Eldorado Canyon is one of Colorado's many state parks. It is known for its hiking trails, rock climbing opportunities and picnic areas along South Boulder Creek. For $8 you can purchase a day pass that will give you access to over 500 rock climbing routes, and 11 miles of hiking trails.
Colorado has four national parks and 42 state parks, offering a multitude of wonderful hiking trails. However, if you're looking for some free hiking places, here is a list of my recommendations. These are all easily accessible from Denver, and are ranked by difficulty.
Rocky Mountain National Park was established in 1915, and is one of the most popular national parks in America. In 2016 alone, 4,517,585 people visited the park. Visitors are drawn in by the mountains, the tundra, and the wildlife.
Colorado claims four national parks, including the Great Sand Dunes. These natural sand dunes lie at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and are the largest sand dunes in North America. These sands are 750 feet tall!
Utah is known for its incredible National Parks. Both Arches and Canyonlands are relatively close, so I set out to explore them! Here is my road trip itinerary: where to stop along the way & recommendations for food and fun.
The Black Canyon was carved from the Gunnison River starting two million years ago. It has weathered this stone away into a canyon, up to 2,400 meters at its highest point.
Located an hour and twenty minutes south of Denver, in Colorado Springs, are enormous natural rock formations known as the Garden of the Gods.
Many people haven't heard of Paint Mines Interpretive Park in Calhan, Colorado. But don't mistake its secrecy for unimportance. These clay hoodoos and spires, which were once the source of Native American pottery, will take your breath away.
This hike is not for the faint of heart! I set off to find a waterfall, which I did. But what I did not expect was the rise in elevation, the switchbacks, and the seemingly never-ending trail. 13.3 miles and 3,800 calories burned later (thanks FitBit!) I felt accomplished, exhausted and ready to sleep for twelve hours.
Staunton State park is almost 4,000 acres of beautiful land with hiking and cycling trails that wind around ponds, large rock outcroppings, wooded mountain sides, and even a waterfall.
