September 8, 2024
Colorado consistently ranks among the best states for outdoor enthusiasts. Outdoor Magazine ranks Colorado the most adventurous state in the Mountain West. After much travel around the Colorado Rockies, I understand why.
But there’s a price to that popularity. I clearly remember my experience visiting Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming fifteen years ago. The views are breathtaking, but some of the biggest attractions do just that - they attract enormous crowds. I was one of thousands of people who travel to Yellowstone on any given day, and I hadn’t factored that into my planning.
On a smaller but still significant scale, some of Colorado’s most popular (and arguably most beautiful) outdoor attractions are well-attended. Buses drop off people at the St. Mary’s Glacier trailhead and parking is hard to find at hanging lake.
I don’t say this to discourage you. In fact, I mean just the opposite. Colorado is a big state and there are so many vistas and valleys worth exploring. And while I have many more of Colorado’s 43 state parks left on my list, here are three stunning and significantly different options that I recommend:
1. Mueller State Park
Views of Pikes Peak and trails that weave through aspen groves and grassy meadows? Count me in!
This Colorado state park boasts over 5,000 acres and 50 miles of trails at over 9,000 feet above sea level. Once popular with prospectors, ranchers, and homesteaders, today hikers can discover remnants of these not-so-long-ago uses along many trails in this park. I’ve run across old wooden structures, resting at meadow’s edge, miles from any dirt or paved road.
What I enjoy most about Mueller State Park, besides the pure beauty of the landscape, are the crowds (or lack thereof!). Let’s face it - the Colorado mountains are breathtaking. But as much as I enjoy hiking in Colorado, I’m not a morning person. I struggle to beat the crowds to popular trailheads, especially when that means waking up at three in the morning!
Highlights and Considerations:
Visit in autumn for stunning views of the foliage from the visitor’s center or on the trails
Pets are prohibited from joining you on the trails
Wildlife sightings are not uncommon and include elk, deer, and black bears
You won’t be fighting for a parking spot at this state park
Great programming and events for visitors of all ages
2. State Forest State Park
State Forest State Park covers more than 14 times the acreage as Mueller State Park. It is by far Colorado’s biggest state park. As so, there are so many opportunities to explore the outdoors here.
Want to paddleboard in beautiful northern Colorado? North Michigan Reservoir is your place! Looking for miles of OHV trails for any season? You’ll find over 80 miles open to off-highway vehicles at this state park. Hiking to an alpine lake? Absolutely! Cross-country skiing? State Forest State Park’s got you covered.
Highlights and Considerations:
It’s easy to find yourself in remote terrain with more than 70,000 acres to explore
This park is just east of Walden, the moose capital of Colorado
The number of outdoor activities available here are unrivaled
Grey wolf activity was recorded in this area in 2024
3. Castlewood Canyon State Park
Okay, so Colorado is known for its mountains. But east of the Front Range, explorers can find quite a few state parks that are beautiful in their own right. Castlewood Canyon State Park is great for a spontaneous, half-day adventure since it’s only a short drive from Colorado’s two most populous cities.
Highlights and Considerations:
Wander the remains of old Castlewood Canyon Dam and homestead
With limited shade on trails here, it’s difficult to hide from the summer heat
60-foot tall canyon walls are accessible to rock climbers
Birding is popular with a large variety of birds spotted here, and many accessible trails for all visitors
You don’t have to visit Rocky Mountain National Park to see the beauty of Colorado. These three state parks offer only a glimpse of the outdoor recreation possibilities here. If you’re looking for breathtaking landscapes and big adventure, check out one of Colorado’s state parks!
-Jessica
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