The ultimate in rugged Colorado, State Forest State Park offers visitors 71,000 acres of forest, jagged peaks, alpine lakes, wildlife and miles of trails. The park stretches along the west side of the Medicine Bow Mountains and into the north end of the Never Summer Range. Moose is our claim to fame. North Park is considered the moose viewing capital of Colorado, with over 600 moose to be observed year-round. The State Forest State Park has something for everyone in every season. With so much room and diversity, visitors can experience a bountiful array of outdoor recreational favorites such as camping, hiking, four-wheeling, horseback riding, skiing, snowshoeing, telemarking, snowboarding, snowmobiling, fishing, hunting, birding, wildlife viewing and geocaching.

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is close by, so it’s easy to imagine the inspiring scenery found here. Crawford State Park invites anglers, boaters, hikers and water sports enthusiasts to the western slope, for one day or several. Jet skiing, motor boating and water skiing are very popular action-oriented activities at peak times like summer weekends. The park is quiet and restful during the week and lower peak times. A nice retreat for outdoor recreation, groups are welcome to gather and enjoy the group picnic facility. Crawford is great place to take a break and enjoy great recreation and stunning scenery.

Anglers and​ ​writers consistently tout Eleven Mile’s large reservoir for its outstanding fishing. When not reeling in a trophy rainbow, brown, cutthroat, kokanee or pike, there are nearly five miles of scenic hiking and biking trails that await exploration. Many species of birds reside in or migrate through the park, making for wonderful bird watching prospects. Neighboring park, Spinney Mountain, offers additional opportunities for birding and fishing.

Lone Mesa State Park lies 23 miles north of the town of Dolores and encompasses 11,760 acres of incredibly scenic land, ranging in elevation from about 7,200 feet to just over 9,000 feet.

Stagecoach State Park sets the stage for great recreation in the lush Yampa Valley by Steamboat Springs. Vistas and views are backdrops to the 820-acre reservoir providing renown lake and river fishing.

​Mancos State Park in Southwestern Colorado is a haven for the year-round outdoor enthusiast and traveler. In the spring, summer and fall, canoeists, kayakers and wakeless power boaters enjoy the calm waters of Jackson Gulch Reservoir. In the winter depending on conditions there are great opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. Fishing enthusiasts have pulled numerous species of fish, including yellow perch and rainbow trout, out of the reservoir.

Yampa River State Park, located in the beautiful Yampa valley west of Steamboat Springs, is actually three “parks” in one.​ The headquarters on the Yampa River near Hayden, Colorado, provides excellent camping​, a Visitor Center and nature trail. A 134 mile stretch of the Yampa River is the heart of Yampa River State Park. It has 13 access points stretching from Hayden to the Dinosaur National Monument near the Utah border. The Elkhead Reservoir is the third major component of the Yampa River State Park system. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, camping and picnicking at the lake. There are also many opportunities to view wildlife and a hiking trail that will appeal to hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders.

​More than 12,000 acres of dense forest, rocky peaks, and aspen-rimmed meadows laced with miles of trails awaiting the hiker, horseback rider, mountain biker and winter sports enthusiast at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Only 30 miles fro​m Denver, Golden Gate Canyon offers stocked fishing ponds, picnic sites and the Panorama Point Scenic Overlook, where visitors can see 100 miles of the Continental Divide.

This large, spacious reservoir on the high plains draws locals and tourists alike from May through September and waterfowl hunters during the hunting season. North Sterling State Park is a gateway to fun and relaxation. There are numerous hawk and eagle sightings.

​Lake Pueblo, rated a fishing “hot spot,” provides over 4,600 surface acres of water, 60 miles of shoreline and almost 10,000 acres of land. Land recreation includes hiking, biking, picnicking and diverse nature exploration. Miles of trails make it easy to discover the beauty of the shady Arkansas River below the dam or the wonder of 200-year-old Juniper trees. Views of the Greenhorn and Wet mountain ranges to the southwest and the magnificent Pikes Peak to the north are a splendid way to end the day. It is no wonder that Lake Pueblo State Park is a favorite destination.

