National Parks in Colorado
17 NPS units in Colorado — complete visitor guides with fees, hours, hiking, camping, and seasonal tips.
Visiting National Parks in Colorado
Colorado is home to 17 units managed by the National Park Service, ranging from 3 full national parks to historic sites, monuments, and recreation areas. Whether you're planning a weekend road trip or a multi-week adventure, Colorado's national parks offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States.
Before your visit, make sure to check current entrance fees, operating hours, and any active alerts — all updated daily on each park's page. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance to all NPS units and is highly recommended if you plan to visit multiple parks in Colorado.
National Parks in Colorado
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison
Big enough to be overwhelming, yet still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time. Come see some of the…
Full visitor guide →
Mesa Verde
For over 700 years, the Ancestral Pueblo people built thriving communities on the mesas and in the cliffs of Mesa…
Full visitor guide →
Rocky Mountain
Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. From meadows found in…
Full visitor guide →Other NPS Units in Colorado
Amache
National Historic Site
Amache, also known as the Granada Relocation Center, near Granada, Colorado was…
Bent's Old Fort
National Historic Site
In the 1840s the Arkansas River was the border between territory claimed…
California
National Historic Trail
Follow in the footsteps of over 250,000 emigrants who traveled to the…
Colorado
National Monument
Colorado National Monument preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American…
Curecanti
National Recreation Area
Three reservoirs and surrounding lands make up this recreation area in western…
Dinosaur
National Monument
150 million years ago, dinosaurs roamed here. Their fossils are still embedded…
Florissant Fossil Beds
National Monument
Beneath a grassy mountain valley in central Colorado lies one of the…
Great Sand Dunes
National Park & Preserve
The tallest dunes in North America are the centerpiece in a diverse…
Hovenweep
National Monument
Hovenweep preserves six prehistoric sites built between 1200 and 1300 CE which…
Old Spanish
National Historic Trail
Follow the routes of mule pack trains across the Southwest on the…
Pony Express
National Historic Trail
It is hard to believe that young men once rode horses to…
Sand Creek Massacre
National Historic Site
On November 29th, 1864, Chiefs Black Kettle, White Antelope, Left Hand and…
Santa Fe
National Historic Trail
You can almost hear the whoops and cries of "All's set!" as…
Yucca House
National Monument
Yucca House National Monument preserves a large unexcavated pueblo with a stunning…
Planning Your Colorado National Park Trip
- →Best time to visit: Shoulder seasons (May and September) offer the best combination of good weather, open facilities, and manageable crowds across Colorado's parks.
- →America the Beautiful Pass: At $80/year, this annual pass covers entrance to all 17+ NPS units in Colorado and all other NPS units nationwide.
- →Book early: Lodging and campsite reservations at popular parks fill up months in advance. Plan and book as early as possible, especially for summer visits.
- →Check alerts: Road closures, fire restrictions, and seasonal closures can affect your plans. Check each park's page for current alerts before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many national parks are in Colorado?
Colorado has 3 designated national parks and 17 total NPS-managed units, including monuments, recreation areas, and historic sites.
What is the best national park to visit in Colorado?
The best park depends on your interests. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison is one of the most popular options. Browse the parks above to find the one that matches your travel style.
Do I need a pass to visit national parks in Colorado?
Most NPS units in Colorado charge an entrance fee. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance to all of them and is great value if you plan to visit more than 2-3 parks.
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.