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NatureNational & State Parks

These 10 State Parks In Colorado Will Knock Your Socks Off

Explore ten beautiful state parks in Colorado that showcase the state's natural beauty.

Updated Feb 13, 2022

Written by 

Annie Sandmeier

It's pretty much always a good time to get out and explore, and what better way to do so than by checking out these ten gorgeous state parks in Colorado? It's no secret that our state is the most beautiful, enchanting state in the entire country, and our parks are part of what makes that true. Check these out and plan your visit ASAP:

1.) Lory State Park

A serene landscape featuring a calm pond surrounded by autumn trees and distant mountains under a cloudy sky.
Flickr/Brett Levin
A panoramic view of a lush green landscape with hills, a lake, and a person standing among large rocks.
Flickr/Brendan Bombaci

Located just west of Fort Collins, Lory State Park offers "mountain biking, hiking, picnicking and horseback riding amid some fabulous foothills scenery just minutes from Fort Collins and adjacent to Horsetooth Reservoir." Click here to learn more!

2.) Eleven Mile State Park

A scenic view of mountains under a cloudy sky, with green fields and wildflowers in the foreground.
Flickr/bmyeraz
A serene river flows through a rocky landscape, surrounded by lush green trees under a clear blue sky.
Flickr/Jasen Miller

Best fishing in Colorado. Period. Click here to learn more!

3.) Eldorado Canyon State Park

A scenic view of a rocky canyon at sunset, with snow on the ground and trees lining the path.
Flickr/Max and Dee Bernt
A winding dirt path through a vibrant meadow filled with yellow wildflowers and surrounded by green hills and trees.
Flickr/Keith

Considered by many to be the gem of Boulder, Eldorado State Park offers a variety of family fun including hiking, climbing, and plenty of wildlife watching opportunities. Click here to learn more!

4.) Golden Gate Canyon State Park

A sunlit landscape featuring vibrant autumn trees and a clear blue sky, with mountains in the background.
Flickr/John B. Kalla
A sunlit forest path winding through tall trees and lush greenery, with sunlight filtering through the branches.
Flickr/nwlynch

Located 30 miles from Denver, Golden Gate Canyon is home to 12,000 acres of lush meadows, forests, and rocky ridges. Click here to learn more!

5.) Cherry Creek State Park

A sandy shoreline with green grass and shrubs under a cloudy sky, beside a calm body of water.
Flickr/MortAuPat
A sailboat glides across a calm lake with mountains and buildings in the background under a cloudy sky.
Flickr/Cathy McCray

An oasis in the city, Cherry Creek is a nature lover's dream with its camping, boating, and horseback riding opportunities. Click here to learn more!

6.) Cheyenne Mountain State Park

A snowy landscape with rocks and tall grass under a blue sky with wispy clouds.
Flickr/Cathy McCray
A group of mountain bikers racing through a grassy trail with hills and clouds in the background.
Flickr/Rob Lucas

Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Colorado Springs, Cheyenne Mountain State Park is home to 2,701 acres of unique prairie-to-peak ecosystems. Click here to learn more!

7.) Chatfield State Park

A panoramic view of a lake surrounded by green fields and mountains, with a parking area and clear blue sky.
Flickr/re_vised
Vibrant sunset over a calm lake, with dramatic red and orange clouds reflecting on the water's surface.
Flickr/Michael Levine-Clark

Lovers of water sports unite at Chatfield Reservoir! Wonderful camping, too.

8.) Mueller State Park

A serene landscape at sunset, featuring rolling hills, trees, and a colorful sky with clouds.
Flickr/Michael Levine-Clark
A scenic landscape featuring rocky hills, lush green trees, and a small, weathered cabin in a grassy area.
Flickr/Patrick Standish

These photos are reason enough for Mueller to be one of our top 10 state parks! Click here to learn more!

9.) Roxbourough State Park

A dramatic landscape of jagged red rock formations under a colorful sky at sunset, surrounded by sparse vegetation.
Flickr/Michael Levine-Clark
Two hikers stand on a trail surrounded by lush greenery and striking red rock formations in a mountainous landscape.
Flickr/djvass

Hike amongst magnificent Fountain, Lyons, and Dakota Hogback rock formations at this gorgeous park! Click here to learn more!

10.) Barr Lake State Park

A deer stands in a grassy area near a calm river, surrounded by greenery and distant trees.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
A wooden walkway leads through lush greenery to a calm lake, surrounded by trees under a clear blue sky.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life when you stroll the nearly 9 miles of scenic trail. Once you're finished, try your hand at the 12-lane archery range! Click here to learn more!

Which state park in Colorado is your favorite? Tell us your picks in the comments - we love hearing from you!

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