10 Colorado State Parks to Visit This Summer

Hiking

1. Roxborough State Park, Littleton

Nearly 4,000 acres of jagged red-rock formations and lush vegetation set this park apart from the rest. Roxborough State Park’s Fountain Valley Loop (1.9 miles round trip) offers an easy-to-moderate hike traverses what is thought to be the most magnificent lands in the park. Discover stunning views of towering red rocks, diverse wildflowers and frequent wildlife sightings, including mule deer and birds of prey. For a more strenuous hike, the Carpenter Peak Trail (5.4 miles round trip) climbs to the highest point in the park, rewarding visitors with breathtaking views of Denver and the surrounding foothills. 

2. Eldorado Canyon State Park, Eldorado Springs

Just outside of Boulder, Eldorado Canyon State Park is a premier destination for hikers and rock climbers alike. The Rattlesnake Gulch Loop Trail (3.6 miles round trip) is a moderately challenging hike that leads to the ruins of the historic Crags Hotel and an overlook with panoramic views of the Continental Divide. The park’s dramatic sandstone cliffs also attract world-class rock climbing, offering over 500 routes. The rushing South Boulder Creek runs through the canyon, making it a picturesque escape for nature lovers.

Camping

3. Rifle Gap State Park, Rifle

Tucked away in the arid scrubland of western Colorado, Rifle Gap State Park’s turquoise waters and plentiful campsites make this destination a hidden gem for camping enthusiasts. The park features five campgrounds, offering sites for tents and RVs along the north shore with convenient amenities including restrooms, showers, picnic tables and fire rings. The Rifle Gap Reservoir is perfect for swimming, boating and fishing, with opportunities to catch trout, perch and pike. Nearby, visitors can explore Rifle Falls State Park, which features a stunning triple waterfall, winding hiking trails and limestone caves. 

4. Ridgway State Park, Ridgway

If it’s the lush green ridges and towering peaks of the San Juan Mountains that are calling, Ridgway State Park is an excellent place to set up base camp. The park has three campgrounds with sites for tents, RVs and even yurts, all equipped with the creature comforts of a developed campsite and nearby bear-proof lockers. The deep blue waters of Ridgway Reservoir offer excellent fishing, boating and paddleboarding opportunities. For hikers, the Enchanted Mesa Trail (5.2 miles round trip) provides beautiful vistas of the Uncompahgre River Valley. Plan to make day trips to nearby towns like Ouray (also known as the “Switzerland of America”) and Telluride for a well-rounded itinerary.

Water Activities

5. Cherry Creek State Park, Aurora

Pair mountain views with the Denver skyline at Cherry Creek State Park –– the perfect summer retreat for water lovers looking for a quick escape from the city. A short drive from downtown Denver, the 880-acre Cherry Creek Reservoir is not only ideal for water sports, the park also features a sand beach swim area and a network of 35 miles of trails for biking and walking. The marina offers boat rentals for those looking to get on the water, and fishing enthusiasts can try their luck catching trout, bass and walleye. With its close proximity to the city, you can have the best of both worlds, like catching a Colorado Rockies game at Coors Stadium and finishing the day with a dip at Cherry Creek Reservoir.

6. Lake Pueblo State Park, Pueblo

Known for having some of the warmest waters in the state, Lake Pueblo State Park is a boater’s paradise. With 4,600 surface acres of water, it's a great spot for wakeboarding, jet skiing, sailing and lake fishing for bass, catfish and walleye. Fly fishers can cast their line for trout in the river corridor, where tubers also enjoy a casual float downstream. Meanwhile, scenic beach areas provide a relaxing place to swim amid views of the Greenhorn and Wet mountain ranges to the southwest and Pikes Peak to the north. 

Wildlife Viewing

7. Barr Lake State Park, Brighton

If you're a birding enthusiast, Barr Lake State Park is a must-visit. This park is considered one of the top birding destinations in Colorado and is home to over 371 species of birds, including double-crested cormorants, great blue herons and white pelicans. The park’s Perimeter Trail (8.9-mile round trip) circles Barr Lake, offering great opportunities to spot wildlife from designated viewing stations. The park is also home to an active bald eagle nest, which can be observed from the boardwalk or nature center. Or, take a ride on the Eagle Express, a motorized 13-passenger cart that takes guests on a naturalist-led tour of the park’s trails on weekends mid-May through September. In addition to birding, visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking and horseback riding.

8. State Forest State Park, Walden

As Colorado’s largest state park, State Forest State Park is home to some of the best wildlife viewing in the state. Known as the "Moose Capital of Colorado," it boasts a population of over 600 moose, along with bears, elk, foxes and mountain lions. The Lake Agnes Trail (1.8 miles round trip) leads to a gorgeous alpine lake, while visitors can also explore deep forests, rocky peaks and wildflower-filled meadows. Whether you’re hiking, camping or fishing, keep your camera ready — wildlife sightings are frequent here!

Stargazing

9. Jackson Lake State Park, Orchard

Known as “an oasis on the plains,” Jackson Lake State Park is one of the best stargazing spots in Colorado. This International Dark Sky Park offers incredible views of the night skies with clear sightings of the Milky Way, planets and meteor showers. The park’s remote location on the Eastern Plains means minimal light pollution, making it a prime destination for astronomy enthusiasts. During the day, visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming and sandy beaches around the 2,700-acre lake.

10. Eleven Mile State Park, Lake George

With its remote location away from city lights, Eleven Mile State Park is another fantastic destination for stargazing. Spend the daytime fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing; when night falls, scan the skies for constellations, planets and shooting stars. Camping at Eleven Mile offers an especially beautiful setting as you can watch the stars reflect on the reservoir’s mirror-like surface. 

Plan Your Summer Adventure!

Colorado’s state parks are an outdoor lover’s paradise, offering everything from scenic hikes and camping spots to water sports and wildlife viewing. Whether you're looking for a quick weekend trip or an extended adventure, these parks have something for everyone.