Last Updated on January 11, 2024 by foxintheforest
With over 42 state parks, it’s hard to really narrow down the best state parks in Colorado.
From the breathtaking sandstone cliffs in Eldorado Canyon to the huge reservoir in Rifle Gap, the prettiest state parks in Colorado offer fun adventures for everyone.
The state parks in Colorado are an amazing public resource, providing a variety of recreation options in beautiful spaces.
As a long-time local of nearly 15 years, I’ve spent a significant amount of time in the many state parks in Colorado. If you want to experience Colorado like a local, not a tourist, then you’re in the right place.
About this Local Guide to Colorado State Parks
Inside this local guide to amazing Colorado state parks, you’ll find:
- Colorado state parks annual pass info
- Map of where the best state parks in Colorado are located
- Highlights & practical information for visiting each of the state parks
- The best national park to visit in Colorado
- Additional local Colorado travel resources
What is the Most Popular State Park in Colorado?
If you’re looking for places to visit in Colorado, the most popular state parks in Colorado are Lake Pueblo State Park, Chatfield State Park, and Cherry Creek State Park.
What is the Prettiest State Park in Colorado?
It’s hard to choose from the best state parks in Colorado, but Eldorado Canyon State Park has to be at the top of the list of prettiest state parks in Colorado thanks to the stunning sandstone rock formations that rise up from the banks of Boulder Creek.
Roxborough State Park is another big contender. Roxborough has stunning red rock fins and formations conveniently located near Denver.
Colorado State Parks Pass Info
An annual Colorado state parks pass is $80 for one vehicle while an annual family Colorado state parks pass which can be transferred to any vehicle in the household is $120.
Starting in 2023, a Colorado state parks pass will be included for $29 with any Colorado vehicle registration (unless you opt-out).
The “Keep Colorado Wild Pass” offers a 60% savings over the traditional annual park pass and is only available during your vehicle registration process.
Map of the Best State Parks in Colorado
The Best State Parks in Colorado
Here are some of the top state parks in Colorado that you absolutely must visit!
1. Eldorado Canyon State Park
Known as “Eldo” by the locals, Eldorado Canyon State Park is definitely one of the prettiest places in Colorado.
It’s a mecca for Colorado rock climbing, particularly trad, and the soaring sandstone walls are beautiful to observe from the ground when hiking the trails through the park as well.
Boulder Creek runs through the park, and you can fish in it or relax along its banks.
Local Tip: You’ll now need a timed entry permit to enter Eldo at specific times. Be sure to check out the details before you go. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle.
- Entrance Fee: $10/vehicle or $4/person (if arriving on foot, bike, etc) day pass
- Reservations Required: Yes, for vehicle access during peak season (May 15 to September 15) – but no reservation is required if using Eldo shuttle
- Distance/Drive Time from Denver: 30 miles/30 mins
- Crowds: Extremely high
2. Chatfield State Park
Chatfield Reservoir is one of the best Colorado lakes and is the biggest draw in Chatfield State Park for all types of boaters and fishing enthusiasts.
Chatfield also offers plenty of hiking and biking trails, as well as four campgrounds. Four-legged friends will appreciate the 69-acre off-leash dog area.
- Entrance Fee: $10/vehicle day pass ($3 additional for access to off-leash dog area)
- Reservations Required: No, but the park follows one car in/one car out rules when it reaches capacity
- Distance/Drive Time from Denver: 20 miles/30 mins
- Crowds: Extremely high
3. Golden Gate Canyon State Park
You’ll find many excellent hikes in Golden Gate Canyon, and some secluded backcountry campsites you can backpack to.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park is also very popular for hunting and fishing, and the park features some great climbing areas in Golden, CO.
You can also take one of the best scenic drives near Denver on the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway near the park.
- Entrance Fee: $10/vehicle day pass
- Reservations Required: No
- Distance/Drive Time from Denver: 30 miles/45 mins-1 hour
- Crowds: Very high
4. Cherry Creek State Park
One of the best state parks near Denver, Cherry Creek State Park is very popular for boating, kayaking, and SUPing on the lake.
There is also a 107-acre off-leash dog area for furry friends to enjoy. A unique feature in Cherry Creek State Park is the Model Airplane Field (Suhaka Field) with two paved runways and a separate flying field.
- Entrance Fee: $11/vehicle day pass (plus an additional $3 to access the off-leash dog area)
- Reservations Required: No, but wait times can be long to get in during the summer
- Distance/Drive Time from Denver: 20 miles/30 mins
- Crowds: Extremely high
5. Staunton State Park
Staunton State Park features pretty meadows, lovely forests, and gorgeous walls of granite.
