Colorado State Parks Map

Click State Parks on Map for More Information Map of Colorado State Parks and Recreation Areas

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Colorado State Parks

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA), Colorado

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (Salida) is one of the nation's premier recreation areas. Stretching for 150 miles along the Arkansas River, the valley offers abundant and outstanding opportunities for fishing, rafting, kayaking, picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, and sightseeing in its deep canyons, broad valleys, and towering mountain peaks. The river stretches along the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway; and through the towns of Leadville, Buena Vista, Poncha Springs, Salida, Cañon City, Florence, and Pueblo. 10,119 / 7,416 / 4,692 feet above sea level, depending on location. Close to town.

Barr Lake State Park (Denver Metro, CO), known as an exceptional wildlife habitat, is east of Denver in Adams County. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the unique combination of activities: wildlife and bird-watching, educational programs, hunting, fishing, archery range, and boating. An amazing 371+ species of birds have been sighted and recorded here by the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory. Sailboats, standup paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, and boats with motors 10 horsepower or less are permitted on the north half of the lake (there is a boat ramp). 5,100 feet above sea level. Close to town.

Boyd Lake State Park (Loveland, CO), in Northern Colorado, is at the westernmost edge of the Great Plains. Along with traditional "fun in the sun" activities, enjoy weekend live summer concerts and sip a cold latte or soda from Wave Buster's Coffee Shop at Swim Beach Plaza, which include rinsing showers, restrooms, a playground, beach volleyball court, and picnic tables. Underwater ridges and inlets provide fishing opportunities. Ice fishing is a popular winter pastime. Bike and walk along the water's edge under shade trees on a paved trail. 4,960 feet above sea level. Close to town.

Castlewood Canyon State Park (Denver Metro, CO), in the famous Black Forest in north-central Colorado, east of Castle Rock, is a hub for hiking and rock climbing. The dramatic canyon walls and the unique ruins make up some of the park's attractions. The ruins of a century-old Castlewood Canyon Dam along Cherry Creek are the centerpiece of the park; trails range from 0.5 to 4 miles and wind their way into the deepest regions of the canyon. Climbing enthusiasts enjoy walls up to 60 feet high. 6,562 feet above sea level. Away from town, close to a convenience store and restaurant.

Chatfield State Park (Denver Metro, CO), with its beautiful rolling foothills, expansive reservoir, and abundant wildlife, makes it hard to believe the Park is 18 miles west of the Denver metro area that water skiers, fishing enthusiasts, canoeists, and sailors flock to. The park includes a recreational lake, floating restaurant, full-service livery, miles of hiking and biking trails, Chatfield marina, boat and horse rentals, a model airplane field, a 69-acre off-leash dog park, and a popular hot-air balloon launch areas on the Front Range. 5,430 feet above sea level. Close to town.

Cherry Creek State Park (Denver Metro, CO), Denver's backyard urban playground, is a recreation haven for boaters, anglers, bicyclists, equestrians, swimmers, hikers, and picnickers. It's a natural prairie environment of gentle, rolling hills complete with outdoor recreation facilities for special events. There are two boat launching ramps, a marina with boat slips, jet skis, and boat rentals, along with a sandy beach, a roped-off swimming area, and a bathhouse with restrooms open Memorial Day - Labor Day. The rest of the park is open year-round. 5,550 feet above sea level. In town.

Cheyenne Mountain State Park (Colorado Springs, CO), north of Colorado Springs, lies along the eastern flank of Cheyenne Mountain, a stunning transition from plains to peaks. In 2006, it became the first state park in El Paso County. There are 21 diverse trails, rated easy to moderate in difficulty, and they take hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers through grasslands and the pines, catch a glimpse of mule deer, pack a picnic lunch, and spend time at the archery range. The visitor center offers opportunities for learning and exploration. 6,000 feet above sea level. Close to town.

