19 Best National Parks in Colorado (With 37 Photos & Guide)
Colorado has a variety of national parks that are worth visiting. There is one for everyone! Whether you like hiking, skiing, or camping, there’s a park for you. The Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Great Sand Dunes National Park are all located here. Read on to learn more about the best national parks in Colorado and make your next vacation decision easier.
Table of Contents
1. Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park is located in the southwestern corner of Colorado. This national park is full of amazing cliff dwellings and other sites left behind by the Ancestral Pueblo people who lived there for 700 years between 600 to 1300 AD. If you are interested in exploring these ruins, this is a good place to go. It’s not far away from other towns and cities.
You can expect to see over 400 archeological sites spread throughout the park including cliff dwellings. Not only are these ruins of ancient American Indian homes, but they also offer amazing views of the surrounding area.
Mesa Verde National Park Details
Opening Hours: The park is open from sunrise to sunset on weekdays and on weekends during the summer. It will be closed for winter so that the roads can be cleared of snow.
Admission Fees: $15 per vehicle or $20 if you want to take your bicycle.
Best Time to Visit Mesa Verde National Park: The best time for hiking in this national park is during spring or fall because it’s not too hot or cold. This park is also very popular during the summer months, so if you want to avoid crowds we recommend going in the summer.
2. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Gunnison National Park is located in the southwest corner of Colorado. This national park is popular because the river has created a deep gorge which you can see from above or below. You can walk on top of it during the summer, or you can go down in a raft. The cliffs here are some of the steepest in North America and they go as high up as 2400 feet!
This area is formed by the river. The river cuts through the rocks and leaves behind these steep walls. There are a few great trails that you can hike along the edge of the canyon to take in this amazing view from above, but if you have bad knees or want an easier way to see it then be sure to go on one of their daily tours during summer months where they take you down into the canyon in a special vehicle.
Gunnison National Park Details:
Opening Hours: Open year-round, however road conditions may vary depending on weather and time of day so it’s best to check before going
Admissions Fees: $15 per vehicle or $20 if you want to take your bicycle Best Time to Visit.
3. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is located in the southwest corner of Colorado. If you like to go camping or skiing then this national park is perfect for you because it’s home to both! This national park has the tallest sand dunes in North America. The sand comes from nearby mountains.
The best time to camp here will be during the summer months when it’s nice and warm out, but winter will also be a great time to visit because you can go skiing or snowboarding down the slopes.
Great Sand Dunes National Park Details:
Opening Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset with hours varying by season
Admission Fees: $20 per vehicle Best Time to Visit.
4. Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park is located in the northern part of Colorado. This national park is awesome because of the scenery and the wildlife. You will never be bored during your visit. There are plenty of great hiking trails to take in all the beauty that surrounds this area, but if you prefer a calmer setting then be sure to check out one of their many lake trails instead where you can go fishing and boating during the summer months.
Rocky Mountain National Park is famous for its abundant wildlife so if you go during the winter months it’s possible to see elk, moose, bighorn sheep and even black bears!
Rocky Mountain National Park Details:
Opening Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset with hours varying by season
Admission Fees: $20 per vehicle or if you want to take your bicycle Best Time to Visit.
5. Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site is located in Otero County, Colorado, United States within the boundaries of the Comanche National Grassland. First built in 1833 by Charles and William Bent, its purpose was to serve traders on the Santa Fe Trail between Missouri and New Mexico.
The trading post consisted of mud walls that enclosed several adobe buildings.[1] The fort was destroyed in a mysterious way in 1849. A part of it has been restored and is open to the public.[2] The site has a full-time interpretive staff, a visitor center, museum store and a 9-hole golf course.
The primary trade item was buffalo robes.[3] Fifty thousand robes were sold in just over a decade at the fort.
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site is famous for its association with the history of settlement in the high plains. The Comanche Trail, which is what people called the Santa Fe Trail, was cut through this area. It is near the fort and has water and grass for horses to eat and trees for construction materials.
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site Details:
Address: 59901 East Hwy 160, Lamar, CO 81052
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site is Established: 1961
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site is all year, but it is a good idea to call ahead in the winter because the site is closed for several months.
Nearby locations: Fort Lyon, Colorado State University-Pueblo, Otero County Fair
Phone: (719) 662-4812
6. Colorado National Monument in Colorado
It is one of the best national parks in colorado. Colorado National Monument is located in western Colorado and is best known for its spectacular rock formations. With red sandstone cliffs that tower over the landscape, it’s easy to see why this would be such a popular national park in Colorado.
Colorado National Monument is famous for its rock formations and trails. You will get to see more than 1,700 species of plants and insects, plus over 130 species of birds.
Best time to visit the Colorado National Monument is in the spring and summer because of the mild weather.
7. Hovenweep National Monument
Our next spot is the Hovenweep National Monument which is located in southwestern Colorado and best known for its six groups of Ancestral Puebloan villages built between 1200-1300 A.D.
People visit this place mostly during the summer months. It can be cold here at night, so come prepared!
The best way to explore this place is by hiking one of their many trails or taking a guided tour with an archaeologist who will tell you more about the fascinating history that surrounds these ancient ruins.
