of World War II soldiers who trained in skiing and mountaineering to fight in the harsh mountainous terrains of Europe.
Today, the site is designated as a National Monument to honor the legacy of these brave soldiers, while also protecting the natural, cultural, and recreational resources of the area.
It houses remnants of the military training camp, which includes several historic structures and training areas that bear testament to its unique wartime history.
The area’s high mountain terrain, including its alpine landscapes and thriving ecosystems, are also preserved as part of the monument.
Visitors can explore the rich history of the site through interpretive exhibits and trails, while also enjoying outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Despite being the newest monument, Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument already plays an iconic role in preserving Colorado’s rich history and natural beauty.
Colorado’s national parks, monuments, and recreation areas offer a harmonious blend of breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and fascinating history.
Seeking serenity among towering sand dunes. Explore the mysteries of prehistoric fossils.
Marvel at the rugged beauty of red rock canyons or simply fish in a peaceful reservoir.
The awe-inspiring sceneries, diverse ecosystems, and rich heritage invite visitors to immerse themselves in nature and adventure.
From hiking trails and campgrounds, to scenic overlooks and historic sites, Colorado’s national parks promise to deliver a memorable experience.
Which are your favorite national parks in Colorado? Let us know below.