Crawford State Park (Crawford, CO), along the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway, is the center of the cattle industry; the nearby town of Crawford sees hundreds of cows herded down Main Street on their way either to market or mountain pasture. Ranches and farms surround the park and use water from the reservoir that affords recreational opportunities year-round: fishing, jet skiing, paddleboarding, sailing, scuba diving, hiking, hunting, cross-country skiing, and watching wildlife. The park's elevation guarantees a mild climate at any season. 6,600 feet above sea level. Close to town.

Eldorado Canyon State Park (Boulder, CO), near Boulder, is a stunning canyon with 1.6 billion years of geology, wildlife, flora, and fauna of a foothills canyon. There are scenic trails for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing - an all-season destination. The towering sandstone cliffs with 500+ technical rock climbing routes and bouldering make this park world-class. Anglers and picnickers will love to relax along South Boulder Creek. Eldorado Natural Spring Water has a self-serve water station; fill your bottle! 6,000 feet above sea level. Close to town.

Eleven Mile State Park (Pike Peak West, CO), southeast of Fairplay in Park County, features Elevenmile Canyon Reservoir; it's uncrowded and remote. Fishing is King; catch Rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout, Kokanee salmon, northern pike, small-mouth bass, and carp. The marina has guided fishing and boat rentals. Fish, mountain bike, boat, cross-country ski, hike, hunt, ice fish, ice skate, windsurf, or picnic at the playground. Wildlife: peregrine falcons, bald eagles, horned larks, and pronghorn antelope. 8,597 feet above sea level. Away from town, close to a convenience store and restaurant.

Elkhead Reservoir State Park (Craig, CO), surrounded by rolling hills, farmland, and sagebrush prairie in the Yampa River Valley, is an oasis in the high desert in northwestern Colorado. This is Moffat County's only flat-water recreation area: families love the swim beach, birding, and wildlife watching, with trails for hiking, OHV, and biking. Anglers fish for trout, northern pike, and small-mouth bass from the banks. The boat ramp is open from 5/15 to 9/30 for power-boaters. Snowmobile in winter. 8,597 feet above sea level. Remote, far from a convenience store and restaurant.

Fishers Peak State Park (Trinidad, CO), along the Santa Fe Trail Scenic Byway south of Trinidad, Colorado (New October 2020), is a rugged landscape with abundant wildlife. Fishers Peak, the highest summit of Raton Mesas, features scenic drive-in picnic areas with restrooms and 13 miles of trails for hiking and biking. The Discovery Loop Trail (hikers only) is a short loop around a meadow lined with interpretive signs encouraging families to learn about the habitat through the five senses; a perfect way to stretch after a long drive. 9,633 feet above sea level. Close to town.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park (Denver Mountain Area, CO), west of Golden, offers wildflower meadows, glorious autumn colors, and a spectacular view from "Panorama Point" of the Continental Divide, ideal for sightseers and photographers. Hike, horseback ride, mountain bike, and picnic among dense forest, rocky peaks, and aspen-filled meadows. There are 35 miles of mountain trails to discover. In winter, cross-country skiers and snowshoers use the Horseshoe Trail to Frazer Meadow, Raccoon Trail Loop, Mule Deer Trail. 9,100 feet above sea level. Away from town, close to a convenience store and restaurant.

Harvey Gap State Park (Rifle, CO), northeast of Rifle, is a favorite spot with anglers on the Western Slope; the Grand Hogback Ridge runs along the south end of the Park. Cold and warm water fish: rainbow trout, crappie, perch, catfish, bass, and pike live in this long, narrow reservoir. 20-horsepower boats, kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes are allowed seasonally from 4/1-10/31. Swim Beach has picnic sites with tables, grills, and restrooms. In the winter, cross-country ski and ice fish. 6,000 feet above sea level. Away from town, close to a convenience store and restaurant.

Highline Lake State Park (Grand Junction, CO), northwest of Fruita, is an oasis in the desert, a recreation epicenter for the Grand Valley with two lakes, lush grass, and trails, ideal for early spring to late fall outings. Highline Lake is designated for boating and jet skiers, while Mack Mesa Lake is designated for wakeless boating. Both lakes offer fishing. There are two Migratory Waterfowl Overlook Kiosks with excellent views of migrating great blue herons, white pelicans, and whooping cranes. 4,700 feet above sea level. Away from town, close to a convenience store and restaurant.

