Colorado is a state that is known for its beautiful landscapes, excellent hiking trails,
and world-class ski resorts.
While those three things certainly come to mind when thinking about the Centennial State,
Colorful Colorado is also known for its stunning and historically rich National Parks.
With breathtakingly gorgeous forests, rivers, monuments, and valleys, Colorado's National
Parks offer far more than just raw natural beauty.
They also give us a revealing glimpse into the nation's indigenous culture and history
as well at its geological development.
Living up to its Colorful Colorado nickname, the mountainous state is home to sand dunes,
red-rock canyons, and snow-covered mountain ranges.
Within its borders, Colorado has 58 peaks that are taller than 14,000 feet above sea
level.
No other state or province in North America has anywhere close to that many 'fourteeners'
as they're often called.
While we could go on and on about why we believe Colorado is one of the prettiest and awe-inspiring
states in the union, the purpose of this video will be to hone in on its world-famous National
Parks.
That's right, we'll be taking the time today to tell you what we think are the Best National
Parks in Colorado.
So, stick around and get ready for one scenic journey.
If you're planning an upcoming visit to Colorado, this is one Viewcation video you won't want
to miss.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Wildlife abounds at this stellar Coloradan National Park.
Moose graze through the park's lush grassy valleys, and elk frequently can be seen leaping
across bubbling streams.
If you're a hiker, you'll be pleased to explore the numerous trails that weave through the
jagged peaks and glacial basins at Colorado's most famous national park.
In fact, it's been rated routinely as one of the most popular national parks in the
country, ranking above even Yellowstone and Yosemite in some lists.
Rocky Mountain National Park is fairly close to Denver and it's a very family-friendly
destination to go visit.
It offers views that will quite literally cause you to drop your jaw in awe, so make
sure you pack a camera.
That being said, be sure you take the time to let the diverse beauty sink in naturally
with your own two eyes.
Simply seeing everything through the screen of a viewfinder or phone isn't enough.
Wildflower lovers will be floored by the dazzling views of grasslands and hillsides bursting
with color.
For the best views, look for vista points higher than 3,500 feet.
Stargazing is another popular pastime at Rocky Mountain National Park.
You'll be dumbfounded by the sheer number of twinkling stars you can see on a clear
night.
If you're from the city or somewhere with a lot of light pollution, be prepared to have
your mind blown.
Before we tell you about the other Colorado National Parks that you have to see to believe,
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Mesa Verde National Park
This National Park is home to one of the most intriguing archaeological sites you'll find
in Colorado.
In 1978, the park was designated a World Heritage Site, thanks to it being the location of dozens
of ancient buildings that are believed to have been inhabited as far back as the 6th
century AD.
Cliff Palace, Spruce Tree House, and Balcony House are three of the most visited sites
at the park.
You can get fantastic views of some of these sites from high up in the park's peaks.
Be sure to take some time exploring the park when you visit.
There is a lot to see, so you really should at least devote a full day to covering all
of it.
The steep canyons, mighty hills, and vibrant valleys are perfect places to hike around
while discovering the region's natural splendor.
Guided driving or hiking tours are available.
If you opt to take one of these tours, you'll also learn a bit about the park's rich history.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
The tallest sand dunes on the continent can be found at this National Park.
Seeing the dunes with your own eyes is the only way to get a feeling for just how majestic
they really are.
Some of the dunes are as tall as 750 feet, making this park feel more like a sprawling
playground than anything.
Tap into your inner child and let loose by sliding down the dunes.
After you've experienced pure childhood bliss – and perhaps gotten some sand down your
shorts – be sure to take a moment to let the epic views fill your mind with a sense
of wonder.
The park, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, allows you to freely explore
and enjoy everything at your own pace.
In addition to the five primary dunes located at the park, there are numerous smaller ones
to appreciate as well.
During certain seasons, the beautiful Medano Creek is also viewable.
