10 State Parks in Colorado That You Shouldn't Miss

June 9, 2021 Sachiko Swiger

Colorado is home to no less than twenty-six ski resorts such as those in Vail and Breckenridge; other winter activities include snowboarding, sledding, sleigh rides, snow hiking and snowmobiling. The state is blessed with national parks, grasslands and forests where in warmer weather you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking or rock climbing. Wildlife abounds, from bears to moose and raccoons to wolverines. More interested in local history? Head for either the Ute Indian Museum or the Koshare Indian Museum, and don't miss the forts such as Fort Garland and Bent's Old Fort. For a complete change, why not take a ride in a hot air balloon from South Park Valley or Boulder and admire Colorado's picturesque landscape from above?
Restaurants in Colorado

1. Sylvan Lake State Park

10200 Brush Creek Road, Eagle, CO 81631 +1 970-328-2021 http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/Parks/sylvanlake
Excellent
82%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 11 reviews

Sylvan Lake State Park

Reviewed By G9279KBgraces - Broomfield, United States

EVERYTHING WAS AMAZING!! The lake was so clear, that if it was not so deep, you could see the bottom. Fish swam everywhere making it the perfect fishing spot. You could get away from everything! My dad ( yes I am 11) never had to check his phone for work. I loved it. The place also had an interesting history, and you could see the old roads along the path. There is even an old car, next to the shore. Also a great camping spot!

2. Golden Gate Canyon State Park

3873 Highway 46 92 Crawford Gulch Road, Golden, CO 80403 +1 303-582-3707 [email protected] http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/GoldenGateCanyon
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 289 reviews

Golden Gate Canyon State Park

This area is particularly good for snowshoers.

Reviewed By MrsButterfield - Denver, United States

If you're going to go here, go very early in the morning, especially on the weekend! It costs $9 for a day pass that you need to pick up upon entry into the park. They have plenty of hikes for all ski levels as well as ponds to go fishing. Make sure you bring a water bottle for hot days and always bring a rain jacket.

3. Mueller State Park

21045 Highway 67 South, Divide, CO 80814 +1 719-687-2366 http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Mueller
Excellent
73%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 273 reviews

Mueller State Park

A scenic park.

Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States

Mueller State Park isn't one of the most celebrated or most visited parks in Colorado. In fact, it can get downright lonesome. Located outside of Divide, Colorado, and southwest of Colorado Springs, it was established in 1986 and covers 5,112 acres. But the park is pristine and scenic and is a popular destination for hikers and bikers and hunters and campers and horseback riders who like to avoid crowds. Mueller State Park offers many outdoor activities. There are 55 miles of trails. The park is open in the winter for snowshoeing, sledding and snowtubing. And it is diverse habitat for a variety of wildlife, including elk, black bear, eagles, hawks and bighorn sheep. One of the most scenic attractions is Dome Rock. If you enjoy solitude, this is the place.

4. Ridgway State Park

28555 Highway 550, Ridgway, CO 81432-9104 +1 970-626-5822 [email protected] http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Ridgway
Excellent
59%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 215 reviews

Ridgway State Park

Park that has a little bit of everything, from camping and boating to hiking and fishing.

Reviewed By Gambrellgirl

We parked and explored the shoreline by the lake on our visit. Views were awesome. We took some great photos of the scenery of the lake & river. It wasn't very crowded on the day we visited. There was a $9 fee on the day we visited but you received access to the entire park amenities. Bathrooms were very clean and it was pretty cool to be able to drive down to the water's edge w/the water level very low. Great for kids who love to explore.

5. Shadow Mountain National Recreation Area

Highway 34, Grand Lake, CO 80447 +1 970-887-4100
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6 reviews

Shadow Mountain National Recreation Area

6. Chatfield State Park

11500 Roxborough Park Rd, Littleton, CO 80125-9457 +1 303-791-7275 [email protected] http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Chatfield
Excellent
52%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 325 reviews

Chatfield State Park

Reviewed By randyh394

Always enjoy visiting Chatfiled. Many activities to choose from including fishing, camping, hiking trails, and a RC airport.

7. Flagstaff Mountain

Boulder, CO +1 303-441-3440 http://bouldercolorado.gov/osmp/flagstaff-trailhead
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 290 reviews

Flagstaff Mountain

Located close to downtown Boulder, this mountain offers climbing and hiking trails with sweeping views of the city.

Reviewed By AutumnLP - East Peoria, United States

My hubs insisted we drive up this mountain. All along stops and views forever. Watch out for bicycles. People were also walking crossing the road.

8. Steamboat Lake State Park

61105 County Road 129, Clark, CO 80428-9711 +1 970-879-3922 [email protected] http://www.parks.state.co.us/Parks/SteamboatLake/Pages/SteamboatLakeHome.aspx
Excellent
55%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 150 reviews

Steamboat Lake State Park

A year-round destination, this beautiful state park offers a multitude of recreational activities from cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing in the winter to camping, hiking, biking and boating in the summer. The natural setting is highlighted by the beautiful scenery of Sand Mountain and Hahn's Peak bordering this 1055 acre lake. At 8000 feet in elevation, Colorado mountain wildflowers and wildlife are abundant. Our trail system allows you and your family to see nature up close. The campgrounds of 188 campsites allows you to experience the beauty of the outdoors and still have the comfort of modern amenities and facilities.

Reviewed By christylou60 - Albuquerque, United States

Gorgeous spot for viewing fall colors! There are a couple of easy hikes around the lake with well marked paths. The Visitor Center is open with bathrooms and a ranger to answer your questions. The marina closes after Labor Day. The beach looked well maintained with picnic tables present.

9. Robert Clement Park

Littleton, CO +1 303-409-2600 http://www.ifoothills.org/parks_Clement_Park.asp
Excellent
57%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 113 reviews

Robert Clement Park

Reviewed By 22patw - Littleton, United States

This park is well designed for families and for individuals to enjoy. There is areas for all ages as well as a lake to walk around and play areas for young kids and skate board fans.

10. Barr Lake State Park

13401 Picadilly Rd, Brighton, CO 80603-8808 +1 303-659-6005 [email protected] http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/barrlake/Pages/default.aspx
Excellent
54%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 91 reviews

Barr Lake State Park

A premier Colorado spot for birdwatching.

Reviewed By Samatha576

Barr Lake is a gem of Colorado Park & Wildlife. The Park Rangers & volunteers make this a welcoming wildlife area amid the ever expanding urban sprawl. Bi-annual bird counts, bird walks, fishing, boating and family events are a few of the activities to be had!

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