Jackson Lake State Park (Fort Morgan, CO), an "Oasis in the Plains" is in Morgan County. This certified “International DarkSky Park" is along the Overland Trail near Fort Morgan; it's known for warm water, sandy beaches extending into the lake, marina, boat ramp, wildlife viewing, the Flyway for migratory birds, and an OHV area. Colorado's Eastern Plains finest offers a wide variety of activities: boating, waterskiing, swimming, fishing, picnicking, hiking, wildlife watching, ATVing, and hunting. 4,440 feet above sea level. Away from town, close to a convenience store and restaurant.

James M. Robb Colorado River State Park, Colorado

James M. Robb Colorado River State Park (Grand Junction, CO), has a trail system that winds along the banks of this famous and magnificent western river, with five unique parks between De Beque to Fruita, Colorado: Island Acres, Corn Lake, Colorado River Wildlife Area, Connected Lakes, and the Fruita Section. This remarkable park redefines the state park experience. Recreation opportunities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking & walking trails, hunting, ice fishing, nature & wildlife viewing, paddleboarding, paved trails, picnicking, playgrounds, sailing, swimming, volleyball, warm water fishing, waterfowl hunting, and whitewater rafting & tubing as it flows through Mesa. 4700 feet above sea level. Close to town.

John Martin Reservoir State Park, Colorado

John Martin Reservoir State Park (La Junta & Lamar, CO), the sapphire of the plains between La Junta and Lamar in Bent County, is along the Santa Fe and Colorado's Birding Trails with uncrowded boating, diverse wildlife, and excellent fishing. Wintertime: cross-country ski, ice fishing, ice skating, and snowshoe. Along the Lower Arkansas River, the Reservoir has boat ramps; anglers catch bass, catfish, crappie, perch, and walleye. Lake Hasty has a swim beach and a pier to catch bass, bluegill, crappie, saugeye, and trout. 3,851 feet above sea level. Remote, far from a convenience store and restaurant.

Lake Pueblo State Park (Pueblo, CO), set against a background of the Greenhorn and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges snug in the semi-arid plains and encircled by limestone cliffs, is an urban retreat: boat, waterski, sail, swim, fish, hike, or just relax. There are two full-service marinas, two boat ramps, prime fishing, a swim beach with a five-story water slide, several picnic areas, and a Visitor's Center with a gift shop. With miles of hiking and biking trails, it's easy to discover the beauty of the shady Arkansas River below the dam. 4,900 feet above sea level. Close to town.

Lathrop State Park (Walsenburg, CO), nestled in the shadow of the legendary Spanish Peaks and along the Highway of Legends Scenic Byway, and near Trinidad, the gentle climate, clear air, excellent fishing, waterskiing, and panoramic views lure travelers. The park has a nine-hole golf course and two lakes (Martin Lake and Horseshoe Lake), offer a variety of boating and angling opportunities. The Lathrop Visitors Center features artists' murals showcasing the area's rich history and heritage. 6,400 feet above sea level. Away from town, close to a convenience store and restaurant.

Lone Mesa State Park (Dolores, CO), deep in the San Juan National Forest and currently undergoing development and planning, is two and a half hours north of Dolores. It encompasses 11,760 acres of incredibly scenic land and rugged habitat for deer, elk, and bear. A high-quality “Special Use Permit” allows limited hunting during the big game seasons in July of each year. The park is not open to the public in 2024. 7,200-9,000 feet above sea level. Very Remote.

Lory State Park (Fort Collins, CO), at the edge of Horsetooth Reservoir in Larimer County, offers seclusion; see wildlife and colorful wildflowers. Extensive trails for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding through rolling valleys and mountainous hillsides are open to explore and enjoy all year long. Colorado State Park's only mountain bike park, the “Corral Center Mountain Bike Park,” features a pump track, skills course, and dirt jumps. The equestrian practice and training course is open year round and has 10 styles of portable jumps. 7,015 feet above sea level. Close to town.

