Colorado National Parks
There are 4 national parks in the state of Colorado, and they give visitors an unforgettable range of experiences. The parks include vast sand dunes, ancient cliff dwellings, deep treacherous canyons and of course, the gorgeous Rocky Mountains.
Start exploring the parks below and remember to always be prepared for Colorado’s weather. The conditions change fast here, and the nighttime temperatures can drop well below daytime temperatures because of the altitude.
National Park System Links
Rocky Mountain National Park
Located to the northwest of Denver, this park sits at the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. The park contains 415 square miles of hiking trails, scenic drives, wildlife habitat and recreational space. The park is open year-round for visitors, but Trail Ridge Rd. will close for winter.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Located in South-Central Colorado, this unique environment is found where the landscape transitions from the high peaks of Colorado to the meadows below. In between you’ll find the sand dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
This park centers around the Black Canyon of the Gunnison River. This deep canyon has been carved out by the Gunnison River over millions of years, creating a unique landscape that was designated as a national park in 1999. This park is open 365 days/year, but road closures will be in effect during the winter months.
Mesa Verde National Park
The Mesa Verde National Park is located in Southwest Colorado, approx. 45 minutes to the west of Durango. The cliff dwellings of this park are known worldwide, and this is also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Pueblo homes in these cliffs were built more than 800 years ago.
Explore More
Click here to explore more of Colorado and see what the state has to offer in all 4 seasons.