Since the park is always open, it's yet another great place to go stargazing, although you'll
want to bring a jacket if you plan on visiting at night since the winds can pick up quite
a bit after sunset.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Just a 30-minute drive from the city of Montrose, this National Park is known for its namesake
canyon, which is so deep that at its narrowest point, the sun's rays only reach the very
bottom for a half hour each day.
Most folks that visit enjoy gazing into the mysterious depths of the canyon from a place
called Dragon Point, although Devil's Lookout and several other vista points along South
Rim Drive are also awe-inspiring.
If you're up for a hike, we recommend taking the Chasm View nature trail along the North
Rim.
While there are no specifically maintained trails that go directly into the canyon, experienced
hikers with the appropriate wilderness permits are allowed to journey down into unmarked
areas.
Once again, this National Park is an excellent place to pause and appreciate the night sky.
Stargazing parties are regularly held here throughout the summer months.
So, if you can manage it, make sure to book a campsite and commit to spending a night
at the park with your binoculars or telescope.
You won't be disappointed!
Dinosaur National Monument
This National Monument is fairly close to the towns of Vernal and Jensen, Utah, although
Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is only about a 90-minute drive away as well.
If you grew up obsessed with dinosaurs like I was and frequently imagined what it's like
to be a Paleontologist, this is the perfect place to visit to make all of your childhood
dreams come true.
At Dinosaur National Monument, you can literally touch giant fossilized dinosaur bones that
are jutting out of the landscape.
The park actually spans across the Colorado-Utah border.
In addition to seeing real-life dinosaur bones face to face, visitors also enjoy coming to
the area to swim, boat, and hike at Echo Park.
If you plan on staying for the evening to camp, Dinosaur National Monument has been
designated an International Dark Sky Park.
Those that stick around past sunset will be treated to views of the night sky that are
quite literally out of this world.
Browns Canyon National Monument
Browns Canyon, a national monument that was established in 2015, is known best for its
whitewater rafting.
Adventurous visitors come from all over to experience the Class IV and V rapids along
the Arkansas River at places with names like Seidel's Suckhole and Pinball.
This 22,000-acre park features rugged terrain and is considered one of the best spots in
the region for wildlife viewing.
If you hike along the Turret Trail, you might spot a wild black bear hunting for fish in
the river.
Other creatures that call Browns Canyon include bighorn sheep, falcons, and eagles.
Just as a word of reminder, whenever you're visiting any National Park or Monument, be
sure to leave no trace.
We all need to do our best to preserve these natural wonders so that the next generation
can appreciate them as well.
That means, if you're camping overnight, make sure you pack out everything that you pack
in.
Don't be tossing your spent water bottles wherever you feel like it.
Keep a backpack or satchel with you so that any trash you create can be taken to the appropriate
waste receptacle on your way out.
It only takes a small fraction of visitors' careless interactions with these marvelous
environments to ruin it for everyone.
Not only should we be doing our best to keep the land clean and pristine, but we should
also do our due diligence to treat all wildlife we encounter with dignity and respect as well.
Remember, we're in their environment.
Humans are visitors to their homes!
Give them space no matter what species you encounter.
You can appreciate wildlife from a healthy distance.
The last thing you should be trying to do is approach them directly or, even worse,
touch them!
If all of us can abide by these simple suggestions, we can ensure that these marvelous National
treasures remain just as glorious as they are now, indefinitely.
With that, we'll be wrapping up this video.
Hopefully, you've enjoyed going along on this little journey with us.
Colorado's National Parks and Monuments are among some of the best in the world.
Unfortunately, words, photos, and video clips don't come close to showing you just how fantastic
these parks really are.
Only after seeing them in person will you fully understand just how amazing they are.
Perhaps you've had the pleasure of visiting Colorado's National Parks before.
If so, what were your favorites, and would you include any other Colorado parks, preserves,
or National Forests on your lists of best natural attractions in the state?
Let us know in the comments.
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As always, thanks for watching, and happy travels!