Innehållsförteckning för Colorado 2024 från National Park Journal

Emerald Lake Emerald Lake is one of the most popular destinations in the park for good reason. This 3.5-mile roundtrip hike packs a ton of bang for your buck with three beautiful alpine lakes and incredible views along the way. You’ll pass the lily pad covered Nymph Lake and the aptly named Dream Lake with perfect views of Hallett Peak before reaching your final destination of Emerald Lake. It’s especially beautiful in winter. Tundra Communities This paved, 1.2-mile roundtrip trail is a great way to explore the park above timberline. Located along Trail Ridge Road, take in sweeping mountain views, see curious rock formations and spot tiny alpine wildflowers along the way. Bring a wind layer, as the weather is often colder and windier on this trail than the rest…

If you’re a dog person, you likely already know that the one bad thing about national parks is that most aren’t pet friendly. The good news is that Great Sand Dunes isn’t like most parks. Leashed dogs can visit many areas of the park, including the dune fields up to the first high ridge, Dunes Overlook Trail, Medano Pass Primitive Road, and the preserve part of this protected area like Mosca Pass Trail. The main dune field is a pup’s paradise with tons of sand to dig in, and Medano Creek to splash around at in early summer. Sand temperatures can get extremely hot on summer days and damage paws easily. If you’re traveling with your pet, avoid the high summer months and always test the temperature of the sand…

While Montrose, Colorado is the gateway to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, east towards the park isn’t the only direction you can head from town for incredible outdoor recreation. When you basecamp in Montrose, you’ll get access to the stunning San Juan Mountains to the south, Colorado’s canyon country to the north, as well as the beautiful Uncompahgre National Forest to the west. For amazing hiking trails in the Gunnison Gorge, head just north of the national park to the BLM managed Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area. The 7.1-mile Ute Trail descends to the Gunnison River below and is a great early or late season pick thanks to the area’s mild weather. For a breathtaking summer hike, head south to the Blue Lakes Trail near Ridgway. This trail, which…

There’s something about a desert landscape that draws a person in. It’s not loud and obvious, like towering mountain peaks or ocean waves lapping on the beach. It’s quiet and subtle. This road trip travels through New Mexico and Colorado’s high deserts and as your wheels traverse miles of highway, you’re sure to feel that gentle tug, drawing you deeper. From the terracotta-colored pueblos near Santa Fe, where the sense of history is palpable, to the alien-looking Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness outside of Farmington, you’ll start to discover the ways in which this landscape is teeming with life—both past and present—if you look closely. In Colorado, visit Mesa Verde National Park, home to cliff dwellings and petroglyphs. Journey through the southern Rockies and notice the way desert gives way to forest as…

From microscopic, heat-loving bacteria that turns Yellowstone’s hot springs into colorful pools, to mighty elk, bison and wolves, this road trip is full of wonderful wildlife that showcase just how diverse Colorado and Wyoming are. Start in Denver before heading north to Rocky Mountain National Park. The Centennial State has the largest elk population in the world. You're likely to spot some of these majestic creatures in the Moraine Park area. Then, cross over into Wyoming where the university town of Laramie awaits with a great craft beer scene and beautiful outdoor recreation. Don’t miss driving over the Snowy Range Scenic Byway to Saratoga where hot springs hint at what’s to come in Yellowstone. Soak it in while you're here as our country's first national park doesn't have springs cool…

Get off the beaten path to explore one of Carbon County's most stunning and least-visited scenic drives: 57-mile long Battle Highway. A scenic route that spans across the Sierra Madre Mountains from Encampment to Baggs, you'll find breathtaking views and few crowds. This route has wide shoulders and little traffic so it's also a great option for road bikers. Visit historic sites like Battle ghost town and take in mountain views, mixed aspen and conifer forests and stop to hike at the many trailheads in Medicine Bow National Forest. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like deer, moose, pronghorn and bighorn sheep. When you reach Saratoga, stop at Snowy Mountain Brewery, which may be the only one in the country with its own hot springs resort. Soak in the 70-foot…

On your way across the beautiful prairies of eastern Colorado, take a break from the road to stretch your legs in Morgan County. Located along the South Platte River, the town of Fort Morgan has a variety of dining options to fill your belly or satisfy your sweet tooth. Grab a bite to eat at The Block, a shared-use kitchen that hosts rotating chefs from around northeast Colorado. Or stop by Mosqueda Delicacies for housemade ice cream alongside unique snacks like fresas con crema (strawberries and cream) and elote chorreado (nacho-style corn in a cup), which was featured on HGTV’s “Home Town Takeover”. For a dose of nature, head to 2,411-acre Jackson Lake, one of the prime draws of Morgan County. The popular state park offers plentiful opportunities to swim,…

