Colorado’s 12 Most Stunning State Parks That’ll Make Your Jaw Drop

Want to skip the crowds at national parks?

Colorado’s state parks might be your answer. These 42 parks offer everything from tall dunes to clear mountain lakes, giving you plenty of chances to enjoy nature without the long wait times at Rocky Mountain National Park. Let’s dig in.

Eldorado Canyon

• Address: 9 Kneale Road, Eldorado Springs, CO 80025​
• Entry Fee: $10 per vehicle; $4 per individual pedestrian or cyclist

Near Boulder, you’ll find amazing sandstone cliffs where rock climbers test their skills on 500 different routes. Check out “Boulder Rock Club Climbing Festival” where climbers gather to share experiences.

The golden walls stand tall, some of which, like the Wind Tower, reach upwards of 500 feet, while South Boulder Creek flows below, full of rainbow trout. Take an easy walk on the Fowler Trail – it’s great for wheelchairs and has beautiful mountain views.

For a bigger challenge, hike the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail to see old railroad ruins. In winter, the cliffs turn into perfect spots for ice climbing.

State Forest

• Address: 56750 Highway 14, Walden, CO 80480
• Entry Fee: $12 per vehicle; $4 per individual pedestrian or cyclist

Known as the ‘Moose Capital of Colorado,’ this huge park covers 71,000 acres in the Medicine Bow Mountains and is the best place to see moose in Colorado.

Over 600 of these impressive animals live here, along with elk and black bears. You can fish for rainbow trout in North Michigan Reservoir or explore 136 miles of trails (some only accessible by 4×4 vehicles).

When snow falls, the trails transform into perfect paths for snowmobiles and skiing. Don’t miss Lake Agnes, at 11,000 feet high, it offers some of the prettiest mountain views in the state.

Great Sand Dunes

• Address: 11999 State Highway 150, Mosca, CO 81146
• Entry Fee: $25 per vehicle; $15 per individual pedestrian or cyclist

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is to a 755 feet tall dune (the highest in North America).

The dunes are made of quartz and feldspar sand, deposited by the Rio Grande River. Bring a special sand sled and you can zoom down at 20 miles per hour.

In spring, Medano Creek creates a beach-like spot at the bottom of the dunes. It’s officially recognized as a Dark Sky Park, join a ranger program to look through their big telescope and spot faraway galaxies.

Take a guided hike under the full moon to experience the dunes in a unique and magical setting.

Roxborough

• Address: 4751 Roxborough Drive, Littleton, CO 80125
• Entry Fee: $10 per vehicle; $4 per individual pedestrian or cyclist

Red rock walls tilt dramatically toward the sky, making this park look like a giant art display.

The rocks, called the Fountain Formation, include hogbacks and monolithic formations. You might see golden eagles soaring overhead as the place is home to over 145 bird species.

On a lucky day, you might even encounter red foxes and mule deer on your hike. Walk the 2.3-mile Fountain Valley Trail to get up close to the rocks, or climb Carpenter Peak (6.4 miles round trip) for amazing views of Pikes Peak and Denver.

Steamboat Lake

• Address: 61105 Routt County Road 129, Clark, CO 80428
• Entry Fee: $10 per vehicle; $4 per individual pedestrian or cyclist

Mountains reflect perfectly in this big lake, which covers 1,053 acres. Hahn’s Peak, rising 10,839 feet, makes a perfect backdrop for photos.

Visitors can explore the peak’s surroundings through various trails connecting to the Routt National Forest.

The lake is full of big fish. The northern pike grows over 30 inches long out here. Camp (or glamp) at one of the sites nestled among the pines, fully equipped for RVs.

In winter, 300 inches of snow transform the park into a wonderland for skiing and snowmobiling on 27 miles of smooth trails.

Rifle Falls

• Address: 5775 Highway 325, Rifle, CO 81650
• Entry Fee: $10 per vehicle; $4 per individual pedestrian or cyclist

Three waterfalls, each 70 feet high, create a special mini-climate where rare ferns grow in the mist.

