Colorado’s 41st State Park Might Just Outshine Rocky Mountain National Park

Staunton State Park

While the masses flock to Rocky Mountain National Park, smart explorers are quietly sneaking off to this granite playground just an hour from Denver.

Staunton State Park delivers all the Colorado mountain glory you crave – epic views, pristine forests, and jaw-dropping waterfalls, without making you fight through summer traffic just to find a parking spot.

Here’s why you need to check it out ASAP.

Pure Colorado Geography

Starting at 8,100 feet (already higher than many mountain peaks), the landscape shifts from wide-open meadows to massive granite cliffs.

Soaring past 10,000 feet, you’ll see most of the park covered in thick forests with Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir, and Aspen.

Pro tip: visit in fall when the Aspens turn golden for amazing shots.

It’s on the Pikes Peak Batholith

The park sits on something called the Pikes Peak Batholith, which is basically ancient liquid earth that pushed up and cooled down millions of years ago.

This created those jaw-dropping granite formations you’ll see throughout the park, including Lions Head, Chimney Rock, and Staunton Rocks.

Mountains That Make You Feel Tiny

Lions Head juts out of a massive mountain top, measuring 9,446 feet. And is the only named mountain fully in the park.

But parts of Staunton climb up the side of Black Mountain. They reach heights around 10,300 feet. That’s nearly two miles above sea level.

The Wonderful Elk Falls

If you do one hike at Staunton, make it the Elk Falls trail.

Yes, it’s a 10.8-mile round trip, but the payoff is huge: a 100-foot waterfall crashing down into North Elk Creek.

There are two ways to see it: hike to the bottom for the full experience or take the overlook trail for a bird’s-eye view (bonus: you can see Pikes Peak from here too).

Peaceful Fishing Spots

Bring your fishing gear when you go.

The park has multiple fishing spots including Davis Ponds and Elk Falls Pond (sitting pretty at 8,846 feet). There are also small creeks throughout the park, though they might not all have trophy-sized trout.

Remember: you’ll need a Colorado fishing license to cast your line here.

400+ Rock Climbing Routes

Staunton boasts over 400 different climbing routes ranging from beginner-friendly to “what was I thinking?” difficult.

Lions Head and the Staunton Rocks are popular spots to chalk up. Just keep an eye out for seasonal closures.

They happen to protect the birds of prey that nest in the cliffs.

25+ Campsites

Staunton has 25 walk-in campsites perfect for extending your adventure overnight.

You’ll need to carry your gear from the parking lot (anywhere from 100 to 800 yards) so you’re going to be huffing and puffing. But once you pitch that tent, it’s high meadows, granite cliffs, and zero light pollution for amazing stargazing.

Each site comes with bear-proof storage, water access, and vault toilets.

The Staunton Ranch Trail

Think of this 3.1-mile trail as the park’s main street.

With a gentle 940-foot elevation gain (that’s less than a 6% grade), it’s perfect for beginners or as a warm-up before tackling the more challenging routes.

Almost every other trail branches off from here.

You’ll see plenty of those amazing cliffs along the way, and it’s popular with both hikers and mountain bikers.

Marmot Passage and Bugling Elk Trails

This twofer is a 3.1-mile loop that gets you to Elk Falls Pond. Hike the loop clockwise to get that jaw-dropping first glimpse of the falls from above.

Fair warning: you’ll need to hike at least 10 miles total to complete this loop including the approach trails, but it’s worth the effort.

The Hiker-Only Scout Line Trail

You won’t have to dodge bikes and horses on this 1.5-mile trail.

It connects with the Staunton Ranch Trail about two miles from the main trailhead and can be turned into a loop. If you’re going clockwise, get yourself ready for some steep switchbacks up to a ridge.

Counter-clockwise easier on the legs. Either way, you’re greeted by 14,117-foot Pikes Peak about fifty miles to the south.

Visiting Staunton State Park

Address: 12102 S Elk Creek Rd, Pine, CO, 80470
Phone: (303) 816-0912

Staunton State Park is open daily, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fees are $4-$10, and they allow service animals, horses, and leashed dogs.