National Parks

Colorado's National Parks

Colorado's National Parks Map
View all parks Plan Your Trip

Comparing Colorado's National Parks

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Location: Southern Colorado

Known for: Its land-locked towering sand dunes

Biggest crowds: June through August

Accessibility: The road only goes from the park entrance to the visitor center; you'll want to walk or hike the dunes.

Why kids like it: They can play in the sand, build sand castles, and slide down the dunes on saucers.

What hikers say: Climb the High Dune for the most scenic view of the dunes; walk in the Preserve to trek on wooded trails to a fabulous view of 13,000-foot mountains.

Best for:
Birds, Bison

Mesa Verde National Park

Location: Southwestern Colorado

Known for: Hundreds of ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings.

Biggest crowds: Mid-June through August

Accessibility: You can see some of the park from scenic road overlooks, but taking a guided hike is your best bet.

Why kids like it: You don't see clusters of ancient stone houses on cliffs every day!

What hikers say: Be aware that hiking is restricted, and you're sometimes required to have a ranger as a guide.

Best for:
Caves & Caverns

Rocky Mountain National Park

Location: North-central Colorado

Known for: Alpine lakes and scenic peaks.

Biggest crowds: Summer

Accessibility: The park's shuttle will take you to the main sites.

Why kids like it: There are elk everywhere.

What hikers say: Remember to pace yourself, since you're at a higher elevation—but the views are definitely worth it.

Best for:
Birds, Bison, Majestic Mountains, Climbing, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Winter Recreation

Get Advice From Other Travelers

Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip

Get the Fodor's Newsletter

For more travel ideas, tips, and deals, sign up for the Fodor's newsletter here. Read the current issue. Browse previous issues.




Copyright © 2009 Fodor's Travel, a division of Random House, Inc.