Mancos State Park (Mesa Verde Area, CO), along the San Juan Skyway Loop, surrounded by the rich history of the Ancestral Puebloan in southwest Colorado, is open year-round with trails to hike, horseback ride, mountain bike, cross-country ski, and snowshoe. Jackson Gulch Reservoir, a hot spot for trout fishing, is a wakeless kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, tubing, sailing, and ice fishing destination. Walk Deer Trail Loop for wildlife viewing, including deer, wild turkey, and foxes. Shaded picnic shelters are scattered throughout the park. 7,800 feet above sea level. Close to town.

Mueller State Park (Pikes Peak West, CO), between Divide and Cripple Creek, anchors the west side of Pikes Peak in south central Colorado. Groves of aspen trees are popular for wildlife watching and delight hikers and photographers year-round. Trails vary from leisurely walks to challenging hikes. Naturalist-led, family-friendly hikes are offered throughout the year. Pond fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are the park's main attractions. 9,600 feet above sea level. Away from town, close to a convenience store and restaurant.

Navajo State Park (Navajo Lake, CO), Colorado's answer to Lake Powell, is southwest of Pagosa Springs and along the Tracks Across Borders Scenic Byway. A year-round oasis is for wakeboarders, sailors, powerboaters, anglers, waterskiers, swimmers, canoers, and kayakers; and for land lovers, there are mountain biking and hiking trails. Picnic areas have grills, tables, and water. The high desert proves the dark skies are perfect for stargazing. Visit Chimney Rock, an ancestral Puebloan home. 6,100 feet above sea level. Away from town, close to a convenience store and restaurant.

North Sterling State Park (Sterling, CO), with its majestic bluffs and expansive views, is at the eastern end of the Pawnee Pioneer Trails Scenic Byway. The reservoir, built by early settlers for irrigation, is also a paradise of water-based activities. Families looking for a boater's uncrowded beach, restrooms, picnic pavilion, playground, wildlife watching, hiking trails, stargazing, and Saturday night campfires flock here from May-October. Onsite amenities: archery range, boat ramps, a full-service marina with gas, and convenience store. 4,065 feet above sea level. Away from town.

Paonia State Park (North Fork Valley, CO), along the West Elk Scenic Byway, northeast of Somerset, is a nature lover's dream. This narrow fishing and boating reservoir tucked into a steep mountainside with pristine water and alpine wildflowers is a "must see" for photographers and nature lovers. Primitive amenities open May-September: picnic tables and vault toilets. Boat ramp allows you to jet ski, paddleboard, waterski, and sail. Popular for bird watching, there are occasional deer and elk sightings. NOTE: No portable water; bring drinking water! 6,500 feet above sea level. Remote.

Pearl Lake State Park (Steamboat Springs, CO), in northwestern Colorado, is at the base of Hahns Peak, near Clark, Colorado, a peaceful and quiet, lush forest setting with excellent picnicking, boating, and fishing for native cutthroat trout and arctic grayling, a full-service marina, swim beach, and shoreline trail. This picturesque year-round park is in a lush valley full of alpine wildflowers and wildlife. Winter comes alive with ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and 145 miles of snowmobiling trails. 8,100 feet above sea level. Away from town, close to a convenience store and restaurant.

Ridgway State Park (Ouray, CO), along the San Juan Skyway Loop Scenic Byway between Ouray and Montrose in the Uncompahgre River Valley, is a year-round outdoor hub with breathtaking views of Sneffels Range; there are areas designed for people with disabilities. Bird and wildlife watching, visitors center, sandy beach, shaded picnic shelters, bathhouse, and full-service marina make it a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts: scuba dive, waterski, windsurf, hike, and bike along nature trails. Winter: sled, tail-water fish, and snowshoe. 6,870 feet above sea level. Close to town.

Rifle Falls State Park (Rifle, CO), Colorado's “tropical gem,” exults lush trees and greenery kept moist by cascading triple 75-foot tall waterfalls in Garfield County. A one-mile roundtrip steep hike leads to the top of the falls; along the way there are several limestone caves to explore. Individual picnic sites are throughout the park. The East Rifle Creek is an angler's dream with 6-9 inch trout, and the banks are a bird-watchers paradise. Take a tour of the cold water fish hatchery producing rainbow, brook, brown, and cutthroat trout. 6,969 feet above sea level. Remote.

