What Are the National Parks in Colorado?

Colorado’s National Parks Are Calling

I never forget the first time I visited the dunes at Great Sand Dunes in Colorado with my cousins or when I stood at the base of Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. I felt so tiny against its 14,000-foot frame. These Colorado memories stick with me, tethering me to my deep Colorado roots and they add to a mountain obsession that’s only grown over the years. Colorado has the rare fortune of hosting four impeccable national parks, each with its own wild flavor. From jagged peaks to desert curves they’re calling your name no matter where you’re from.

I’m here to answer the big questions if you plan on traveling to the Rocky Mountains: What national parks in Colorado? How many are there? When’s the best time to go? Colorado’s a mash-up of snowy summits, golden plains, and everything in between creating a landscape that’s equal parts fierce and inviting. Growing up these parks were my playground and now I’m thrilled to share them with you! Let’s explore them together.

What Are the National Parks in Colorado?

There are four national parks in Colorado spread out across the vast terrain of the state.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Nestled up near Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park is the poster child for Colorado’s mountain magic. Most people visiting the state either end up here or in Pikes Peak. Think alpine lakes that mirror the sky, elk bugling through the valleys, and 14,000-foot giants like Longs Peak looming over it all. Rocky Mountain National Park has over 300 miles of trails ranging from short and sweet to others that will test your legs and lungs. No matter where you hike you’ll be surrounded by pure high country that inspires songs and awe.

As a kid, I loved the scenic drive up Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in the U.S. Reaching an elevation of 12,183 feet and connecting towns Estes Park and Grand Lake, you’ll be popping your ears as you take in the wind, the views, the way the air thins out. It’s fun! 

Rocky Mountain National Park offers so much for the adventurous. Whether you’re hiking to Bear Lake or just soaking in the scenery, the national park grabs you and doesn’t let go. If you’re into big summits, I have a guide out there on the 7 easiest 14ers to tackle in the Rockies #Beginner14ers that are well worth adding to your Colorado itinerary. Longs Peak is a beast but other 14ers are more forgiving.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Hours away to the south down in the San Luis Valley is Great Sand Dunes National Park. This national park throws you a curveball because let’s be honest, miles and miles of sand mountains are not something you think of or usually hear about when it comes to Colorado. The Great Sand Dunes National Park sounds like it would be better situated somewhere like Nevada or California but Colorado is full of surprises.

Containing North America’s tallest dunes with some even topping 700 feet, the Great Sand Dunes National Park rises sharply against the rugged Sangre de Cristo mountains. It’s a surreal combo: sandy desert waves crashing into snowy peaks. Also, it’s kind of out there. You have to drive on a flat plain for hours before you get there. 

The dunes promise a lot of fun! You can hike the dunes, sled down them, or just stand there wondering how this even exists in Colorado. I highly recommend renting sandboards to go sandboarding but be prepared to fall a lot! I’ve wiped out more times than I can count, but the thrill is definitely worth it. It’s a quirky twist on what you think this state’s about—not just mountains, but a slice of something otherworldly. The dunes shift with the wind, so every visit feels fresh. The dunes are a good addon if you’re visiting Salida, Alamosa, Pueblo, or even Pagosa Springs.

Mesa Verde National Park

Tucked in Colorado’s southwest corner is Mesa Verde National Park. This UNESCO heritage site is made of ancient cliff dwellings, carved into golden mesas by the Ancestral Puebloans 700 years ago. It sits amid piñon pines and sprawling canyons and was completely lost to time until 1888. You can peer into these stone homes perched high in alcoves and imagine life back then. Maybe you can solve the greatest mystery: why the cliff dwellings were abandoned?

Standing there, looking into those rooms, time slows down. It’s history you can touch not just read about since you can take tours through the ruins. Mesa Verde is truly an incredible place to visit to learn about people who thrived in such wild rugged land. The ranger-led tours bring it alive with stories of how they built, how they lived, and theories at why the cliff dwelling people moved on. It’s an authentic piece of Colorado geography and history that feels ancient and alive all at once.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Going north several hours over in western Colorado is the state’s third national park. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park sneaks up on you. The Gunnison River carved a narrow, steep-walled canyon through dark rock and some spots drop over 2,000 feet. This national park is not as famous as the others, but that’s part of its draw. The rim trails are short and steep, and the views? They hit hard.