The limestone geology contributes to the formation of travertine, which supports unique plant communities, including hanging gardens. Under the falls, you’ll stumble upon deep caves, where bats hide away in crevices.

Take the short Coyote Trail (1.5 mile loop) where it’s 20 degrees cooler in summer. In winter, the falling water freezes into huge ice columns, though be warned, it’s not a cozy ride.

Ridgway

• Address: 28555 Highway 550, Ridgway, CO 81432
• Entry Fee: $10 per vehicle; $4 per individual pedestrian or cyclist

A beautiful five-mile lake sits here at 6,871 feet, surrounded by tall peaks and red cliffs. Situated in Ouray County, the park’s beach has real sand where you can grab a picnic or just swim in mountain water.

It gets surprisingly warm, up to 75 degrees in summer. Three different landscapes meet here: desert areas with little lizards, pine forests, and creek areas where river otters play.

Photographers love to catch sunrise and sunset at Elk Ridge Trail, where the mountains make perfect reflections in the lake.

Mueller

• Address: 21045 Highway 67 South, Divide, CO 80814
• Entry Fee: $10 per vehicle; $4 per individual pedestrian or cyclist

At 9,600 feet high, this park offers 55 miles of trails through old pine forests and aspen groves that turn bright gold each fall.

Big herds of elk – sometimes 200 at once – graze in the meadows, while bears enjoy wild raspberries in late summer. Try the 2.6-mile Outlook Ridge Trail (part of Mueller State Park’s extensive trail network) for great views of distant mountains.

In winter, kids love the 250-foot sledding hill. Choose from a wide range of camping spots, including some quiet ones perfect for getting away from crowds.

Castlewood Canyon

• Address: 2989 South State Highway 83, Franktown, CO 80116
• Entry Fee: $10 per vehicle; $4 per individual pedestrian or cyclist

See the remains of an old dam that broke in 1933, sending lots of water toward Denver.

Today, rock climbers tackle the 700-foot canyon walls, choosing from 150 different routes for all skill levels.

Walk the 1.6-mile Dam Trail to see both the old dam and a natural rock bridge. Look closely at the rocks – you might spot 55-million-year-old fossilized palm leaves preserved in the stone.

Need help? Professional climbers can guide visitors through some of the most iconic routes in Castlewood Canyon.

Pearl Lake

• Address: PO Box 750 Clark, CO 80428
• Entry Fee: $10 per vehicle; $4 per individual pedestrian or cyclist

This peaceful 167-acre lake bans fast boats, keeping the water smooth as glass.

The mirror-like surface reflects the forest perfectly, making it a favorite spot for photographers and painters.

Big cutthroat trout swim here, while osprey birds dive to catch fish. Camp at one of eight lakeside spots to see the mountains glow pink at sunrise.

In winter, try ice fishing or explore 4 miles of snowy trails. If you’re visiting, they hold guided yoga sessions amidst beautiful morning views by the lake.

Staunton

• Address: 12102 South Elk Creek Road, Pine, CO 80470
• Entry Fee: $10 per vehicle; $4 per individual pedestrian or cyclist

Colorado’s newest state park opened in 2013, showing off big rock formations like the 250-foot Staunton Rocks.

The park offers something super useful, off-road wheelchairs so everyone can enjoy the trails. Rock climbers find routes for every skill level, while hikers can tackle the big 11-mile Marmot Passage Loop.

Don’t miss the old ranch buildings from 1918, built with special log techniques used by early settlers.

Sylvan Lake

• Address: 10200 Brush Creek Road, Eagle, CO 81631
• Entry Fee: $10 per vehicle; $4 per individual pedestrian or cyclist

This pretty 42-acre lake sits at 8,500 feet, surrounded by evergreen forests that reflect in the calm water.

Stay in one of eight historic cabins built in the 1930s, or try camping in a yurt. You can also take a guided boat tour to get a real taste of the wild.

When winter comes, the ice gets 16 inches thick – perfect for ice fishing and skiing on 8 miles of groomed trails. Remember to book early for summer weekends and holidays.