Must-See Attractions

National Parks: Colorado's Crown Jewels

1. Rocky Mountain National Park
Located near Estes Park, this iconic park boasts over 350 miles of hiking trails, alpine lakes, and the breathtaking Trail Ridge Road—the highest continuous paved road in the U.S.

2. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Home to North America's tallest sand dunes, this park offers unique activities like sandboarding and dune sledding, set against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

3. Mesa Verde National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mesa Verde preserves over 5,000 archaeological sites, including ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans.

4. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Known for its steep cliffs and dramatic vistas, this lesser-visited park offers solitude and stunning views of the Gunnison River carving through ancient rock.

State Parks: Local Favorites with Diverse Landscapes

1. Cherry Creek State Park (Aurora)
A natural prairie and wetland environment featuring an 880-acre reservoir, ideal for boating, fishing, and camping. The park also offers 35 miles of multi-use trails.

2. Staunton State Park (Pine)
Colorado's newest state park encompasses 3,908 acres of dramatic rock outcroppings, streams, and waterfalls, offering hiking, biking, and horseback riding opportunities.

3. Roxborough State Park (Littleton)
Recognized as a National Natural Landmark, this 3,339-acre park is renowned for its dramatic red sandstone formations and diverse ecological systems.

4. Castlewood Canyon State Park (Franktown)
Features hiking trails ranging from mild to moderate, with scenic views of Cherry Creek and unique geological formations, making it a popular spot for outdoor ceremonies.

5. St. Vrain State Park (Firestone)
Offers 50 acres of land and 80 acres of water across several ponds, making it a haven for anglers, birdwatchers, and campers.

Unique Natural Attractions

1. Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs)
A free public park featuring towering red rock formations against the backdrop of Pikes Peak, perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and photography.

2. Maroon Bells (near Aspen)
Often cited as the most photographed mountains in North America, the Maroon Bells offer stunning alpine scenery and reflective lakes.

3. Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mount Evans)
Accessible via a scenic byway, this peak offers panoramic views and the chance to spot mountain goats and bighorn sheep.