Standing on the edge of the canyon with the wind whipping past through your hair, you will feel the canyon’s raw, quiet power. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park might not ever be as famous as the Grand Canyon but if you’re visiting Colorado those sheer walls and the river churning below give it an edge that’s tough to match. It’s just as wild in its own understated way.

What is the Best Time to Visit Colorado’s National Parks?

Colorado’s seasons shift fast with snow one day and sun the next, so timing can make or break your trip if you’re not prepared. Summer and fall are the sweet spots but every season’s got its vibe. Here’s the breakdown.

Spring (March-May)

Spring’s a gamble, but when it pays off, it’s gorgeous. Snowmelt can turn the trails muddy but wildflowers pop early at Mesa Verde, and the crowds won’t be at their peak yet.

If you’re craving more road-tripping ideas, that aren’t affected by seasonal closures, check out these 4 epic U.S. drives you can’t miss including Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway.

Summer (June-August)

Summer is one of the best times to visit Colorado’s national parks. You’ll have warm days, open roads, and sunsets that stretch late. It’s busy, no doubt, but the mountains are teeming with life and action. Rocky Mountain National park is prime for hiking and Trail Ridge road is open. In the summer, the Great Sand Dunes heats up but sandboarding is a blast if you stay hydrated.

I cover everything you need to know for preparing for a killer summer hiking trip in Colorado.

Fall (September-October)

Fall’s my personal favorite because the golden aspens turn many of the mountainsides into a painting and cooler temps make hiking a dream. The air’s crisp at Mesa Verde, Black Canyon’s rims glow with color, and Great Sand Dunes feels serene before winter creeps in. The days are shortened, the nights are chillier so layers will be your buddy.

Winter (November-February)

Winter blankets everything and while the snow is beautiful, it will prevent you from doing some of the activities you might want to do. Rocky Mountain National Park is a snow-draped wonderland but roads like Trail Ridge shut down from late October until May. Great Sand Dunes get icy, but Mesa Verde and Black Canyon slow to a crawl which is great if you want to avoid crowds.

Tips to Make Your Colorado National Park Trip Unbeatable

Getting there’s half the fun. Rocky Mountain National Park is an easy shot from Denver and it’s just under two hours on I-25 and CO-36. Mesa Verde National Park however is a trek deep into the southwest. It is about five hours from Denver via I-25 and US-160. The Great Sand Dunes National Park sits a bit far away from everything in the San Luis Valley and is about four hours from Denver on I-25 and CO-17. 

Meanwhile, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a western haul from Denver. It’s about four hours via I-70 and US-50 but a good place to add to your trip if you’ll be in Grand Junction, Telluride, Ouray or you’re coming in from Utah. Got time? String them all together into one big epic road trip loop. Start in Denver, swing south, then west. If you do, I recommend considering the virtually unknown Dinosaur national Monument in the Northwest of the state. It’s not a National Park but it deserves some love too. If you’re looking for a 7 day road trip around Colorado, I share my itinerary here.

Packing for the national parks in Colorado is straightforward but remember to bring layers. Hiking boots for trails, water bottles to stay hydrated (altitude’s no joke), sunblock for those high rays, and layers for mountain mood swings. Start the day early to beat the crowds and catch the morning light.

As for where to stay, I suggest you mix it up. Camp at Rocky’s Moraine Park with the stars and elk as neighbors. Grab a hotel near Great Sand Dunes in Alamosa or in a town a little further out.  Durango has a lot of more brand name hotels if you want to visit Mesa Verde while Montrose motels keep you near Black Canyon.

Which Colorado National Park Will Be Your Next Adventure?

From the Rocky Mountain’s towering peaks, to Great Sand Dunes’ sandy weirdness in the middle of nowhere. Mesa Verde’s ancient history and Black Canyon’s deep canyons, each one of Colorado’s national parks has a piece of Colorado’s soul: wild, varied, and alive. These parks shaped my love for open spaces and vast unmovable earth.

So which one’s sparking your wanderlust? Green mountainous trails? Mesa Verde’s history? Shout it out in the comments and keep the adventure rolling!

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