​​Hit the trail at Lory State Park and enjoy mountain biking, hiking, picnicking and horseback riding amid some fabulous foothills scenery just minutes from Fort Collins and adjacent to Horsetooth Reservoir. From rolling valleys to mountainous hillsides, Lory State Park's 26 miles of trails rarely exceed a 12 percent grade. The variety of trails is great for short or long hikes, mountain bike rides, horseback rides and trail runs. Backcountry camping is also available for visitors looking for a quiet getaway close to suburban Fort Collins.

An oasis in the desert, Highline Lake is the recreation epicenter for the Grand Valley with two lakes, lush grass, trails and trees. No matter the season, Highline Lake State Park is a diverse and welcome retreat. Connected to miles of trails and close to communities, the park makes an ideal base camp for exploring the Grand Junction area. Whether passing through on mountain bikes, or as an end destination, the park welcomes campers, anglers, families and groups. Birders have plenty to see here. The Audubon Society designated the park an important bird area; thousands migrate through the area every winter.

​Mountain scenery mingles with magnificent campgrounds at Ridgway State Park. Modern, universally-accessible recreation areas and the five-mile long reservoir make memorable days and nights. Only 15 miles from the town of Ouray, Ridgway's great outdoors - the "Switzerland of America" - welcomes those from near and far. The park’s popular campgrounds, beautiful reservoir, picnic and playground areas, extensive trails, and diverse wildlife offer year-round activities for all types of outdoor enthusiasts. Come enjoy our swimbeach too!

Nature lovers and groups enjoy environmental diversity on several hiking trails ranging from mild to moderate. The trails range from .5 to 4 miles and can be combined for longer journeys. The winding Cherry Creek flowing along the canyon floor provides wonderful rest stops. Pets, on a leash, are welcome on most trails, except the new East Canyon Preservation Area trail.

Pearls are a gift of nature and Pearl Lake State Park is just that. Just a few miles off the road, it feels like an escape into the backcountry of Colorado. Nestled in the mountains north of Steamboat Springs, this peaceful park sits in a quiet lakeside setting. Overlooking Farwell Mountain, visitors camp along the shoreline and on a ridge with amazing views. There’s excellent fly and lure fishing for native cutthroat trout. A trail takes visitors along the shoreline and leads them deep into the Routt National Forest. Picnicking is picture perfect. This is a true escape from the day-to-day routine.

Come visit “The Trail’s End” visitor center for boundless resources, educational exhibits, souvenir and refreshment shopping, or just to relax by the stone fireplace and the wall of windows. With an amazing 2701 acres, you can explore nature’s diversity with prairie-to-peak ecosystems on 20 miles of hiking and biking trails. The Park offers top-notch environmental education programs, such as guided wildflower walks, family mystery hikes, animal education, geo-caching, Jr Ranger programs, weekly yoga and more.

Harvey Gap State Park is a favorite spot for anglers in the winter and summer. Anglers catch catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch, crappie, rainbow trout and northern pike at Harvey Gap. The lake sits at an elevation of 6,500 feet in an area of cedar and sagebrush, but the lakeshore has many shady cottonwood trees. Visitors may see a variety of wildlife, including migrating waterfowl. The Grand Hogback, the ridge that marks the edge of the Rocky Mountains, runs along the south end of the reservoir.

The clean, clear waters of Rifle Gap State Park’s 350-acre reservoir provide some of the best boating, fishing, swimming, water-skiing and windsurfing in Colorado.​ The long, narrow reservoir is inviting to water-skiers, jet-skiers and power boaters. Rifle Gap often has good conditions for sailing and windsurfing. The beach on the west side of the reservoir is popular for its swimming Rifle Gap anglers catch rainbow and German brown trout, walleye, pike, smallmouth and largemouth bass and yellow perch.

Visitors come to Sweitzer Lake, near Delta, for action-packed boating and water skiing on busy days and relaxed nature play on mellow days. Built solely for recreation, Sweitzer Lake fulfills its planned purpose well. Water-ski, swim, picnic, fish, boat, bird watch or just breathe-in the clean air. Sit on the grass, at a picnic site or on the sandy shore and enjoy the day.

