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Colorado National Parks
The Colorado National Parks Map prominently marks all the major trails of the state. Also, the Colorado state map is a helpful guide which presents relevant information about the geographical position of the national parks of the place. Great Sand Dunes National Park\, Mesa Verde National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park and Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park are among the most-visited national parks in Colorado state.
How many National Parks in Colorado?
Colorado is home to four national parks, each of which is distinct and offers its unique features of what makes the state beautiful. Some of the nation’s most remarkable natural landmarks are found within the boundaries of Colorado’s four National Parks and preserves (Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes and Black Canyon of the Gunnison national park). They are home to some of the World’s most wondrous and diverse scenery. Following are the national parks in Colorado:
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Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
The distinctive marble Cliff face is the main feature of the National Park. The park has some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America. The Gunnison River, along with the forces of weathering, has sculpted this wilderness of rock, water, and sky. Check out this Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Map for all the information about the national park.
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Great Sand Dunes National Park
It has the highest and tallest dunes in North America. The National park is the centrepiece of a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, conifer and aspen forest, alpine lakes, and tundra. Check out this Great Sand Dunes National Park Map for all the information about the national park.
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Rocky Mountain National Park
The park’s 415 Square miles surround and protect the mountain environment and is known for its Crystal-Clear lakes and gushing waterfalls. The trail ridge road, at over 12,000 feet in the park, one can experience subalpine and alpine worlds along with over 300 miles of hiking trails, wildflowers and wildlife. Check out this Rocky Mountain National Park Map for all the information about the national park.
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Mesa Verde National Park
Relics of ancient inhabitants, the park was established in 1906 to preserve and interpret the archaeological heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for over 700 years, from 600 to 1300 CE. Today, the park protects nearly 5,000 known archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings. Check out this Mesa Verde National Park Map for all the information about the national park.
List of National Parks in Colorado |
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| S. No | Name | Area | Established | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rocky Mountain National Park | 265,761 acres (415.252 sq mi; 107,550 ha; 1,075.50 km2) | 26. Jan. 1915 | Larimer / Grand / Boulder counties, Colorado, USA |
| 2 | Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park | 30,750 acres (12,440 ha) | 21. Oct. 1999 | Montrose County, Colorado, United States |
| 3 | Curecanti National Recreation Area | 43,095 acres (17,440 ha) | 6. Feb. 1945 | Gunnison and Montrose counties, Colorado, USA |
| 4 | Mesa Verde National Park | 52,485 acres (21,240 ha) | 29. Jun. 1906 | Montezuma County, Colorado, United States, North America |
| 5 | Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve | 84,997 acres (34,397 ha)[ | 13. Sep. 2004 | Saguache County and Alamosa County, Colorado, USA |
Activities in Colorado National Parks
The Colorado National parks are famous for many things that can be done during various times of the year. The main activities are:
- Camping: The Morefield Campground in Mesa Verde National park is open from Mid-April to Mid October. Timber Creek on the Grand Lake Side in Rocky Mountain National park.
- Fishing: one can access Gunnison River, it is designated as Gold Medal Water and wild Trout Water. Alpine lakes and Streams occur throughout the park.
- Hiking and Rock Climbing: Trails for all abilities are available on both South and North Rims in Black Canyon of the Gunnison national park as well as around Mesa Verde.
- Horseback Riding: About 260 miles of trails are open to horse use in Rocky Mountain National Park, which accounts for about 80% of the park’s trail system.
- Scenic Driving in the parks
Best time to visit Colorado National Parks
The best time to visit National Parks in Colorado is from June to September in the summer months when the snow is (mostly) melted and hiking trails and attractions are accessible. Though the national parks and recreation areas in Colorado also serve as winter recreational hotspots. The activities such as snowshoeing and cross country skiing are there. There is a 2-mile trail for snowmobiling which connects the town of Grand Lake with trails in the Arapaho National Forest.