Colorado State & National Parks + Forests

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State Parks

  • Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area – This park is located in central Colorado and spans over 150 miles along the Arkansas River. It offers various recreational activities such as fishing, rafting, kayaking, hiking, and camping. The park is home to over 100 miles of hiking and biking trails and has 19 developed campgrounds.
  • Barr Lake State Park – Located just outside of Denver, this park is home to Barr Lake, which is one of Colorado’s largest natural lakes. The park offers hiking and biking trails, fishing, boating, and camping. The park is also home to over 350 species of birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.
  • Boyd Lake State Park – This park is located in Loveland, Colorado and offers a variety of water-based recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The park also has hiking and biking trails, a beach, and a campground.
  • Castlewood Canyon State Park – Located in Franktown, Colorado, this park is known for its stunning canyons and unique rock formations. It offers hiking trails, rock climbing, and picnic areas. The park also has a visitor center where visitors can learn about the area’s geology and history.
  • Chatfield State Park – This park is located just south of Denver and offers a variety of recreational activities such as camping, boating, fishing, and hiking. It also has a large reservoir for swimming and water sports, as well as a nature center with educational exhibits.
  • Cherry Creek State Park – Located in Aurora, Colorado, this park offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, biking, and fishing. The park also has a large reservoir for swimming and boating, as well as a shooting range and a model airplane field.
  • Cheyenne Mountain State Park – This park is located in Colorado Springs and offers hiking and biking trails, camping, and wildlife viewing. It also has a visitor center where visitors can learn about the park’s history and geology.
  • Crawford State Park – Located in the western part of Colorado, this park is known for its fishing and boating opportunities. It also offers camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The park has a large reservoir that is home to a variety of fish species such as rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and yellow perch.
  • Eldorado Canyon State Park – Located near Boulder, Colorado, this park is known for its stunning rock formations and world-renowned rock climbing routes. It also offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping. The park is home to several species of wildlife such as black bears, mountain lions, and mule deer.
  • Eleven Mile State Park – This park is located in Park County, Colorado and is home to Eleven Mile Reservoir, which is known for its excellent fishing opportunities. The park also offers hiking and biking trails, camping, and wildlife viewing. It is home to several species of wildlife such as bald eagles, osprey, and coyotes.
  • Elkhead Reservoir State Park – Located in northwest Colorado, this park is home to Elkhead Reservoir, which is known for its fishing opportunities. The park also offers hiking and biking trails, camping, and wildlife viewing. It is home to several species of wildlife such as elk, mule deer, and bald eagles.
  • Fishers Peak State Park – Colorado’s newest state park, Fishers Peak is located near Trinidad in southern Colorado. The park is named after Fishers Peak, which is the highest point in the park and one of the most prominent landmarks in the region. The park offers hiking and mountain biking trails, camping, and wildlife viewing.
  • Golden Gate Canyon State Park – Located near Golden, Colorado, this park is known for its stunning mountain scenery and hiking trails. It also offers camping and fishing opportunities. The park is home to several species of wildlife such as elk, mule deer, and black bears.
  • Harvey Gap State Park – Located in Garfield County, Colorado, this park is home to Harvey Gap Reservoir, which is known for its fishing opportunities. The park also offers hiking and biking trails, camping, and wildlife viewing. It is home to several species of wildlife such as coyotes, bobcats, and bald eagles.
  • Highline Lake State Park – This park is located in western Colorado and is known for its two lakes, Highline Lake and Mack Mesa Lake, which offer fishing and boating opportunities. The park also offers hiking and biking trails, camping, and wildlife viewing. It is home to several species of wildlife such as mule deer, coyotes, and bald eagles.
  • Jackson Lake State Park – Located in northeastern Colorado, this park is home to Jackson Lake, which is known for its boating and fishing opportunities. The park also offers camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. It is home to several species of wildlife such as pronghorn antelope, coyotes, and bald eagles.
  • James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park: This park is located along the Colorado River in western Colorado and offers a variety of recreational activities such as camping, fishing, and hiking. The park is home to several species of wildlife such as mule deer, coyotes, and bald eagles.
  • John Martin Reservoir State Park – Located in southeastern Colorado, this park is home to John Martin Reservoir, which is known for its fishing and boating opportunities. The park also offers camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. It is home to several species of wildlife such as coyotes, mule deer, and bald eagles.
  • Lake Pueblo State Park – This park is located near Pueblo, Colorado and is home to Lake Pueblo, which is known for its boating and fishing opportunities. The park also offers camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. It is home to several species of wildlife such as coyotes, mule deer, and bald eagles.
  • Lathrop State Park – Located in southern Colorado, this park is home to two reservoirs, Martin Lake and Horseshoe Lake, which offer fishing and boating opportunities. The park also offers camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. It is home to several species of wildlife such as coyotes, mule deer, and bald eagles.
  • Lone Mesa State Park – This park is located in Dolores County, Colorado and is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and mesas. The park offers hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. It is home to several species of wildlife such as elk, mule deer, and black bears.
  • Lory State Park – Located near Fort Collins, Colorado, this park is known for its hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as its stunning views of Horsetooth Reservoir. The park also offers camping and wildlife viewing. It is home to several species of wildlife such as mountain lions, black bears, and mule deer.
