Visit a National Park
Did you know that Colorado is home to four national parks? Each with their own unique environment, these parks showcase just how diverse the natural beauty in Colorado is. Choose between the wooded forest of Rocky Mountain National Park, the tallest sand dunes in North America within the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Reserve, the rich history and preserved cultural heritage of over 26 tribes in Mesa Verde National Park, or the steep cliffs and vertical views of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The best part? All of these national parks offer free admission on April 22nd in celebration of Earth Day! Check out our blog about the best parks in Colorado to decide which one you will visit to celebrate.
Check out a Local Earth Day Celebration
Many communities in Colorado have great pride in their environmental protection efforts, such as Fort Collins, which was ranked as the number one place to live in America by Livability. This year, Fort Collins is hosting their 12th annual Earth Day celebration, a free event located in Civic Center Park on Saturday, April 23rd. They have free live music from multiple Colorado artists, food trucks, beer from local breweries such as Odell and New Belgium, local vendors, free test drives of electric vehicles, and many kids activities centered around sustainability. Celebrate Earth Day with fun for the whole family by checking it out!
Visit an Animal Sanctuary
Humans are not the only ones who inhabit the earth. Celebrate Earth Day this year by appreciating the many animals that we share the planet with. Colorado has many animal sanctuaries that are the home to a diverse range of species. Read below to learn more about sanctuaries that are offering Earth Day specials.
The Wild Animal Sanctuary
The Wild Animal Sanctuary, located in Keenesburg, Colorado, is a nonprofit organization and home for over 450 large carnivores such as bears, lions, and tigers that were rescued from illegal or abusive situations. This Earth Day, they are offering free admission to the sanctuary with the donation of a tree or bush that they will use for their natural habitats to benefit the animals living there.
Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
Located in Divide, Colorado, the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center is home to wolves, coyotes, and foxes that cannot survive in the wild. Every Earth Day, they host a Party For The Planet, which offers a meet and greet with a wolf pup, giveaways, raffles, and an educational tour of the sanctuary.
Immerse Yourself into Nature with a Hike
One of the most popular activities in Colorado is hiking, and it isn’t hard to understand why. With so much diverse land to explore, hiking is the best way to immerse yourself in Colorado’s rich natural beauty. There are so many different trails made for different scenery and difficulty, so there is an abundance of options for everyone. Check out the list of our favorite hikes that are outside of the national parks.
Flatirons Hike
Boulder, Colorado is home to the Flatiron Mountains, which offer over 40 miles of hiking trails. The First and Second Flatiron Hike starts in a lush green meadow and after around an hour and 1400 feet of elevation gain, this trail offers some of the best views of the Rocky Mountains. This 2.6 mile moderate trail is a great opportunity to see one of the most prominent features of Colorado’s landscape.
Horsetooth Falls/Horsetooth Rock
Located in Fort Collins, Colorado, Horsetooth Mountain Space offers 29 miles of hikes within the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Horsetooth Rock is a local landmark visible from the plains and offers tremendous views of the Front Range. The Horsetooth Falls trail is the best way to explore the open space and features waterfalls along with panoramic views. These hiking trails are interconnected, so you have the opportunity to choose your adventure, or see both!
Maroon Lake Trail at Maroon Bells
Appreciating beauty doesn’t mean you have to break a huge sweat. The Maroon Lake Trail is an easy trail that is less than one mile; just because it’s short, does not mean the view is underwhelming. The Maroon Bells offer some of the most beautiful scenery in Colorado, with a reflective lake and beautifully colored foliage that changes with the seasons.
See what else Colorado has to offer by checking out our other posts in the Colorado Living blog.