Rifle Gap State Park (Rifle, CO), has a modern visitor's center for all of Rifle's State Park guests, with restrooms, a gift shop, first aid, WiFi, and exhibits. Colorado's outdoor enthusiasts love this long, narrow reservoir with crystal-clear water for boating, fishing, swimming, waterskiing, windsurfing, and winter ice-fishing. Multi-use trails for hikers, snowshoers, cross-country skiers, and snowmobiles along the reservoir with beautiful mountain views and covered picnic sites. 6,000 feet above sea level. Remote, far from a convenience store and restaurant.

Roxborough State Park (Denver Metro, CO), Denver's backyard jewels in Littleton, is part of the American Discovery Trail that crosses the USA. The park's rich history includes billion-year-old geologic red-rock formations and archaeological sites for Paleo nomadic hunters and homesteading Europeans. Ecologically, it transitions between plains and mountains with habitat and wildlife. Hike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski. NOTE: A naturalist-guided historical tour in an electric golf cart on the Fountain Valley Loop Trail. Pets are not allowed. 6,200 feet above sea level. Close to town.

Spinney Mountain State Park (Fairplay, CO), southeast of Fairplay in Park County, at the foot of Spinney Mountain is a nationally renowned destination for World Class Gold Medal trout fishing in a tranquil and scenic setting! The park has exceptional kayaking, canoeing, sailing, paddleboarding, and motor boating, along with biking, waterfowl hunting, wildlife viewing, and birding. Picnic sites with grills and tables. The reservoir closes from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise. 8,778 feet above sea level. Away from town, close to a convenience store and restaurant.

St. Vrain State Park (Longmont, CO), in north central Colorado between Frederick and Longmont off CO-119, has spectacular views of Long's Peak. This birdwatchers' paradise is a quiet retreat from city life with nesting Bald Eagles, Egrets, White Pelicans, and Tall Cormorants. The eleven ponds and Blue Heron Reservoir are stocked with rainbow trout and bass. Pelican and Sandpiper ponds both have ADA piers. Shaded picnic shelters, tables, and grills. The wakeless reservoir has a boat ramp and parking lot with two electric vehicle charging stations. 4,900 feet above sea level. Close to town.

Stagecoach State Park (Yampa, CO), south of Steamboat Springs, near Oak Creek, is a jet ski, waterski, and picnic swim beach destination. Fish the reservoir and river; the marina rents kayaks, canoes, pontoon boats, and standup paddleboards. The Elk Run Trail skirts the shoreline: hike, horseback ride, and bike. Winter adventure: snowmobiling and ice fishing on the reservoir surface, or snowshoeing and XC skiing along groomed trails. Waterfowl, shorebirds, elk, and deer are common. 7,546 feet above sea level. Away from town, close to a convenience store and restaurant.

State Forest State Park (Walden and Poudre Canyon, CO), Colorado's largest, stretches between Jackson and Larimer counties along the Cache la Poudre-North Park Scenic Byway and is an unspoiled natural landscape with soaring peaks, mountain lakes, vast forests, and solitude. Experience backcountry hiking, trout fishing, hunting, and cross-country. The moose viewing capital of Colorado. Also see deer, lark bunting, northern mockingbird, and yellow warbler. Stop at Moose Visitor Center, on CO-14, for park maps. 9,100 feet above sea level. Away from town, close to a convenience store and restaurant.

Staunton State Park (Bailey and Pine Area, CO), in Pine, is a natural wilderness park that Frances H. Staunton entrusted her parents' homestead to Colorado; it's between Conifer and Bailey off US-285. From grassy meadows to granite cliffs, there are hiker-only trails, multi-use mountain biking and horseback riding trails, and visitors with disabilities can explore designated trails with a Track-Chair. Historic sites: Ute and Cheyenne spirit tree markings, Staunton Ranch, Elk Falls, and Davis Ranch. Year-round: birdwatching, fishing, geocaching, picnicking, rock climbing, snowshoeing, and wildlife viewing. The Visitor Center parking lot has two electric vehicle charging stations. 9,278 feet above sea level. Close to town.