  • Mancos State Park – Located in Montezuma County, Colorado, this park is home to Jackson Gulch Reservoir, which offers fishing and boating opportunities. The park also offers hiking and wildlife viewing. It is home to several species of wildlife such as black bears, mountain lions, and mule deer.
  • Mueller State Park – This park is located in Teller County, Colorado and is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The park offers hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. It is home to several species of wildlife such as elk, mule deer, and black bears.
  • Navajo State Park – Located in southern Colorado, this park is home to Navajo Reservoir, which offers fishing and boating opportunities. The park also offers camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. It is home to several species of wildlife such as coyotes, mule deer, and bald eagles.
  • North Sterling State Park – Located in northeastern Colorado, this park is home to North Sterling Reservoir, which offers fishing and boating opportunities. The park also offers camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. It is home to several species of wildlife such as pronghorn antelope, coyotes, and bald eagles.
  • Paonia State Park – This park is located in Delta County, Colorado and is known for its fishing opportunities on Paonia Reservoir. The park also offers hiking and wildlife viewing. It is home to several species of wildlife such as mule deer, black bears, and mountain lions.
  • Pearl Lake State Park – Located in Routt County, Colorado, this park is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Pearl Lake. The park offers hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. It is home to several species of wildlife such as elk, mule deer, and black bears.
  • Ridgway State Park – Located in Ouray County, Colorado, this park is known for its stunning views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains and Ridgway Reservoir. The park offers camping, hiking, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. It is home to several species of wildlife such as elk, mule deer, and bald eagles.
  • Rifle Falls State Park – This park is located near Rifle, Colorado and is known for its scenic waterfall, hiking trails, and camping opportunities. It is home to several species of wildlife such as black bears, mountain lions, and mule deer.
  • Rifle Gap State Park – Located near Rifle, Colorado, this park is home to Rifle Gap Reservoir, which offers fishing and boating opportunities. The park also offers camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. It is home to several species of wildlife such as mule deer, black bears, and mountain lions.
  • Roxborough State Park – Located near Denver, Colorado, this park is known for its unique red rock formations and stunning views of the surrounding foothills. The park offers hiking, wildlife viewing, and educational programs. It is home to several species of wildlife such as black bears, mountain lions, and mule deer.
  • Spinney Mountain State Park – This park is located in Park County, Colorado and is known for its fishing opportunities on Spinney Mountain Reservoir. The park also offers camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. It is home to several species of wildlife such as bald eagles, ospreys, and mule deer.
  • St. Vrain State Park – Located near Longmont, Colorado, this park is known for its fishing opportunities on St. Vrain and Dickens Reservoirs. The park also offers camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. It is home to several species of wildlife such as bald eagles, mule deer, and coyotes.
  • Stagecoach State Park – This park is located in Routt County, Colorado and is known for its recreational opportunities on Stagecoach Reservoir, including fishing and boating. The park also offers camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. It is home to several species of wildlife such as elk, mule deer, and bald eagles.
  • State Forest State Park – Located in Jackson County, Colorado, this park is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The park offers camping, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. It is home to several species of wildlife such as moose, black bears, and mule deer.
  • Staunton State Park – Located in Jefferson County, Colorado, this park is known for its diverse ecosystem, including forests, meadows, and rock formations. The park offers hiking, rock climbing, fishing, and wildlife viewing. It is home to several species of wildlife such as black bears, mountain lions, and elk.
  • Steamboat Lake State Park – This park is located in Routt County, Colorado and is known for its scenic Steamboat Lake, which offers fishing, boating, and camping opportunities. The park also offers hiking, wildlife viewing, and educational programs. It is home to several species of wildlife such as bald eagles, ospreys, and mule deer.
  • Sweetwater Lake State Park – Located in Eagle County, Colorado, this park is known for its beautiful Sweetwater Lake, which offers fishing, boating, and camping opportunities. The park also offers hiking, wildlife viewing, and educational programs. It is home to several species of wildlife such as bald eagles, mule deer, and elk.
  • Sweitzer Lake State Park – This park is located in Delta County, Colorado and is known for its fishing and boating opportunities on Sweitzer Lake. The park also offers camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. It is home to several species of wildlife such as coyotes, mule deer, and various bird species.
  • Sylvan Lake State Park – Located in Eagle County, Colorado, this park is known for its beautiful Sylvan Lake, which offers fishing, boating, and camping opportunities. The park also offers hiking, wildlife viewing, and educational programs. It is home to several species of wildlife such as elk, mule deer, and black bears.
  • Trinidad Lake State Park – This park is located in Las Animas County, Colorado and is known for its fishing and boating opportunities on Trinidad Lake. The park also offers camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. It is home to several species of wildlife such as mule deer, coyotes, and various bird species.
  • Vega State Park – Located in Mesa County, Colorado, this park is known for its fishing opportunities on Vega Reservoir. The park also offers camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. It is home to several species of wildlife such as mule deer, elk, and various bird species.
  • Yampa River State Park – This park is located in Routt County, Colorado and is known for its recreational opportunities on the Yampa River, including fishing, boating, and camping. The park also offers hiking, wildlife viewing, and educational programs. It is home to several species of wildlife such as bald eagles, mule deer, and elk.

