Colorado National Parks
Colorado has four national parks: Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde and Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
Colorado may be famous for its tall alpine peaks on display in Rocky Mountain National Park, but its other three national parks will surprise you. Mesa Verde was the first national park devoted to preserving the works of humans. The mountain ranges surrounding Great Sand Dunes National Park trap the tallest dunes in North America, and the sheer canyon walls of the Gunnison River are the star attraction in one of the least-visited national parks in the U.S., Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Explore the parks on our Colorado website or read these six stories that will entice you to visit.
14 Favorite Waterfalls in Rocky Mountain National Park
All but one of Rocky Mountain Park’s waterfalls require at least a short hike. Some falls even take days and off-trail hiking to access. The lack of quick roadway access means even though approximately 4 million people visit the park each year, it’s entirely possible to enjoy a waterfall by yourself. Continue reading ->
Mesa Verde’s “Lost” People
There’s a palpable sense of the sacred when you walk through the sandy-colored cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park. Looking out across the mesas, the land seems barren, save for a few clumps of scrub brush dotted here and there and a feral horse grazing on the horizon. But tucked in the cliffs, so hidden you could easily miss it with a passing glance, is the evidence of a long-gone society. Continue reading ->
3 Scenic Drives in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is an often-underrated national park site in western Colorado. Formed by the Gunnison River over the last 15 million years, this gorgeous canyon has sheer, black-striped walls that plunge down to the water below. Here is how to explore this stunning park with three scenic drives. Continue reading ->
Stones that Hold Secrets
When Jack Williams was riding his horse through the west side of Great Sand Dunes National Monument in 1938, his hazel-colored eyes fell on a granite rock shaped like a slender baguette sticking six inches out of the sand. Williams had no idea what the long, narrow polished stone was. But he knew someone had taken great care to sculpt it. He loaded it in his bag, made a mental note that he found it near Big Spring Creek and trotted away. Continue reading ->
Top 9 Colorado Hot Springs Soaking Spots
Colorado boasts many hot springs fed by naturally-heated mineral waters. Here are our favorite places to soak in hot springs waters and pools in Colorado. Continue reading ->
Best of Colorado Road Trip
Few road trips take you past spectacular 14,000-foot peaks, four national parks and fantastic historic towns like this Colorado road trip. Start in Denver to sample the city’s thriving art and food scene. Next stops are Lyons, the town of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park where wildlife and incredible hikes await. Continue reading ->