Colorado National Parks

Visiting Colorado National Parks is probably the best way to experience the unbelievable natural beauty that the state has to offer.

From sand dunes to rushing rivers to mountaintops, any one of these National Parks will make you say WOW!

Many are within "day trip range" from Colorado Springs, or go ahead and make it a weekend getaway. Just don’t forget your camera.

The most popular National Park in the state, Rocky Mountain’s name delivers. Arguably the most stunning views of the Rocky Mountains can be found here.

Features 359 miles of hiking trails, 200 backcountry camping sites, and the world famous Trail Ridge Road where you can drive your car above tree-line to 12,183 feet.

Read more about Rocky Mountain National Park

85,000 acres of the largest sand dunes in North America are the highlight of this Colorado National Park.

Some reach 750 feet in height. Surrounded by six 13,000 foot mountain peaks, the scenery here can at times be surreal and otherworldly.

Also features the seasonal Medano Creek at the base of the dunes, which “surges” as the sand builds and falls with the current.

Read more about Great Sand Dunes National Park

The deep, dramatic views in this park are made up of 12 miles of the canyon along the Gunnison River.

Several drive-to viewing areas allow visitors to gape down at the steep drops and listen to the rushing waters below.

Features the highest sheer cliff in Colorado at 2250 feet, known as the Painted Wall.

Read more about Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

Located in the soutwest corner of the state, near the “Four Corners” (Colorado, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico).

Mesa Verde is an 80-square mile park featuring several cliff dwellings created by the ancient Pueblo people.

Most outstanding is Cliff Palace—the largest cliff dwelling in North America.