FLAMING GORGE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA Cool down in the heat of summer by renting a stand-up paddleboard at Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area in Utah. A number of wakeless paddling trails near the dam and near Sheep Creek Overlook enable you to explore canyons that rise anywhere from 100 to 1,000 feet. You won’t even have to worry about waves from motorized boats. “It’s really spectacular,” says Ryan Kelly, Flaming Gorge marketing director. “It’s a great way to get that deep canyon experience without going on a commercial trip downstream.” Below the Flaming Gorge Dam runs a mellow stretch of the Green River that’s great for family river floating. Rent a raft and float seven miles downstream to the Little Hole takeout where a prearranged shuttle can pick you up.…

Tucked between the Book Cliffs and the White River, the town of Rangely, Colorado is the perfect hub to explore the stunning high desert landscape of northwest Colorado. The biggest draw of this small town is the outstanding access to public lands, so plan on spending some extra time in the area exploring. One of the most popular spots for hiking, mountain biking and offroading, the Wagon Wheel West OHV trail system has more than 160 miles of multi-use trails. In addition to slick rock terrain and mesa-top views, keep your eyes open and you may spot wild horses and other local critters. Don’t miss the chance to see the beautifully preserved rock art sites of Canyon Pintado. The “painted canyon” has eight designated sites that are marked with signs…

Moab is home to two of Utah’s most stunning national parks: Arches and Canyonlands. The entrance to Arches National Park is located just 10 minutes from downtown. True to its name, the park is full of incredible arches and other weird and wonderful rock formations made of Moab’s ubiquitous sandstone. Don’t miss a hike to the park’s most famous landmark, Delicate Arch, which is depicted on Utah’s license plate. The 3-mile hike is popular, so start early in the day. Another incredible hike is Fiery Furnace, a trail-less area of the park that requires a permit, or a ticket on a ranger-led excursion, to visit. Devils Garden is Arches' only campground. The park requires timed-entry reservations April through October. Canyonlands National Park is divided into three distinct districts. The most…

Our opportunity window was rapidly closing and the weather was not cooperating. Grant, our photographer, had been in Great Sand Dunes National Park for several days already by that point in May, and had experienced rainy weather, wind and even been chased back to the car by hail. It was his final day in the park and while the forecast still didn’t look promising, it was our last chance to get our cover photo. The closer my one-year-old Great Pyrenees mix, Hazelnut, and I got to the park, the more dubious I became. On our four-hour drive from Denver dark skies dropped heavy rain and blowing winds. When we pulled up next to Grant’s camper van in the parking lot, it wasn’t actively raining so we headed out into the…

Grand Lake The park’s only western entrance is just past the town of Grand Lake on Highway 34. Access the eastern side of the park via Trail Ridge Road Fall River This seasonal gravel road will bring you on a scenic drive to Trail Ridge Road. It’s on the park’s east side and can be accessed off Highway 34. Beaver Meadows This is the most popular eastern entrance and is just outside the town of Estes Park. Take Highway 36 to reach it. Bear Lake Road is easy to access from here. Wild Basin This uncrowded area of the park isn’t accessible by other park roads but is incredibly beautiful. It’s south of Estes Park, off Highway 7 and RVs aren’t recommended.…

ELK A member of the deer family, these majestic creatures are some of the park’s most famous. Males sport large antlers and bugle to attract mates in the fall. They can be distinguished from deer by their larger size, dark chest and head, and pale rumps. Look for them in open, grassy areas on the east side, like Moraine Park. BLACK BEAR The smallest of North America’s bears, these 200-600 pound mammals are omnivores and hibernate in the winter. Be sure to properly store all food and scented items when camping so you don’t attract these easily-habituated creatures to camp. YELLOW-BELLIED MARMOT The largest member of the squirrel family, these mammals can weigh up to 11 pounds. They are brown with a yellow belly and spend their summers in family…

Nestled in one of the most striking mountain settings you’ll ever see and dotted with art galleries, boutiques and cafes, Creede is one of Colorado’s hidden gems. In 1890, silver was discovered in the area, and it fueled a boom that gave rise to Creede’s beautiful buildings and vibrant community that still exist today. Its many festivals, like Cabin Fever Daze, Donkey Dash Pack Burro Race and the Creede Chocolate Festival, attest to the celebratory nature of its 800 year round residents. One of its most outstanding spots is the Creede Repertory Theatre. Founded in 1966, it’s a nationally recognized theater that serves 20,000 patrons each summer. With a rotating schedule, you can see five different plays in one week. Buy tickets in advance before they sell out. Outside the…