National Parks

State & National Forests

Arapaho National Forest
Grand Mesa National Forest
Gunnison National Forest
Pike National Forest
Rio Grande National Forest
Roosevelt National Forest
Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest
San Isabel National Forest
San Juan National Forest
Uncompahgre National Forest
White River National Forest

National Natural Landmarks

  • Big Spring Creek: Unique spring-fed creek fed by an unconfined aquifer, creating a rare animal- and plant-supporting wetlands in a generally arid area. Part of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. 37°46’00″N 105°37’30″W
  • Garden of the Gods: The site showcases the lithologic character of sedimentary rocks, as well as providing a habitat for North American honey ants and excellent viewing opportunities for several bird species. 38°52’04″N 104°53’28″W
  • Garden Park Fossil Area: Internationally recognized paleontological site renowned for finds of dinosaur, fish, crocodile, turtle and mammal fossils. Located on Bureau of Land Management land. 38°32’06″N 105°13’18″W
  • Hanging Lake: Travertine deposition-formed lake with substantial hanging garden plant life and minimal human alteration, unique in the region. A part of White River National Forest. 39°36’05″N 107°11’30″W
  • Indian Springs Trace Fossil Site: Best North American location for animal trace fossils from the Ordovician period. 38°22’03″N 105°29’07″W
  • Lost Creek Scenic Area: Located in Pike National Forest, with extensive rock formations, including gorges, ridges and spires, and stream channels that meander between above- and under-ground. 39°16’07″N 105°28’05″W
  • Morrison-Golden Fossil Areas: Site of major paleontological importance, unique for fossil footprints of reptiles, birds, and mammals. The site was expanded in 2011 to include the 19-acre (7.69 ha; 0.03 sq mi) Parfet Prehistoric Preserve in the city of Golden. 39°40’52″N 105°11’33″W
  • Raton Mesa: Protected by a thick lava cap, Raton Mesa has resisted the extensive erosion and weathering that has affected surrounding areas, providing an extreme contrast in geography. 37°05’52″N 104°27’46″W
  • Roxborough State Park: Site showcases typical Colorado Front Range sedimentary strata, as well as erosion of Fountain Formation sandstone in unusual patterns, extensive fossil remains and unusual plant populations. 39°25’45″N 105°04’06″E
  • Russell Lakes: Colorado’s largest remaining bulrush marsh, now rare in the southern Rocky Mountains. Provides habitat for extensive flora and fauna, especially waterfowl. 37°56’41″N 106°07’12″W
  • Sand Creek: Shared with Wyoming, the site is one of North America’s most impressive occurrences of cross-bedded sandstone and “topple blocks”. Also a site of paleontological and biological significance. 40°59’45″N 105°46’05″W
  • Slumgullion Earthflow: A major example of the geologic process of mass wasting, a large flow of volcanic rock traveled from mountainside to valley to form Lake San Cristobal. The same process is occurring again, slowly covering the existing flow. Located on Bureau of Land Management land. 37°59’55″N 107°14’42″W
  • Spanish Peaks: Located in San Isabel National Forest, the site is an exceptional illustration of over 500 igneous dikes, many exposed, formed when molten igneous rock is forced into a fault before hardening. 37°22’32″N 104°59’37″W
  • Sulphur Cave and Spring: Located in the Howelsen Hill Ski Area of Steamboat Springs, the site is a superb example of bacterially-mediated sulfuric acid speleogenesis. The cave contains many uncommon cave features, such as biovermiculations and snottites. 40°29’01″N 106°50’24″W
  • Summit Lake: At almost 13,000 feet (4,000 m), the site contains an excellent example of alpine tundra in the contiguous US. Some of the plants that survive in this microclimate are usually found only in the Arctic Circle. 39°35’54″N 105°38’40″W
  • West Bijou Site: Part of the Plains Conservation Center, the site contains fossil and mineral evidence detailing the Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary, the Earth’s most recent mass extinction event. 39°40’52″N 104°44’09″W