Colorado summers are no longer a secret. If your home and schedule are filling up with family and friends coming to visit our state, you are going to need outdoor options. How do you talk your guests out of doing a 14er during their three-day visit? Distract them with one of these worthy state park options:
1. Golden Gate Canyon State Park – Raccoon Trail
The perfect trail for that “backcountry not in Denver” feeling without driving too far. Located under an hour from Denver, Golden Gate Canyon State Park will give visitors a sense of the mountains with spectacular views. The Raccoon Trail is a 2.5 mile loop which takes you to breathtaking Panorama Point, sure to impress your family and friends.
2. Lathrop State Park – Hogback Nature Trail
If you want to hike and learn, take the 2.0 mile Hogback Nature Trail for the opportunity to read about local wildlife and history while making your way up the beautiful Lathrop Hogback. The payoff will be worth the climb and added knowledge.
3. Mancos State Park – Black Bear Trail
A quick jaunt of 2.1 miles, the Black Bear Trail loop will get your visitors out of the house and into nature in a flash at Mancos State Park. Summer flowers and breezy trees will please even the toughest of outdoor critics. Keep an eye out for wildlife and black bears the trail is named after.
4. Mueller State Park – Osborn Homestead Trail
Mueller State Park has no shortage of trail options, but our favorite is the 3.2 mile trek on the Osborn Homestead to see the Osborn family cabin ruins. Throw in a chance to see Pikes Peak and we’re sold.
5. Pearl Lake State Park – Pearl Lake Trail
A hidden gem, Pearl Lake offers incredible views along the lake trail. You will enjoy the secluded nature of the state park almost as much as you’ll enjoy the actual nature. The 0.6 mile trail is the only one in the park but worth the drive from Steamboat Springs.
6. Ridgway State Park – Enchanted Mesa Trail
Your trail doesn’t get a name like “Enchanted Mesa” without the goods to back it up. Sweeping scenery of the San Juan Mountains and the pristine Ridgway Reservoir overlook certainly help the Enchanted Mesa Trail at Ridgway State Park make good on its promise. The 2.5 mile challenge will keep you and your visitors busy for hours with plenty of things to take in.
7. Roxborough State Park – Fountain Valley Trail
The other-worldly rock formations of Roxborough State Park will have your guests double checking if they are in Colorado or Isla Nublar. A short drive from Denver, Roxborough is a popular destination during the summer for good reasons. The Fountain Valley Trail is a 2.5 mile loop with a little elevation gain and many overlooks along the way. It’s a great option for older parents and younger kids.
8. State Forest State Park – Ruby Jewel Trail
A great alternative to Rocky Mountain National Park and the summer crowds, expansive State Forest State Park can give you the Rocky Mountain experience you’re looking for with fewer people. The 1.3 mile out-and-back takes you to sparkling Jewel Lake at an altitude to still give visitors a workout.
Written by Kara Van Hoose. Kara is the Northeast Region Public Information Officer for Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
One Response
Would be hearing bad news on those wolf areas trail..hope not but truth comes anyway.