Colorado is easily one of the best states in the US to experience the great outdoors. The state is home to amazing hikes, cozy cabin getaways, and a selection of the best national parks in the US. Are you starting to plan your Colorado itinerary? These 12 best Colorado national parks and monuments are the greatest places to start.
Best Colorado National Parks
Colorado has four national parks: Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Great Sand Dunes National Park. These national parks have some big ticket items, especially in the Rocky Mountains. In fact, they are some of the most visited national parks in the US.
From the country’s tallest sand dunes to UNESCO World Heritage Site cliff dwellings and exhilarating whitewater rafting, there is something for everyone. Let’s take a look at these fab four Colorado national parks.
If you plan to visit several Colorado national parks, purchase a National Parks and Federal Recreational Land Pass. The National Park Service offers an annual pass to all NPs for $80 a year that can be used at more than 2,000 recreation areas. Get more details here. The best way to see these national parks is by driving. Compare car rental rates at RentalCars.com
1. Rocky Mountain National Park
When people discuss US national parks, Rocky Mountain National Park is usually the more popular national park to crop up. Rocky Mountain National Park is the most visited national park in Colorado. The park covers a staggering 265,461 acres and stretches across multiple states – Colorado included.
It is also one of the country’s highest national parks, and the Rocky Mountains are famously snow-capped in sections. The entirety of the Rocky Mountain National Park is full of craggy mountains, alpine tundra, and beautiful forests. It is ideal for horseback riding holidays, hiking, and rock climbing. You’ll usually spot stray bighorn sheep too.
Getting there: Rocky Mountain National Park is a 1 hour and 20-minute drive from Denver, Colorado. You can rent a car to get there. Download your self-drive audio tour to discover the best viewpoints, hiking trails, mountain passes, and lakes as you follow GPS coordinates.
When to visit Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is best visited in early spring, but only if you don’t want to access Trail Ridge Road. In March and April, there are fewer crowds than you’ll find in summer. Spring is when you’ll see flowers and other plant life…
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