Denver7 is shining the spotlight on our beautiful state parks with this new series about each park, the recreation available there and what you should know about visiting.
Colorado is home to more than 40 parks. Check out Colorado Park and Wildlife's (CPW) state park map tool here. Learn more about daily and yearly state park passes here.
Chatfield State Park: "There’s something here for almost everybody"
Chatfield State Park is one of Colorado’s busiest outdoor destinations. Less than 20 miles from downtown Denver, it offers a variety of recreational activities that draw more than 2 million visitors each year.
“There’s motor boating or paddleboarding or kayaking, or if you want, you can fish," explained Chatfield State Park Park Ranger Timothy Abt. "We also have a model airfield. A lot of people come here to ride horses, to go up in a hot air balloon. There's dog training areas. There's a dog off-leash area.”
Learn more about Chatfield State Park in the video below or in our story here.
Cherry Creek State Park: "Preserved not only for the people, but for our wildlife"
Cherry Creek State Park is much more than the Cherry Creek Reservoir. It’s an oasis for outdoor enthusiasts right in the heart of Aurora. With over 4,200 acres of land, this state park attracts more than 2 million visitors each year.
“You can go camping, you could go rent a horse, you can rent a paddleboard, all in one day and then go home,” explained Park Manager Michelle Seubert, who has been with CPW since 1989. “We also have a lot of people come here from all over the United States to camp, because it’s in proximity to the mountains and the Front Range.”
Learn more about Cherry Creek State Park in the video below or in our story here.
Castlewood Canyon State Park: "It's like going to different planet"
This park in Douglas County is great for hiking, rock climbing, birding, picnicking or just spending time outside. It has over 12 miles of trails, 2,600 acres, 100 species of birds, and 60-foot-tall rock climbing walls. Curious visitors can also learn about the park’s rich history and the dam that used to contain Cherry Creek.
“A lot of people love to come look at the dam ruins, hike around it, and just get different views of it,” said Castlewood Canyon State Park Manager Larry Butterfield.
Learn more about Castlewood Canyon State Park in the video below or in our story here.
Staunton State Park: "Try to be as inclusive and accessible as possible"
Just a 45 minute drive from downtown Denver, this park offers visitors an incredible opportunity to engage with Colorado’s mountain environment. Covering nearly 4,000 acres and featuring a range of outdoor activities, it is a destination for nature lovers and adventurers of all skill levels. The park also has a Track-Chair program, so visitors with disabilities or injuries can still explore some of the trails.
“Between all the animals, the flowers, and the birds that you might see in the park, we get everybody out and try to be as inclusive and accessible as possible,” Staunton State Park Manager for the past 11 years, Zach Taylor, said. “That chair provides you with the opportunity to get out on our mountain trails and experience the nature that is Colorado without having to physically hike it.”
Learn more about Staunton State Park in the video below or in our story here.
Boyd Lake State Park: "Beaches are probably the best part about here"
Nestled in Loveland, Boyd Lake offers up water recreation to residents of northern Colorado. Fishing, jet skiing, boating, paddleboarding, and swimming are just some of the activities visitors can take part in.
Boyd Lake Park Manager Lauren Turpin said the main draw to the park is boating, but visitors can also find loads of camping and birding opportunities. If you hit the water at Boyd Lake State Park, you can also borrow a life jacket free of charge.
Learn more about Boyd Lake State Park in the video below or in our story here.
Barr Lake State Park: "Great place to take a breath and de-stress"
Barr Lake State Park offers visitors a tranquil oasis rich in wildlife and outdoor activities. If you're looking for a park to escape the crowds, this is one where you'll find new people while staying close to the Denver metro area.
Aside from recreational offerings like fishing, boating, kayaking, hiking and paddleboarding, Barr Lake is renowned for its exceptional birdwatching opportunities.
“What makes Barr Lake so special to me, and I think to a lot of people that enjoy coming out here, is just the slower pace of life that this park offers,” Park Manager Lisa Gill said. “It’s just a great place to take a breath and de-stress.”
Learn more about Barr Lake State Park in the video below or in our story here.
Roxborough State Park: “Preserve and protect the geological features in the area"
Just 45 minutes southwest of downtown Denver lies Roxborough State Park. Known for its unique geological formations and rich wildlife, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the park.
“The main goal for Roxborough is to preserve and protect the geological features in the area,” said Park Manager Colin Chisholm. “So, there’s no off-trail use, no dogs, no biking, and no rock-climbing.”
The rule disallowing dogs is there to prevent interactions with the abundant wildlife in the park. Mule deer are a common sight at Roxborough, and black bears, coyotes, and mountain lions have been spotted there, too. Chisholm recommends using a “rule of thumb” when spotting a potentially dangerous animal.
“Never get closer than what you see behind your thumbs. Your thumb should totally block out the wildlife you’re looking at,” said Chisholm, holding up his thumb in front of his face. “If it approaches you on the trail, make noise. Get big, look big, and hope it turns around and goes the other way.”
Learn more about Roxborough State Park in the video below or in our story here.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park: "Our job is to connect you to the outdoors"
This park spans more than 12,000 acres and more than 35 miles of hiking trails that cater to all types of outdoor enthusiasts. Plus, it's all just an hour from downtown Denver.
Almost two million people visit each year. It's a particularly busy park when the leaves change color in the fall.
“When all the aspens in the park turn gold, we get about 300 to 350,000 visitors within a four-week period,” Park Manager Todd Farrow said. “That's more visitors than some parks get all year.”
Farrow commends the park’s many visitors for how they treat the outdoor space, who typically treat it with the respect it deserves. He and the other park rangers are happy to provide advice for anyone who may be wondering which hike to do that day, or what animals they may encounter.
“Our job is to connect you to the outdoors,” Farrow. said “We want to make sure you have a great experience here and become stewards and learn how to take care of the park as well, so it will be here for future generations.”
Learn more about Golden Gate Canyon State Park in the video below or in our story here.
Lory State Park: "We're lucky enough to have a trail crew that works very hard"
Located about 20 minutes from Fort Collins, this park just celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Park Ranger Ian O’Brien, who has spent just over a year at Lory, said the park is a perfect place for hikers and cyclists alike, with 30 miles of trails.
“Our full-time maintenance staff as well as our trail crew, spend most of their time in the summer out on the trails, making sure that they are in the best possible condition,” he said. “We're lucky enough to have a trail crew that works very hard to make sure our trails are well-maintained for bikers, hikers and equestrian users.”
From gentle valley paths to challenging ascents, Lory State Park provides varied experiences for visitors. Arthur’s Rock Trail may be the most strenuous at the park, with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet in a span of about 1.6 miles, but other trails are much more easy-going.
Learn more about Lory State Park in the video below or in our story here.
Check back later for more stories about Colorado's state parks. Want us to head to a state park near you? You can reach Denver7's Ethan Carlson in the contact form below.