Hovenweep National Monument Details
Address:Hovenweep National Monument, CO 81000
Hours of Operation:Monday – Saturday from sunrise to sunset. Closed on federal holidays.
Admission Fee: No entry fee for Hovenweep Naitonal Monument but there is a $15 per car charge if you drive in (this only applies to people who drive their cars into the monument and not people that come in on buses).
Best time to visit Hovenweep National Park is during the summer months or early spring before it gets too hot.
8. Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado : National Park For Dino Lovers
If you are a dinosaur lover like Ross from Friends then Dinosaur National Monument is your place. This place is in western Colorado. They are best known for their excavation of dinosaur bones that were found in the Morrison Formation.
Tourists visit this place between April through October because it can get very cold here throughout the winter!
The best way to explore Dinosaur Nat’l Monument is by taking a tour with rangers or join one of their guided hikes. You can get tours every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Dinosaur National Monument Details
Address: 230 Quarry Visitor Center Rd., Jensen, UT 84035
Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours
Admission Fee: No entry fee but if you want to take your car into this national park then there is a $15 per car charge (this only applies to people who drive their cars into the monument and not people that come in on buses).
Best time to visit The Dinosaur National Monument is during the summer months or early spring before it gets too hot.
9. Curecanti National Recreation Area : One of Tbe Best National Parks in Colorado
One of the best national parks in colorado is Curecanti National Recreation Area. This place is in Colorado and was created to store water. It has three deep reservoirs built to provide water storage.
Tourists visit here in early summer when the weather starts heating up but you still have a chance of seeing some snow!
The best way to explore the Curecanti Nat’l Rec area is by taking one of their scenic drives or hiking one of their many trails. You can also fish, boat, camp & more!
Curecanti National Recreation Area Details
Address: Gunnison Ave., Cimarron, CO 80812
Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours
Admission Fee: No entry fee but if you want to take your car into this national park then there is a $15 per car charge (this only applies to people who drive their cars into the monument and not people that come in on buses).
Best time to visit Curecanti National Recreation Area is during the summer months or early spring before it gets too hot.
10. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
If you are a science lover then Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument has something for you. This place is in Teller County, Colorado. It is famous for its fossils of plants and insects that were engulfed in ash from a volcano. This happened around 34 million years ago.
Most people visit this place during the summer months because it can get very cold here throughout the winter!
Best way to explore Florissant National Monuments is by taking one of their guided tours with rangers or join one of their many special events held throughout the year such as guest speakers, educational programs & more.
Florissant Fossil Beds Nat’l Monument Details
Address: 1207 iPad Rd., Florrisant, CO 80816
Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours
Admission Fee: No entry fee but if you want to take your car into this national park then there is a $15 per car charge (this only applies to people who drive their cars into the monument and not people that come in on buses).
Best time to visit Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is during the summer months or early spring before it gets too hot.
11. Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site in Colorado
Another amazing national park in colorado is Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site. This place is in Kiowa County, Colorado. It was the site of a surprise attack during the American Civil War. More than 150 Cheyenne and Arapaho people were killed on November 29th, 1864.
This is a good place to visit in the early spring or late fall. It is not good to go there when it gets cold because it might be too cold!
The best way to explore the Sand Creek National Hist Site is by taking one of their tours. They offer tours throughout the year, depending on what time of year you visit. Make sure to check out their website before you go!
Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site Details
Address: W Monument Rd., Eads, CO 80818 Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours
Admission Fee: No entry fee but if you want to take your car into this national park then there is a $15 per car charge (this only applies to people who drive their cars into the monument and not people that come in on buses).
Best time to visit The Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site is during the late spring or early fall before it gets too cold.
12. Yucca House National Monument
This National Park Yucca House National Monument is located in Jefferson County, Colorado best known for its large concentration of prehistoric Native American dwellings & artifacts.
You can visit this place during the summer months. It can get very cold here in the winter, so it is better to visit this place during the warmer months.
Best way to explore the Yucca House National Monuments is by taking one of their guided tours with rangers or join one of their many special events held throughout the year such as guest speakers, educational programs & more.
Yucca House National Monument Details
Address: W 104th St., Denver CO 80234 Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours
Admission Fee: No entry fee but if you want to take your car into this national park then there is a $15 per car charge (this only applies to people who drive their cars into the monument and not people that come in on buses).
The best time to visit the Yucca House National Monument is during the summer months or early spring before it gets too hot.
13. San Juan National Forest
One of the best national parks in colorado. There are many places to visit in Colorado. One is San Juan National Forest which has lots of rivers, trails, and camping areas.
Tourists often visit this place during the summer months because it can get very cold here throughout the winter!
To explore San Juan National Forest, take a guided tour with a ranger. They offer tours at different times throughout the year depending on what time of year it is, so be sure to check out their website before visiting this national park!
The San Juan National Forest Details
Address: 1221 W College Dr., Durango, CO 81303
Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours
Admission Fee: No entry fee but if you want to take your car into this national park then there is a $15 per car charge (this only applies to people who drive their cars into the monument and not people that come in on buses).
