Spread the Wealth by Hitting State Parks Statewide

The Thirst Colorado Team

Fishers Peak

The newest state park is also going to be one of the larger playgrounds in southern Colorado. Parts of the 19,200-acre park will be opened in phases, yet, only about 250 acres are currently available for use. Hunting, hiking and wildlife photography will be popular at the former ranch that offers great views of the 9,633-foot Fishers Peak.

Click here for five state parks to visit, and five activities to enjoy in the parks.

John Martin Reservoir

Adventure-seekers forget about the Eastern Plains because the hills are rounded and soft. But the Colorado Birding Trail is no fly-by-night stop for those interested in observing nearly 400 species on and near the water. Throw in some boating, swimming and fishing and you have a relaxing and warm destination for much of the year. Although hunting is not allowed in the park, nearby John Martin State Wildlife Area is available for hunters who camp at the reservoir.

Castlewood Canyon

Check out 56-million-year-old rock layers while traipsing around trails in the canyon carved out by Cherry Creek. Rock climbers and hikers (no bikes allowed) have a good shot at seeing coyotes, foxes, a variety of reptiles and dozens of bird species, including turkey vultures, golden eagles, bluebirds and canyon wrens. Also, check out the old Castlewood Dam that burst in 1933 and flooded parts of Denver.

Chatfield

Ride a horse, drop a fishing line, rent a boat, fly a kite or bring the pooch to the 69-acres off-leash dog park for a morning of fun and frivolity. Just south of Denver, the park is one the most popular and yet it’s still possible to enjoy an afternoon picnic in the cool Colorado air. If you go for a dip in the reservoir and something nibbles on your toe, it might be one of the record-size channel catfish swimming along.

Navajo

The reservoir offers 150 miles of shoreline in Colorado and New Mexico. Boating rules must be observed and fishing licenses must be purchased for both states, so be prepared. A full-service marina is available and there are three cabins for those who aren’t interested in tent camping or hookups that are also set up for RVs. Wander over to the Sambrito Wetlands to watch wildlife and birds.

Eldorado Canyon

The longtime escape for Boulderites features world-class rock-climbing opportunities for a variety of skill levels. A river runs through it (South Boulder Creek) and there are biking and hiking trails that connect with Boulder’s system.

Staunton

Two large mountain ranches (mostly donated by two generous families) were pieced together to form one of the state’s newer parks. Depending on the time of year, look for waterfalls, iced cliffs, forest and grassland. Rock climbing and hiking through backcountry trails keep most visitors busy.

Ridgway

The San Juan Mountains attract visitors from far and wide but few take the time to stop at the park and reservoir that is tucked in the Uncompahgre River Valley. Three heated yurts are among the lodging options. RV sites and tent-only areas make one of the state’s most beautiful parks a perfect destination from spring to fall. More than 16 miles of trails will help you find the perfect spot to cast a line and land kokanee salmon, rainbow and brown trout.

State Forest

At 71,000 acres, this high-country escape is both family friendly and friendly to the young and the restless. Trails surround the area at the base of Cameron Pass. About 600 moose roam the park and its common to see them in the marshlands throughout the area. Horse rides, hikes, bikes and off-road fun make up the summer months. In winter, snowmobiling is popular and one can backcountry ski and snowshoe for miles without seeing other folks.

Photo courtesy: Colorado State Parks, Arkansas River

Arkansas Headwaters

One of the top whitewater rafting stretches in the world also features great paddle boarding, canoeing and nearby off-roading trails. And anglers shouldn’t forget the 100 miles of Gold Medal waters between Leadville and Lake Pueblo.

Rifle Falls

Waterfalls hit with a crash and clouds of mist waft about soaking lush vegetation. That might not sound like arid Colorado but the park attracts tourists with phones at the ready as well as movie crews and photographers from across the country. Mix in limestone caves, hiking trails and a fish hatchery and you have one of the more unusual, yet fascinating scenes in the state.

Mueller

With plenty of easy and moderate hiking trails, all family members can participate in the adventure at Mueller, which opened in 1991 near the town of Divide. Visit in spring for a fabulous wildflower show or go in winter for wide-trail snowshoeing into the backcountry. Hunters are welcome in an 800-acre spread during the seasons.

Steamboat Lake

The “four seasons” park awaits every type of outdoor enthusiast. Large trout await fishing junkies, while mountain bikers can fill their lungs with thin air at this 8,100-foot-elevation stunner. Trails connect with the Routt National Forest and snow piling up by the feet is common every winter. Its popularity means campgrounds and picnic areas disappear quickly so plan ahead.

Roxborough

Explore some of the Old West in the form of ranches and homesteads from yesteryear. Sandstone juts into the air and hiking trails for all skill sets will deliver up close and personal looks at it all. Watch for bighorn sheep and deer galore. Education and nature programs for all ages are paramount at Roxborough. Pets are not allowed, and bikes are only allowed on the roads. Stroll and enjoy!

Vega

Riding high at 8,000-feet elevation on the edge of the Grand Mesa, Vega (meadow in Spanish) offers four campgrounds, five cabins and beautiful picnic areas. Spring and summer wildflowers are plentiful and the 900-acres lake is great for fishing, sailing, jet skiing and most other water sports. Hikers and horseback riders will find numerous trails to explore the area.

Lake Pueblo

Two marinas serve 4,600 water acres that help keep southeast Colorado cool each summer. For anglers, a 35-inch blue catfish was caught at the reservoir that is fed by the Arkansas River. The area features big game wildlife and an endless number of birds. With nearly 400 campsites, it is one of the state’s largest playgrounds and accommodates every outdoor enthusiast.

Jackson Lake

Boating and OHVs rule the day at Jackson, which is popular throughout the year for campers who have 260 sites to choose from. The eastern plains are popular for migrating birds so bring along the binoculars and cameras.

Barr Lake

With a recorded 371 species of birds, the opportunities for birders never end. Not into the winged creatures, how about practicing archery? A range is available to those who pay the park entrance fee. Much of the park can be seen by horseback or bicycle.

Boyd Lake

Dubbed a “1,747-acre water-sports haven” by park officials, the boating opportunities are endless. With 148 paved, pull through camp sites, it’s easy to set up for a long weekend of fun in the sun. If a little exercise is in order, take a bike ride along the lake trail that connects with the city of Loveland trails.

Golden Gate

A favorite of Denver metro dwellers, Golden Gate features several small ponds, 12,000 acres of scenic land and 35 miles of trails. Camping is available year round and families can even cut a Christmas tree with a permit.

Paonia

The Gunnison National Forest provides an excellent backdrop for the 334-acre lake along the North Fork of the Gunnison River. Water levels can drive activities: think boating and water skiing when levels rise in June. Only open in the summer months, no hiking trails are available. Picnic sites and campgrounds are available but are more primitive than most state parks.