· Rocky Mountain National Park - The park's rich scenery typifies the massive grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. Trail Ridge Road crosses the Continental Divide and looks out over dozens of peaks that tower more than 13,000 feet high. Longs Peak is 14,255' in elevation. The high point on the road is 12,183'. Elk, mule deer, big horn sheep, moose, coyotes and a great variety of smaller animals call the 415.3 square miles of National Park home. During the winter months snowshoeing and cross country skiing are very popular. Hiking is available on 346 miles of trails.
(970) 586-1206
· Colorado State Parks - Barbour Ponds - Barbour Ponds features 60 campsites, great fishing for rainbow trout, catfish, crappie and bass, and excellent bird watching for waterfowl and many other species. In the shadow of spectacular Long's Peak, Barbour Ponds State Park is a quiet retreat located between Denver and Fort Collins off I-25. The four ponds in this popular park boast some of northern Colorado's best warm-water fishing. The park is also home to many beautiful and entertaining waterfowl and wildlife. During the winter, Barbour Ponds serves as a home to bald eagles. Barbour Ponds is just 30 miles north of Denver, is convenient, quiet and charming.
(303) 678-9402
· Eldorado Canyon - Eldorado Canyon State Park has it all -- technical rock climbing, streamside picnic areas and trails with panoramic vistas -- all encompassed in a magnificant canyon setting. For technical rocking climbing, Eldorado Canyon offers over 500 different routes. Climbers from all over the world come to Eldorado Canyon to enjoy some of the best climbing to be found. The beauty of this magnificent canyon -- with its variety of trails and lovely streamside picnic areas -- engages the non-climber, too. Eldorado Canyon offers hiking trails for all abilities, rainbow and brook trout fishing, biking, sightseeing, spectacular views and wildlife. Eldorado Canyon is a day-use only park and does not offer camping.
(303) 494-3943
· Golden Gate State Park - Only 30 miles away from Denver, 14,000 acres of Golden Gate Canyon State Park awaits you with hiking, picnicking and camping among dense forest, rocky peaks and aspen-filled meadows. The mountain splendor of Golden Gate Canyon's wildflower meadows, glorious autumn colors and spectacular view from the famous Panorama Point of over 100 miles of the Continental Divide make the park ideal for sightseers and photographers. Miles upon miles of mountain trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding and 155 campsites make Golden Gate Canyon accessible to everyone. Golden Gate Canyon is a great place for young anglers and fall color viewing. The park has also hosted countless weddings and other special celebrations at Panorama Point.
(303) 582-3707
· Tubing In Boulder Creek - Grab an inner tube and hop on in! Cool off by taking a float down Boulder Creek on those hot summer days. Tubes are available from local gas stations for around $10.