Parks & Monuments

Looking to truly immerse yourself in the wilderness of the Rockies?  Consider a multi-day hike or biking excursion along the Colorado Trail.  Or plan on camping in Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the national parks Colorado is best known for.  Both Colorado parks can be explored for as long or as short a visit as you want.

Looking to piece together a few day trips?  Consider a whitewater rafting trip in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, a scenic drive up 14,000 foot Mt. Evans, and a photo op in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass National Wilderness.  All can easily be visited in a day.

Want to see the greatest hits?  Head to Durango for Mesa Verde National Park.  Stop in central Colorado and check out Great Sand Dunes National Park.  In between the two, detour to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.  Finally, head east towards Colorado Springs to check out the Garden of the Gods.  You'll be amazed at the wide variety of climates and topographies in Colorado.

You can also tailor your trip to whatever attractions you want to see.  If you're interested in wildlife viewing, consider one of the eight national wildlife refuges and over 300 state wildlife areas.  Hoping to get in some history? Choose from almost 30 national historic trails, sites, and landmarks. Or check out any of the eleven museums run by History Colorado (formerly the Colorado Historical Society). You'll find options for state parks Colorado wide, so no matter where you're headed, there's sure to be an option nearby.

With Colorado parks and monuments throughout the state, you're sure to find an option close to your hotel, and you won't want to miss out on the abundance of amazing Colorado destinations!

See a map of Colorado parks and monuments.