Breathtaking vistas, spectacular red rock cliffs, and gleaming rivers are just a few of the unbelievable sights that await at the national parks and monuments in Colorado. Our state is home to four incredible national parks where you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities from hiking to rock climbing to river rafting. Read on to learn more about these Colorado National Parks. From history on the parks to popular activities, this blog will make planning your visit a breeze! Searching for more outdoor adventure in Colorado? Explore our Summer and Winter Activities pages for more ideas on what each season has to offer!
Top 6 Colorado National Parks
We've listed information on Colorado's four national parks below, as well as two national monuments. Local tip: Make sure you check the National Park Service for updates regarding tickets, hours and safety alerts.
1. Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park features 415 square miles of alpine and subalpine territory that you won't soon forget. Sporting 300 miles of hiking trails, five campgrounds, and diverse wildlife, there's plenty of outdoor adventure to discover. For example, Trail Ridge Road takes you up 12,000 feet to jaw-dropping views!
2. Mesa Verde National Park
Take a step back in time more than 700 years, to be exact for a look into the lives of Ancestral Pueblo people at Mesa Verde National Park. This popular Colorado landmark is home to 600 cliff-dwelling villages and some of the best-preserved archeological sites in the United States. Stop by the visitor center to grab a national park map before heading out to explore the park's 40+ miles of sights.
3. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. Although you may not expect to find sand dunes in Colorado, this national park has some of the most diverse environments you'll find all wrapped up in one amazing package. Here, you can enjoy horseback riding, sand dune sledding, camping, and more!
4. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Explore some of North America's oldest rock formations and peaks formed by the Gunnison River at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. This Colorado National Park boasts excellent rock climbing for experienced climbers. If that's a little more adventure than you can handle, check out a full catalog of the activities that this national park has to offer!
5. Honorable Mention: Colorado National Monument
Colorado National Monument technically isn't a national park, but it's home to a great American landmark treasure. There are rock formations galore that date back to more than one billion years old. Make sure you don't miss zipping around the twists and turns of the scenic Rimrock Drive, where you can spot bighorn sheep maneuvering gorgeous red rock canyon walls.
6. Honorable Mention: Dinosaur National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument boasts naturally documented history at the border of Colorado and Utah. Here, you can observe fossils and experience some amazing outdoor recreation. This national landmark boasts hiking trails, river rafting, camping, and more. This monument is especially popular among families with children. The Dinosaur Quarry Exhibit Hall has countless dinosaur fossils and remains for up-close and personal viewing.
Live Among Natural Wonders in Grand County, Colorado
All these Colorado National Parks are just a day trip away when you make Grand County home. Ready to make the leap to the Rocky Mountain lifestyle? Real Estate of Winter Park can help! We offer homes in Fraser, Granby, Grand Lake, Tabernash, and Winter Park. Browse a full catalog of our available properties to start your search for the perfect home in Grand County!
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