More than a million Denver-area residents have one of nature’s jewels in their backyard: Roxborough State Park, a short drive southwest of Denver. Ro​xborough​ is a Colorado Natural Area and a National Natural Landmark for good reason. The park, with close to 4000-acres, is filled with dramatic red-rock formations, distinct plant communities, and a host of wildlife ranging from black bears to mule deer. Visitors can take in all of Roxborough’s geological wonders via a series of trails ​for every level of hiker. The Fountain Valley Overlook is only 100 yards from the Visitor Center and provides spectacular views of several beautiful rock formations, including the Fountain Formation, Lyons Formation, and the Dakota Hogback. Many visitors tote their cameras to capture one of the many beautiful views or animal sightings such as red fox from one of the park’s overlooks.​

Majestic Eagles, graceful Egrets, white Pelicans, and tall Cormorants call these ponds home and invite vistors to observe and enjoy nature to the fullest. St. Vrain State Park is a family-friendly destination for visitors seeking a peaceful and simple outdoor break. Formerly named Barbour Ponds, this nature and people-friendly park offers 604 acres of land and 152 acres of water split among several ponds. It’s a great place for anglers, campers, photographers, birders, walkers and anyone who loves nature.

From Fruita on the west end, to Island Acres on the east end and three stops in-between, this is one park split into five sections. Areas include: Island Acres, Corn Lake, Colorado River Wildlife Area, Connected Lakes, and Fruita.

This isolated retreat is ideal for visitors seeking beautiful views of the Collegiate Mountain Range or just a little solitude from the busy life of the city. Birders have plenty to observe among the waterfowl, waders and birds of prey that make Spinney Mountain Reservoir their home. Boating enthusiasts can enjoy the 2,500 surface-acre reservoir that has two boat ramps available (depending upon water levels).

At an elevation of 8,000 feet, Vega State Park’s high-mountain lake sits in a beautiful montane meadow on the northeast edge of Grand Mesa National Forest in Western Colorado. Vega is great year round for birding, hiking among the changing aspen, fishing and cross-country skiing.

This park is an "Oasis in the Plains," for swimming, boating, fishing and waterskiing. But that's not all. Jackson Lake is ranked one of the "Top 15 Park Beaches" by Reserve America. Anglers, boaters, or naturalists realizing there’s too much fun for just one day enjoy the variety of water or land based recreational facilities found here. Birders and hunters flock here because of the parks location in the Central Flyway for migratory birds. Quiet winter months provide hearty wildlife viewers some excellent opportunities to spot the many animals that live here. No matter the season, Jackson Lake is, as novelist James Michener suggests, “an oasis of the plains."

Sometimes called a sapphire on the plains, John Martin is a peaceful paradise in which people play, birds flock and wildlife roams. The park is close to historic land​marks, yet remote enough to attract year-round nature and recreation lovers to stay and explore. The reservoir provides uncrowded boating, waterskiing, and spectacular conditions for a wide variety of wind water sports. The mild Southeastern Colorado weather provides plenty of great days throughout the year. Anglers​ from shore or boat catch walleye, saugeye, bass, wiper, crappie, perch, and catfish. Many consider the park a birdwatcher's paradise with almost 400 species documented in Bent County. Majestic bald eagles roost here in winter. Threatened and endangered species like the piping plover and the least tern make the park their home for several months each year.

Sylvan provides serenity in an alpine park perfect for daydreaming. Non-motorized boating and non-electrical camping offer the opportunity for quiet recreation at this gateway to the White River National Forest and the Holy Cross Wilderness.

Boyd Lake State Park is a water-sports haven for northern Colorado. The lake lies at the western-most edge of the plains at the foot of snow-capped Long's Peak and the mountains of the Continental Divide. Boyd Lake State Park has something for everyone: boating, fishing, camping, picnicking, swimming, hiking, biking, and hunting.

Float your boat in the lake, bicycle or hike on a trail that provides scenic views of the neighboring foothills and Platte River valley, camp, ride a horse and even fly a model airplane - all at Chatfield State Park, nestled next to the foothills southwest of Denver.

From high grassy meadows at 8,100 feet to soaring granite cliffs over 10,000 feet, Staunton State Park's varied geology, soils, water features, and climate support rare and unexpected plant communities and a rich diversity of wildlife and provide a myriad of outdoor recreation opportunities.

A popular watchable wildlife area, Mueller is home to abundant wildlife including elk, black bear, hawks, and mule deer.

Rifle Falls State Park's lush vegetation and waterfalls have attracted photographers and movie crews from around the country who come to capture the area's unique scenery. The falls is a lush area of trees and greenery kept moist by the spray of the cascading triple waterfall. Picnicking near the falls is very popular. Mysterious limestone caves beneath the falls entice spelunkers and other curious visitors to explore their dark depths.

