No matter your interests, you’re sure to find awe-inspiring wonder in one of Colorado’s national parks. Spread across the state’s diverse terrain, each holds its own dramatically distinct qualities that can’t be found at any other. From scenic drives along sky-high roads and sand-dune surfing to geographical marvels and prehistoric preservation, you’ll find plenty of unique activities to captivate your heart and mind in these national parks.
A Quick Look at Each National Park in Colorado
1. Rocky Mountain National Park
As a tribute to the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains between Estes Park and Grand Lake, this park encompasses the pure and natural beauty of the region. With high-mountain lakes and streams, towering peaks of more than 14,000 feet, thick evergreen forests and thousands of acres home to wildlife, this national park is a nature lover's paradise. And with so much to see and do within its 415-square-mile boundaries, there’s no wonder its popularity endures.
Pro tip: The National Park Service implements a timed entry service from the end of May through mid- to late October for visitors to feel a more remote experience and preserve the land. Purchase your Rocky Mountain National Park timed entry permit in advance to make sure you don't miss out on the magic.
Convenient lodging is available in the picturesque gateway communities of Estes Park and Grand Lake, or extend your stay at the infamous park itself and enjoy the amenities and programs at the park’s park's campgrounds.
What You Can't Miss
Open from Memorial Day to late autumn, Trail Ridge Road — topping out at 12,183 feet — is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. Get an unforgettable look at the top of the Rockies while taking this one-of-a-kind drive. Check out an itinerary for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park
Accessibility Highlights
Explore accessible trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, where you’ll find breathtaking views of the Continental Divide, mesmerizing waterfalls, wildflower-strewn routes and more. And as of 2022, you can also reserve an all-terrain wheelchair to experience even more of the park's renowned beauty. (Call Estes Park Mountain Shop for reservations.) Learn more about accessibility in Rocky Mountain National Park
2. Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park, located in southwest Colorado near Cortez, is home to some of the most unique Ancestral Puebloan dwellings in the world. Well-preserved and well-studied, these dwellings have been inspiring interest in this ancient culture for more than 100 years.
Tucked securely into cliff walls, the adobe-constructed homes are a novel sight to visitors who crane their necks skyward to see them. On Mesa Verde tours, ladders give guided groups access to the cliff structures, and park rangers offer glimpses into the daily lives of Ancestral Puebloans.
What You Can't Miss
Participate in a one-hour, ranger-led walking tour of Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America and home to multiple living enclaves and buildings. Operating May through October, you can expect to do a bit of mild climbing and walking, as the route first descends roughly 100 feet over uneven steps and ascends a series of eight-foot ladders to access the site. Meander the sandstone dwellings and religious and ceremonial sites that have been preserved for more than 700 years while learning about what life was like for this native community. Read a Mesa Verde National Park itinerary
Accessibility Highlights
You’ll find a wide range of accessible features at Mesa Verde National Park, from scenic overlooks to tactile exhibits at Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum. Learn more about accessibility in Mesa Verde National Park