Get away from the daily grind while avoiding the crowds at these recreation spots off the beaten path

Story by Jay McKinney
Photos courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Colorado is home to some of the most stunning national parks in the country, and there are numerous state parks that are just as beautiful. Between the landscapes of the Western Slope, the Continental Divide and the Eastern Plains, the variety of scenery in the state is unrivaled. Tourists and locals alike often flock to frequently visited destinations such as Rocky Mountain National Park and the easily accessible state parks that dot the Front Range. But there are plenty of other offerings that Colorado Parks and Wildlife maintain that are off the beaten path and well worth visiting.

Collard Ranch State Wildlife Area

In spring 2024, Colorado Parks and Wildlife worked with Western Rivers Conservancy, Great Outdoors Colorado and other groups to purchase and open Collard Ranch in Park County. The 1,860-acre property is about 60 miles southwest of Denver and surrounded by Pike National Forest. The land is known as a State Wildlife Area, which means it is not developed with established trails, campgrounds, restrooms or a visitor center. Rather, the land is pristine and primarily used for hunting and fishing. Others might find a great place to check out migrating elk, deer, pronghorn and beaver that frequent Tarryall Creek, which runs through the property.

Crawford State Park

Located just 12 miles from the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Crawford State Park is a popular destination for a variety of activities. The park has 337 acres of land to explore and a 400-acre reservoir that is wildly popular for water activities. In the summer, visitors will flock to the reservoir to partake in fishing, boating, paddleboarding, water skiing and even scuba diving. During the winter, ice fishing and cross-country skiing become popular activities. Crawford State Park also allows camping with more than 60 campsites across its two campgrounds. Amenities like showers, power connection and picnic tables make the stay comfortable after a long day on the water.

John Martin Reservoir State Park

This state park is in the southeast portion of the state in the Lower Arkansas River Valley near the town of Hasty. It is appropriately referred to as a sapphire in the plains and is a haven for all sorts of wildlife including deer, coyotes, striped bark scorpions, tarantulas and more. It’s also a common destination for bird watching with nearly 400 species of birds documented in the area. Be on the lookout for bald eagles, golden eagles, turkey vultures and other impressive species of birds while fishing on the shoreline.

Fishers Peak State Park

While Fishers Peak has always towered over the town of Trinidad, the prominent butte and surrounding land wasn’t always accessible to the public. The land used to be privately owned, and its secluded wilderness was seen only by those invited to explore the area by the property owners. But thanks to its sale in 2019, Fishers Peak State Park became the 42nd state park in Colorado. The park allows hiking and biking with more than 13 miles of designated trails. Unfortunately, dogs and other domestic pets are prohibited in the park. Hiking to the top of Fishers Peak is permitted but visitors must plan accordingly as certain parts of trails are closed for peregrine falcon and golden eagle nesting during portions of the year.

Stagecoach State Park

Nearly 16 miles south of Steamboat Springs lies Stagecoach State Park. With its picturesque 820-acre reservoir located in the beautiful Yampa Valley, it’s a great place for fishing and water activities. It has 92 campsites and serves as the perfect place to set up camp for those interested in exploring the Yampa Valley. During the winter, visitors frequent the park to ice fish, snowshoe and ride fat tire bikes. The visitor center also loans out battery operated ice augers, ice fishing poles, fat tire bikes and snowshoes during its operating hours between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. For anyone who doesn’t own this gear but would like to try something new, it’s a perfect opportunity.

Navajo State Park

On the state’s southern border, outside the small town of Arboles is Navajo State Park. It’s approximately 35 miles from Pagosa Springs and 45 miles from Durango and well worth visiting for those seeking an expansive reservoir to explore. The reservoir stretches 35 miles and it has been deemed Colorado’s answer to Lake Powell, despite the majority of the reservoir actually being located in New Mexico. While the water activities are an obvious attraction for most visitors, the park is also popular for camping, hiking, hunting and stargazing. In addition to the 142 campsites, it has three cabins available to rent for a more luxurious glamping experience.

Jay McKinney grew up in Sedalia and graduated from the Metropolitan State University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in communications. During his free time, he enjoys playing golf, shooting pool and hiking throughout Colorado and neighboring Utah.

This story is from our winter 2025-2026 issue. Read the entire issue online here, and find our full magazine archive here.