Biking and hiking trails wind through the park, including Staunton Ranch Trail which branches off into some of the best hikes in Staunton State Park.
Staunton is also a great destination for horseback riding, fishing, climbing, and camping.
- Entrance Fee: $10/vehicle or $4/person (if arriving on foot, bike, etc) day pass
- Reservations Required: No
- Distance/Drive Time from Denver: 40 miles/45 mins-1 hour
- Crowds: Very high
6. St. Vrain State Park
St. Vrain State Park offers some great easy hikes near Denver with 7 miles of interconnected flat trails, including the Pelican Pond paved trail. St. Vrain is also home to excellent trout fishing in the park’s ponds.
- Entrance Fee: $10/vehicle day pass
- Reservations Required: No
- Distance/Drive Time from Denver: 35 miles/30-45 mins
- Crowds: High
7. Roxborough State Park
Roxborough State Park showcases stunning red rock formations which you can explore on the many hiking trails. The trails in the park also connect to some of the best Colorado hikes right near town.
Local tip: Dogs are not allowed in Roxborough State Park.
- Entrance Fee: $10/vehicle day pass
- Reservations Required: No
- Distance/Drive Time from Denver: 25 miles/35 mins-1 hour
- Crowds: High
8. Eleven Mile State Park
Eleven Mile State Park is one of the best state parks in Colorado and makes an excellent weekend getaway from Denver.
The reservoir is very popular for fishing, as well as canoeing and boating. You can also enjoy camping at one of nine campgrounds in the park.
Local Tip: Camping fills up fast on weekends – so be sure to reserve your spot well in advance.
- Entrance Fee: $10/vehicle day pass
- Reservations Required: No
- Distance/Drive Tiime from Denver: 125 miles/2.5-3 hours
- Crowds: Low
9. Ridgway State Park
Visiting Ridgway State Park is one of the top things to do near Ouray – besides ice climbing, of course!
Along with a reservoir for boating, SUPing, and hiking and biking trails, Ridgway is also home to over 140 species of birds if you’re into bird watching.
Camping at Ridgway is especially amazing because it is a dark sky park in Colorado so you can see the stars shine bright.
- Entrance Fee: $10/vehicle day pass
- Reservations Required: No
- Distance/Drive Time from Denver: 300 miles/5-6 hours
- Crowds: Low
10. Rifle Gap State Park
The 350-acre reservoir in Rifle Gap State Park is an oasis for boating, fishing, swimming, and other water activities, like water skiing and windsurfing.
The park also offers 89 sites for year-round camping.
Local tip: While you’re in the area, you should also visit Rifle Falls State Park, home to some of the best waterfalls in Colorado.
- Entrance Fee: $10/vehicle or $4/person (if arriving on foot, bike, etc) day pass
- Reservations Required: No
- Distance/Drive Time from Denver: 185 miles/3-4 hours
- Crowds: High
11. Steamboat Lake State Park
A visit to Steamboat Lake State Park is one of the top things to do in Steamboat Springs in any season.
Splash on the swim beach or launch a boat from the marina in the summer, or go snowmobiling, ice fishing, or cross-country skiing if you’re looking for things to do in Steamboat Springs in the winter.
- Entrance Fee: $10/vehicle or $4/person (if arriving on foot, bike, etc) day pass
- Reservations Required: No
- Distance/Drive Time from Denver: 185 miles/3.5-4 hours
- Crowds: Low
12. Mueller State Park
Mueller State Park is a wonderful place for wildlife watching. The park is home to elk, black bear, hawks, and mule deer in a landscape of meadows, forested ridges, and the granite rock formations of the Pikes Peak area.
- Entrance Fee: $10/vehicle day pass
- Reservations Required: No
- Distance/Drive Time from Denver: 100 miles/1.5-2.5 hours
- Crowds: Low
What is the Best National Park to Visit in Colorado?
If you want to check out the top national parks in Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is the one to visit.
With mountains like Longs Peak, alpine lakes, and sweeping meadows, the landscape of RMNP showcases the highlights of nature in the Rockies and is one of the best parks in Colorado.
What Are the 5 Top-Rated State Parks in the US?
There are so many incredible state parks across the United States, but a few of the top 5 state parks are Chugach State Park (Alaska), Avenue of the Giants (California), Dead Horse Point State Park (Utah), Niagara Falls State Park (New York), and Baxter State Park (Maine).
Additional Local Colorado Resources
Looking to explore Colorado like a local, not a tourist? Then you’re in the right place! Check out these amazing local resources.
