Colorado became a state on August 1, 1876. The Colorado state parks celebrate statehood day -- also known as Colorado Day -- by offering free admission to all 42 parks on the first Monday of August. This is a great way to explore a new state park without having to pay for a pass. You can learn more about all of the state parks on the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website. If you haven't already, be sure to pick up a CPW Passport at a park office. Get it stamped whenever you go to a state park or hatchery, and you'll have a chance to earn prizes!
There are nine state parks that are in or near the Denver Metro area.
- Barr Lake State Park has an 8.8 mile multi-use trail that circles the lake. The Barr Lake Nature Center has displays about the park's wildlife.
- Castlewood Canyon State Park has hiking trails that range from mild to moderate and from .5 to 4 miles long. They can be combined for longer hikes.
- Chatfield State Park is great for boaters of all types. There are also hikes to enjoy.
- Cherry Creek State Park has a reservoir, horseback riding, family shooting range, and more!
- Eldorado Canyon State Park offers technical rock climbing routes, hiking and mountain biking trails, and fishing.
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and more!
- Roxborough State Park has great hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Staunton State Park has nearly 30 miles of trails, fishing ponds, and geocaching.
- St. Vrain State Park is a great place for hikers, fishers, photographers, and everyone who loves nature!
Willing to drive a little further? Check out these state park road trip options.
- Crawford State Park is the gem of the Western Slope, providing year round outdoor recreation, like fishing, water skiing, and camping. Bonus: Crawford State Park is located just 12 miles from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
- Stagecoach State Park has eight miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. It is also the perfect spot for boaters, jet and water skiers, sailors and canoeists, with both wakeless and wake-permitting areas, rentals, and a full service marina.
- State Forest offers camping and countless outdoor recreation opportunities. Plus, it is a Colorado hotspot for spotting moose year round with its moose population of around 600!
- Steamboat Lake State Park is a premier park offering family fishing, camping, picnicking, trail and boating recreational opportunities, plus plenty f opportunities to spot Colorado wildlife. A full-service Marina and swim beach provide amenities for active water play.
- Vega State Park earns its name, Spanish for meadow, with its many meadows filled with colorful wildflowers. The park provides easy access to hundreds of miles of trails in Grand Mesa National Forest.
What's your favorite state park? We'd love to hear about your adventures!
