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The sun has begun shining again and we have officially survived the winter. You know what that means for Coloradoans – time to get outside! Colorado is known for its immense natural charm, with diverse geographic features from mountains to plains to even deserts. Some of the best attractions in Colorado are right outside your front door. Keep reading to discover the best parks in Colorado for you and your family to explore.

National Parks

Colorado is home to four national parks, each with its own unique environment that offers incredibly diverse beauty. While these parks are not free for everyone, they are worth the cost. Each park offers various daily or weekly entrance fees that vary in price depending on the number of guests and type of vehicle. If you are planning to visit multiple national parks, it may be wise to purchase an annual pass, which will grant you access to each park as many times as you want for a whole year. Check out each type of National Park Service pass to see which one is best for you.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Clear Lake in a forest in Rocky Mountain National Park
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Rocky Mountain National Park entrance sign
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Located in the northern part of the Colorado Rockies, Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-see. The 415 square miles have many different ranges of mountain environments to explore for all ages and difficulty levels, from leisurely meadows to snowy alpine treks. With over 300 miles of trails, there is something for everyone here! 

Before you go, make sure to check the current conditions of the park, as spring weather can be unpredictable.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Reserve

Person hiking on sand dune with mountains in background
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Children sand sledding
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Did you know that part of Colorado is a desert? Celebrate the sunny weather by hitting the sand, Colorado style! The Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to the tallest dunes in North America, and also offers grasslands, wetlands, forests, and other landscape features other than sand. Whether it’s hitting the trails or sand sledding down the dunes, the whole family will have a blast with plenty of activities that the Great Sand Dunes offer.

Mesa Verde National Park

Ancient buildings by the Ancestral Pueblo people built into the mountain
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Ancient buildings by the Ancestral Pueblo people built into the mountain
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Are you more of a history buff? Then Mesa Verde National Park is the place for you! Located in the southwest region of the state, this park protects the cultural heritage of 26 tribes and contains the astounding communities that the Ancestral Pueblo people built into the cliffs of Mesa Verde over 700 years ago. Plan your visit to take a step back in time and appreciate the culture of the native peoples within this beautiful state.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Steep cliffs with a gorge and river
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Clear river with mountain in background
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If you’re a fan of heights, this national park was made for you. Located on the western slope of Colorado, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison offers spectacular vertical views, thanks to the millions of years of work creating the gorge by the Gunnison River. The roads for the North and South Rim of the park opens for the season in early April, so plan your visit to be the first visitors of the year!

Public Parks

One of the biggest perks of parks is they don’t have to cost money! Colorado offers many beautiful and free parks to visit all around the state. Take a look at some of our top picks.

Garden of the Gods

Jagged red rock formations
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Walking through red sandy path with jagged rocks surrounding
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Located in Colorado Springs, this park really lives up to its name. With stunning sandstone formations for over 1,300 acres, Garden of the Gods is a great place to get some fresh air and enjoy the natural scenery of Colorado. Admission into the park is free, along with a free visitor center to learn more about the history of the area.

Chautauqua Park

Green meadow with Flatiron mountains in background
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Located in the heart of the foothills city of Boulder, Chautauqua Park is an open space that offers scenic views of the Flatirons mountains. The free park has so much to do, from a huge lawn that is great for picnics and relaxing, a historic district to explore, and the Chautauqua Trailhead for over 40 miles of hiking trails. Visiting Chautauqua Park is guaranteed (free) fun for the whole family!

Paint Mines Interpretive Park

Vibrant red and yellow smooth rocks
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Winding dusty trail through Paint Mine park
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The name for the state of Colorado comes from the Spanish language, meaning “colored red”, and it’s not hard to see why with Paint Mines Interpretive Park. Located in the northeastern part of El Paso County, this free park offers 750 acres of colorful rocks and unique geological formations to explore. Plan your visit today!
Spring is the perfect time to get outside and explore the best parks in Colorado, with such diverse options from forests to deserts to canyons and much more. Plan your park trips today so you can seize the beauty of spring in Colorado!

See what else Colorado has to offer by checking out our other posts in the Colorado Living blog.

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