Steamboat Lake State Park (Steamboat Springs, CO), nestled at the base of majestic Hahn's Peak in northwestern Colorado, with lush green valleys and colorful alpine wildflowers, has a nature interpretive trail. There are plenty of excellent recreational opportunities: premier fishing, boating, a fishing pier at Sage Flats, a swim beach with a full-service marina. Averaging 300 inches of annual snowfall, winter comes alive with ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and access to 145 miles of prime snowmobiling trails. 8,100 feet above sea level. Away from town, close to a convenience store and restaurant.

Sweetwater Lake State Park (Gypsum, CO), in Garfield County, is 18 miles north of the town of Dotsero, in White River National Forest and the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. It's the first Colorado State Park in the nation created from land owned by the United States Forest Service. Once completed, the natural lake, hiking trails, and picnic areas will be a family-friendly retreat away from the Vail Valley. 7,740 feet above sea level. Remote.

Sweitzer Lake State Park (Delta, CO), the western slopes "oasis on the edge of a desert," was originally a family farmer, donated in 1953 by the Morgan Sweitzer family, and built solely for recreation. It is known for action-packed boating and waterskiing between Delta and Montrose, on the southern side of Grand Mesa. Locals and vacationers spend their days swimming, picnicking, fishing (catch and release only), or just sitting, relaxing, and enjoying the clear air and sunshine. This birdwatching mecca is an official bird-sighting area and waterfowl observation site for the Audubon Society. 5,000 feet above sea level. Away from town, close to a convenience store and restaurant.

Sylvan Lake State Park (Vail Area, CO), south of Eagle, is in the Vail Valley, away from the ski resorts, and beckons travelers to leave the highway. Discover the quiet side with a multitude of opportunities to play in spring, and summer, fall: fish, hike, boat (paddle or electric trolling motors only), picnic, and relax in this park surrounded by lush forest full of wildlife. Winter activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling. NOTE: no cell or internet service. 8,500 feet above sea level. Away from town, close to a convenience store and restaurant.

Trinidad Lake State Park (Trinidad, CO), nestled in the foothills of southern Colorado, bordered by the historic Santa Fe Trail and Scenic Highway of Legends, has a mild year-round climate for waterskiing, windsurfing, hiking, geocaching, mountain biking, archery range, unique geological formations, functional adobe ovens, and indigenous archaeological sites. The lakeside picnic area is next to boat ramps; anglers catch rainbow and brown trout, largemouth bass, walleye, and bluegill. The Visitor Center has maps for self-guided nature hikes. 6,300 feet above sea level. Close to town.

Vega State Park (Grand Mesa Area, CO), is on the northeast edge of Grand Mesa in Collbran, where nature enthusiasts indulge in birdwatching, hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling in aspen groves. This high-mountain reservoir, surrounded by lush flower meadows, or "vega" in Spanish, is an excellent boating, waterskiing, and fishing spot; and in winter, ice fishing. Shoreline fishing is easier for disabled visitors with all-terrain wheelchairs and one-armed bandit fishing poles. 8,000 feet above sea level. Away from town, close to a convenience store and restaurant.

Yampa River State Park (Steamboat Springs and Craig, CO), along the Yampa River and US-40, stretches 134 miles from Steamboat Springs through Craig to the Dinosaur National Monument; its Visitors Center is near Hayden. The Yampa River recreation area has 13 unique public access points across northwestern Colorado. Yampa River offers visitors wonderful opportunities to enjoy Colorado's outdoors and flat-water sports, from Hayden Pump Station to Moffat County's Loudy Simpson Park, South Beach, Duffy Mountain, Juniper Canyon, Maybell Bridge, southwest of Craig to East Cross Mountain, and Deer Lodge Park, with riverside picnic sites, boat ramps, and vault toilets along the way. 6,300 feet above sea level. Away from town, close to a convenience store and restaurant.

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