Guide to Colorado’s National Parks

Written By Jessi Frachetti

Colorado has 4 National Parks and each one of them is uniquely beautiful. These parks are Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, and Black Canyon of Gunnison. Below, is a guide to each of the parks.

Rocky Mountain National Park

With 415 square miles of forest and mountain landscape, Rocky Mountain National Park is a beautiful spot to get lost in nature. The park offers over 355 miles of hiking trails. My favorite hikes within the park include Ouzel falls and Emerald Lake. Be aware that some of the hikes require a reservation in advance.

Mesa Verde National Park

This park is known for it’s well-preserved, ancient cliff dwellings. Puebloan people called it home for over 700 years from 600 to 1300 CE. The park offers guided tours of the cliff dwellings to visitors. Tours can sell out fast so make sure to book in advance. Get more information here.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

This is one of the most unique places within Colorado. Since most of the state is covered by mountain and forest landscape, the sand dunes offer a stark contrast making visitors feel as if they’ve left the state. The dunes cover 30 square miles and the tallest dune towers at 750 feet high. Spend a day exploring the dunes and even try sledding down the slopes. Get more information here.

Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park

Expansive and dramatic canyon located in southwest Colorado. There are multiple overlook stops throughout the park, best accessed by driving to each lookout spot. Some spots I’d recommend checking out are:

  • Gunnison Point (located at the visitor center)

  • Rock point

  • Painted Wall View

(Map below)

Drive along the road in red (South Rim Road)

Jessi Frachetti
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