Eldorado Canyon is a hidden treasure right in Boulder’s backyard! Whether it’s hiking amidst the towering sandstone cliffs, picnicking along scenic South Boulder Creek or climbing Eldo's sheer golden walls, Eldorado Canyon State Park truly has something for everyone! Discover this hidden jewel and take home memories that will last a lifetime.

Colorado’s first state park, Lathrop State Park is 1,594 acres of recreational enjoyment nestled in the shadow of the Spanish Peaks in Southern Colorado. The park’s two lakes offer a variety of boating and angling opportunities for all types of water recreation. Martin Lake offers water skiing, power and sail boating. Because Martin is a warm-water lake, it makes it great for swimmers. Horseshoe Lake is a peaceful haven for canoeists, kayakers, sailors and other boaters at wakeless speeds. Catfish, bass, walleye, trout and blue gill thrive in both lakes. Horseshoe Lake is known for its large tiger muskies.

Elkhead State Park in the beautiful Yampa Valley of Northwest Colorado is an oasis in the high desert. This 900 acre reservoir provides endless recreational opportunities. They include, but are not limited to, boating, swimming, jet skiing, skiing, picnicking, wildlife watching, hiking, camping, meeting friends and neighbors, bird watching, biking, horseback riding hunting and fishing and many photo opportunities.

The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is recognized as one of the nation's most popular locations for whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Arkansas River - the most commercially rafted river in the United States. The AHRA – and its avid patrons – follow the beautiful but unpredictable, wild-to-mild river for 150 miles from the historic town of Leadville, through the Sawatch mountain ran​ge and Colorado’s tallest mountains, all the way down to Pueblo on the edge of Colorado’s plains.

In the shadow of the Great Sand Dunes National Park is peaceful San Luis State Park and Wildlife Area. Waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds and raptors fill the sky over this unique desert ecosystem, making San Luis an outstanding watchable wildlife area most of the year.

One of the true jewels of Colorado, Steamboat Lake State Park has something special for everyone. Whatever your preference, well-deserved relaxation and recreation awaits you. Hahn's Peak frames the breathtaking scenery of this premier park offering family fishing, camping, picnicking, trail and boating recreational opportunities.

Miles of trails winding through ancient and interesting local history, and spectacular scenery provide visitors and nature enthusiasts with great outdoor exploration opportunities. Area attractions like the former mining town of Trinidad with its colorful history make great side trips.

There’s something for every type of outdoors person - from the fishing enthusiast and boater to the naturalist - at Barr Lake State Park, a short drive northeast of the Denver area. Bicyclists of all ages and abilities, nature hikers and horseback riders enjoy the level 8.8-mile multi-use trail that circles the lake, passing by several wildlife viewing stations and the park's wildlife refuge. More than 350 species of birds have been spotted in the park. Numerous bald eagles winter at Barr Lake and one pair stays to nest and raise its young every year. Barr Lake's Nature Center has displays about the park's wildlife and you can have your questions answered by a naturalist.

Plunge deep into nature at this narrow lake park. Steep mountainsides, pristine water, alpine scenery and peaceful environment make Paonia a haven for water and nature lovers. Camp​ near a babbling stream, water-ski on a mountain reservoir, have a picnic, observe wildlife, all in view of the majestic Ragged Mountains. The park's natural beauty and abundance of wildflowers make it a "must see" for photographers and nature lovers.

Navajo State Park is Colorado's Answer to Lake Powell. Navajo Reservoir Extends for 20 miles South into New Mexico. Boaters and campers enjoy the park year-round. Sailors, houseboaters and other power boaters cruise some of the 15,000 surface-acres of the giant reservoir. Daily and seasonal slip and mooring ball rentals, boat rentals and gasoline for boats are available at the park’s Two Rivers Marina. Navajo’s campgrounds have 138 campsites; most sites are open year-round. Fishing​ enthusiasts catch crappie, large-mouth and small-mouth bass, northern pike, trout, bluegill and catfish in the reservoir.​

Anchored around a 880 surface acre reservoir, the park offers a natural prairie environment of gentle, rolling hills and complete outdoor recreation facilities, including camping, picnicking and facilities for group events.