The Best National Parks In Colorado

If you're planning a trip to Colorado to check out some of its iconic national parks, you're in for a treat. Colorado has only four national parks, and they are very different from one another. From high-elevation alpine tundra filled with mountain lions and bobcats to steep, wide canyons that have bighorn sheep and bears roaming around, each national park has something special. Here is a breakdown of each of the four national parks in Colorado, what animals and landscapes you'll see, and why you should find your way there.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Perhaps the most famous national park in Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is quite the sight with its sharp mountain peaks, hidden alpine lakes, and plenty of unpredictable weather. Established in 1915, this national park is dominated by high elevation, with about a third of the park above tree line. It spans 415 square miles (or 1,076 square km). There's a lot to see, but the park attracts millions of people per year who come to traverse the iconic 14,259-foot (4,346 m) Longs Peak. If you choose to go, you may run into animals ranging from the American pika, the yellow-bellied marmot, or even a moose. For those who want to wake up in the park, you can spend the night in one of their drive-in campgrounds like Moraine Park, Glacier Basin, or Aspenglen. For a true alpine experience, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best places in the Rockies to explore.

Mesa Verde National Park

In the golden plateaus of the southwest corner of the state sits Mesa Verde, a national park unlike any other on this list. This national park was established in 1906 and is the first park in the nation created specifically to preserve archeological and cultural resources. About 800 years ago, the Ancestral Puebloans built dwellings in the cliffsides, and they're so well preserved, you can enjoy them, too. Cliff Palace, the Spruce Tree House, and any of the other nearly 5,000 archeological sites are must-sees in the area. But there's more to Mesa Verde than just the dwellings. You can also spot several wild animal species unique to the area, like Merriam's turkey, the collared lizard, and black bears roaming around. Mesa Verde was named one of 100 International Dark Sky Parks, you can stay after nightfall, camp at the Morefield Campground, and take in the sight of millions of stars every night. When you visit Mesa Verde National Park, you come for the dwellings but stay for the endless starry nights.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

One of the most "out of this world" national parks on this list is the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Located in the south-central part of the state, the sand dunes are the tallest sand dunes in North America, rising more than 700 ft (210 m) out of the ground. They were formed naturally from wind trapping sand against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This sandy wonder was granted national park status in 2004 because of its role in protecting the surrounding mountains, wetlands, and grassland. Now you can have a dune adventure by hiking up the High Dune Trail to the highest elevation and perhaps even sandboarding down them. You can even camp here at the nearby Piñon Flats Campground. For a truly one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure, the Great Sand Dunes will do the trick.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Why go high when you can go low into the depths of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park? This magnificent canyon became a national park in 1999 after 66 years as a national monument. Carved over millions of years by the Gunnison River, you can get lost in one of the country's steepest and narrowest river canyons. The mix of cliff, woods, and river habitats makes it a sensory experience glittered with occasional sightings of local bird species like the peregrine falcon and the canyon wren. But most people come to see the Painted Wall, the tallest cliff in Colorado, standing 2,250 ft (686 m) tall. There you get some stunning views of the inner corners and crevices of the canyon, with the small but mighty Gunnison River still carving its way through. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is underrated for its geological makeup, so definitely add it to your next national park trip.

Four National Parks for Just About Everyone

It seems that Colorado has a national park for just about everyone. The adrenaline junkies can enjoy high alpine hikes on Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. The history and culture enthusiasts can explore the ancient ruins of Mesa Verde National Park. The people who love to play in a giant sandbox will enjoy sandboarding in the Great Sand Dunes National Park. While the cliff dwellers will enjoy getting lost in the valleys of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. No matter where you go, be sure to bring your camping gear and reserve your spot with the National Park Service ahead of time. That way you can take in all of the magic of these national parks from day to night.