It’s a clear, cool autumn day in the mountains of southwestern Colorado. Beneath your feet, you feel the rumble of a 100-year-old steam engine. You hear the train’s whistle piercing through the wilderness. You see the smoke curling back in the breeze. The aspens, turning golden now, reach their branches out towards the tracks, nearly touching. If you didn’t know better, you might think you’d been transported back to 1880. The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad is the world’s longest and highest steam-powered railroad. Its 64 miles of narrow-gauge track stretch from the small town of Antonito—located half an hour south of Alamosa, Colorado—to Chama, nestled in the heart of the New Mexican Rockies. Board the train on either end of the line for a full day of jaw-dropping views.…

Starting in mid-September the air grows cool in Rocky Mountain National Park and the aspens begin to turn golden. It’s also mating season for the park’s hundreds of elk. Known as “the rut,” fall is a popular time to see majestic bull elk put on a show. Their goal? To attract the attention of females, known as cows. During this season, bulls become more aggressive, charging at each other and locking antlers in a show of machismo. You’ll often hear the sound of bugling—the male’s call to attract and maintain his harem—echoing through the park’s valleys. Elk can be spotted in many grassy meadows throughout Rocky Mountain, but the Moraine Park area on the east side offers a great chance to spot the creatures, especially near dawn and dusk. While…

STEAMBOAT LAKE STATE PARK This alpine park 29 miles north of Steamboat Springs has so much to offer year round, but winter might just be the best time to visit. A magical wonderland awaits. Rent a snowmobile in Steamboat Springs, or join a snowmobile tour and safely explore miles of trails patrolled by park rangers. Or, if you’d rather get out on your own two feet, strap on snowshoes or cross-country skis and head out on trails closed to snowmobiles for a peaceful experience. You can even cross the frozen lake. Visiting in the summer? Hiking, camping and water sports abound. CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK This beautiful park seven miles west of Colorado Springs is home to the Dixon Trail, which provides 23 miles of easy-to-moderate terrain that’s perfect for…

1 Plan ahead. Rocky Mountain National Park will require timed-entry reservations May 24 through October 20, 2024 during peak hours. There are two types of reservations: one that includes Bear Lake Road and one that doesn't. Make sure to pick the right option for what you want to see. Reservations become available the month before on the first at 8 a.m. MT on recreation.gov and sell out quickly. 2 Get your pass. In addition to your timed-entry reservation, you’ll need to pay a park entrance fee. You can buy a $30 single-day pass or a $35 seven-day pass at a park entrance station. Or, use your America the Beautiful or other interagency annual pass to get into the national park. 3 Hike smart. Afternoon thunderstorms occur daily in the summer…

GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK 1 Experience the Dunes Explore the sand by hiking for as long as you want since there are no trails. Start early during the summer to avoid scorching sand that can reach up to 150° F. Star Dune, North America’s tallest dune at 750 feet, is a five-hour roundtrip hike. 2 Get Wet Medano Creek is filled with water in the early summer months, the perfect spot to splash and build sand castles near the dune fields. If the creek is dry, drive 12 miles from the visitor center to Zapata Falls Trailhead. Hike 0.5 miles to wade in and see the 30-foot falls. 3 Attend a Ranger Talk Spend some time at a free ranger program or on a ranger-led sunset hike. Weekly activities…

Katherine Lee Bates wrote the lyrics to America the Beautiful standing atop Pikes Peak in Colorado. “O beautiful, for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain. For purple mountain majesties, above the fruited plain.” The song that has become an American anthem was meant to sum up the country as a whole, but from the top of Pikes Peak, Bates knew what anyone who visits Colorado quickly realizes; here you’ll find some of the finest that the U.S. has to offer. This road trip covers the best of the best as you visit all four of Colorado’s national parks and countless incredible sights in between. See the spacious skies of Denver before driving north towards Lyons and Estes Park on the doorstep to Rocky Mountain National Park, passing amber-colored fields…

BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK Visitors who want to experience the inside of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park can drive East Portal Road to the river below where the canyon widens. But what if you want to experience the bottom of the narrow band of canyon visible from the rim? Exploring the inner park is a rugged experience that requires skill and preparation. For those determined to hike down to the bottom, it’s an unforgettable journey. All visitors to the wilderness portion of the park are required to have a wilderness permit. These permits are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis but are limited in number. Pick one up at the South Rim Visitor Center or the self-registration kiosk at the North Rim. Primitive…