The best time to visit the San Juan National Forest is during the summer months or early spring before it gets too hot.
14. San Isabel National Forest in Colorado
Another great option is San Isabel National Forest which is located in the southwest region of Colorado best known for its many trails, rivers & camping areas.
This Forest is best visited during the summer months because it can get very cold here throughout the winter!
Best way to explore San Isabel National Forest is by taking one of their guided tours with rangers that are held throughout the year at various times depending on what time of year you visit so be sure to check out their website before visiting this national park!
San Isabel NAtional Forest Details
Address: W College Dr., Durango CO 81303
Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours
Admission Fee: No entry fee but if you want to take your car into this national park then there is a $15 per car charge (this only applies to people who drive their cars into the monument and not people that come in on buses).
The best time to visit San Isabel National Forest is during the summer months or early spring before it gets too hot.
15. Pike National Forest in Colorado : One of The Best National Parks in Colorado
One of the best forest parks in colorado is Pike National Forest which is located in the north-central region of Colorado best known for its many trees, creeks & trails.
Pike Nat’l Forest is best visited during the summer months because it can get very cold here throughout the winter!
Best way to explore Pike National Forest is by taking one of their guided tours with rangers that are held throughout the year at various times depending on what time of year you visit so be sure to check out their website before visiting this national park!
Pike National Forest Details
Address: 100 Midway Cir., Larkspur CO 80829
Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours
Admission Fee: No entry fee but if you want to take your car into this national park then there is a $15 per car charge (this only applies to people who drive their cars into the monument and not people that come in on buses).
Best time to visit Pike National Forest is during the summer months or early spring before it gets too hot.
16. Uncompahgre National Forest : National Park in Colorado
Another beautiful forest is Uncompahgre National Forest which is located in the northwest region of Colorado best known for its mountains, trails & rivers.
This Forest is best visited during the summer months because it can get very cold here throughout the winter!
Best way to explore The Uncompahgre National Forest is by taking one of their guided tours with rangers that are held throughout the year at various times depending on what time of year you visit so be sure to check out their website before visiting this national park!
Uncompahgre National Forest Details
Address: 777 S Grand Mesa Dr., Delta CO 81125
Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours
Admission Fee: No entry fee but if you want to take your car into this national park then there is a $15 per car charge (this only applies to people who drive their cars into the monument and not people that come in on buses).
Best time to visit Uncompahgre National Forest is during the summer months or early spring before it gets too hot.
17. Rio Grande National Forest in Colorado
This National Forest is located in the southwest region of Colorado best known for its beaches, trails & rivers.
The Rio Grande Nat’l Forest is best visited during the summer months because it can get very cold here throughout the winter!
Best way to explore the Rio Grande National Forest is by taking one of their guided tours with rangers that are held throughout the year at various times depending on what time of year you visit so be sure to check out their website before visiting this national park!
Rio Grande National Forest Details
Address: 28 State Hwy 150, Del Norte CO 81122
Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours
Admission Fee: No entry fee but if you want to take your car into this national park then there is a $15 per car charge (this only applies to people who drive their cars into the monument and not people that come in on buses).
Best time to visit Rio Grande National Forest is during the summer months or early spring before it gets too hot.
18. Alvarado Campground
The Alvarado Campground is a national park located in the middle of Colorado best known for its rivers, trails & beaches. it is one of the best national parks in colorado.
This place is best visited during the summer months because it can get very cold here throughout the winter!
Best way to explore The Alvarado Campground is by taking one of their guided tours with rangers that are held throughout the year at various times depending on what time of year you visit so be sure to check out their website before visiting this national park!
Alvarado National Forest Details
Address: 22500 County Road 38 Pueblo County CO 81125
Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours
Admission Fee: No entry fee but if you want to take your car into this national park then there is a $15 per car charge (this only applies to people who drive their cars into the monument and not people that come in on buses).
Best time to visit The Alvarado Campground is during the summer months or early spring before it gets too hot.
19. Grand Mesa National Forest : Best National Parks in Colorado
The Grand Mesa National Forest is located in the northwest region of Colorado best known for its mountains, trails & rivers.
This is best visited during the summer months because it can get very cold here throughout the winter!
The best way to explore Grand Mesa National Forest is by taking one of their guided tours with rangers that are held throughout the year at various times depending on what time of year you visit so be sure to check out their website before visiting this national park!
The Grand Mesa National Forest Details
Address: 777 S Grand Mesa Dr., Delta CO 81125
Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours
Admission Fee: No entry fee but if you want to take your car into this national park then there is a $15 per car charge (this only applies to people who drive their cars into the monument and not people that come in on buses).
Best time to visit The Grand Mesa National Forest is during the summer months or early spring before it gets too hot.
Conclusion
We hope you will find our article about the best national parks in colorado helpful. Colorado is filled with natural beauty, and it’s no surprise that visitors from all over the world come to explore its majestic peaks. This post provides you with a list of some of our favorite national parks in the state, including Rocky Mountain National Park and Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park. We hope this list helps you plan your next weekend getaway or vacation! Which one did we miss? Let us know which park is your favorite and why in the comments below.
