The state of Colorado is diverse, from plains to mountains. And, so are the national parks located in the state. From beautiful alpine mountains to sandy dunes to ancient Pueblo cliffside dwellings there is something for everyone. Summer is a wonderful time to explore these natural wonders. So, make your plans now!
Colorado is home to four national parks and eight national monuments. Be sure to put these on your Colorado must-experience-with-kids list!
Mesa Verde
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in the southwestern corner of Colorado. Mesa Verde offers a rare glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home from A.D. 600 to A.D. 1300. The kids and adults alike are sure to enjoy climbing into the cliff dwellings and imagining what it was like to live here many, many years ago.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park offers spectacular hikes, wildflowers, wildlife and starry nights. The park offers short, easy hiking trails such as Bear Loop and Coyote Valley that reward visitors with stunning views, as well as wildlife and wild flower sightings. Or, your family may want to go fishing or take a horseback ride.
Be sure to check our Grand Lake and other Colorado mountain cabins in this area of the state for a socially distanced getaway.
Great Sand Dunes National Monument
Situated in southern Colorado, surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo mountain range, these tallest sand dunes in north America are remote, and surprising. The Great Sand Dunes National Park is in the middle of a very diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, conifer and aspen forests, alpine lakes, and tundra. The snow melt off and Medona Creek feeds a natural underground reservoir. The water supplies a nearby tilapia farm turned alligator farm, as well as natural hot springs.
Colorado National Monument
At Colorado National Monument you will have the opportunity to see the most spectacular sunsets, a blood moon, wildlife such as Turkey Vultures, Black Widows, Big Horn Sheep and other wildlife. This may also be one of the most spectacular landscapes in Colorado. And, that says something.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
This canyon has a rare combination of extraordinary depth, narrowness, and darkness within a vertical space to create a dramatic landscape. Take a scenic drive, camp, hike or wildlife watch.
Dinosaur National Monument
Located in the northwestern corner of Colorado, Dinosaur National Monument crosses into Utah. Dinosaur remains are still visible in rock walls within the more than 800 paleontological sites. In 2019 Dinosaur National Monument received its International Dark Sky Park Designation recognizing the skies above Dinosaur National Monument as having an exceptional quality of natural darkness.
Royal Gorge Bridge
Not actually a national park, but the Royal Gorge Bridge in Southwestern Colorado is definitely worth checking out. It is the highest suspension bridge in the U.S. that overlooks a breathtaking canyon. You can also take a cable car, or go ziplining. Or, raft in the gorge below.
Have you visited any of these national parks or monuments? Which were most memorable to you? Tell us in the comments below.