At the foot of Pikes Peak, one of Colorado’s most iconic mountains, lies Manitou Springs. A quirky little town that will steal your heart, it's attracted travelers for hundreds of years. Sample naturally carbonated water which gushes from deep underground at eight points throughout town, regarded for its healing properties across history. Each mineral spring has its own unique flavor. Stop by the visitor center at 354 Manitou Avenue to grab a map and a $2 tasting cup. Along a self-guided tour, you can pop into locally owned shops and restaurants on Manitou Avenue. Then, hop aboard the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway for a stunning trip to the top of one of Colorado’s “14ers”. As you journey up the mountain on the highest cog railway in the…

In the high desert of New Mexico, you’ll find a place filled with stunning badlands, towering rock formations and deep ties to the land. To really experience this adventure-filled corner of the state, make Farmington your basecamp. As soon as you arrive, head to the Farmington Visitor Center at 3041 East Main Street. Getting advice from a local is essential as the surrounding desert can be difficult to navigate and the staff at the visitor center will give you all the intel on how to have the best possible trip including itinerary ideas, directions and maps. Climb through rock formations that look like cracked eggs, wings and even tiny tables in the remote, 60-square-mile Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area. If navigating the badlands on your own sounds intimidating, book an excursion with…

Don’t let this tiny town tucked into the folds of the mountains fool you. South Fork, Colorado's small population enthusiastically invites visitors to explore the surrounding 2 million acres of national forest, offering limitless recreational activities. From hiking to skiing to off-roading, you’ll find that locals and visitors alike just want to get out into nature. In a state known for its abundant wild places, you might ask yourself how South Fork stacks up. Head to the Weminuche Wilderness, just two miles from town, to find out. It’s one of the wildest places in Colorado. In 1979 the state’s last grizzly was killed here, 27 years after the creatures were thought to be gone. The Continental Divide Trail also runs through town, giving easy access to the gorgeous San Juan…

From Grand Lake, a waterfront village that sits at Rocky Mountain National Park’s West Entrance just 90 minutes from Denver, to Winter Park, a lively ski town that turns on the heat in summer, you’ll discover hidden waterfalls, fantastic biking of all kinds, water sports, live music and horseback riding. It's a modern, Western experience you won't want to miss. Grand Lake offers incredible kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and motorized boating, along with a beach on the doorstep of Rocky Mountain National Park. A two-minute walk from the beach lies Grand Lake’s bustling little downtown with its charming historic boardwalk. Then head to Winter Park Resort, 40 minutes away, where you can ride Colorado’s longest alpine slide at the base area. You’ll also find incredible mountain biking and other base area…

Snowcapped peaks dotted with skiers, evergreen trees, and majestic moose might comprise your mental image of Colorado, but gorgeous rivers and mesmerizing sandstone canyons also wind their way through the state. “Colorado” is a Spanish adjective meaning “ruddy.” It’s the color of the walls that guard the Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument. It's the color of the sandstone spires that rise from Colorado National Monument. It’s often the color of the storied Colorado River as it flows through the southwestern U.S., eventually forming the Grand Canyon. On this road trip, you’ll trace the river and its tributaries across Utah and Colorado, seeing all the ways in which water has shaped the land. Start in Salt Lake City before heading to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area where the Green River…

Mike Kvackay grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, but if you look at his Instagram (@mkvackay) it’s obvious that he’s thoroughly adopted his new home of Denver, Colorado. Scrolling through photos of mountain summits, frozen alpine lakes, and seemingly weekly shots from the photo pit at Red Rocks shows, it’s hard to believe Kvackay sleeps—let alone has a full-time desk job—but this avid outdoorsman and photographer somehow does it all. And the place that pops up over and over again on his feed? Rocky Mountain National Park. While any park visitor can snap a beautiful photo on their cell phone, the kinds of images Kvackay manages to capture take a bit more dedication. Whether it’s midnight starts to climb a peak and shoot sunrise or hiking through Arctic-like conditions…

Perched above the city of Grand Junction and the town of Fruita, this national monument is filled with red rock beauty. Drive or bike 23-mile Rim Rock Drive, the only road through the monument. You’ll pass gorgeous canyons with plenty of scenic viewpoints and hiking trails to stop by. For a short hike, take the Devils Kitchen Trail to a cavern-like opening created by a circle of boulders. For a longer hike, follow the Monument Canyon Trail through some of the monument's most iconic formations. It’s 12 miles roundtrip, so go as far as you like before turning back. When the sun sets, head to Saddlehorn Campground to pitch your tent high above the valley.…