Colorado, often celebrated for its majestic peaks and endless blue skies, transforms into a natural playground during the summer months. With over 40 state parks, the Centennial State offers everything from crystal-clear alpine lakes to sun-drenched canyons, making it a top destination for outdoor adventures, family vacations, and solo escapes alike. If you’re searching for the best Colorado State Parks to visit this summer, this curated guide—crafted with expert insights and first-hand exploration—will take you beyond the tourist trails and into the heart of Colorado’s wild beauty.
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” — John Muir
10 Colorado State Parks to Visit This Summer
1. Cherry Creek State Park – Outdoor Fun in the City
Location: Aurora | Highlights: Reservoir, boating, cycling, dog park
Cherry Creek State Park is often called Denver’s backyard beach—and for good reason. Just 25 minutes from downtown, this 4,200-acre park wraps around an 880-acre reservoir that comes alive in summer. Jet skiers, paddleboarders, and anglers flock to the water, while runners and bikers share over 35 miles of trails.
Top Activities:
Rent a paddleboard from the marina
Picnic under shady cottonwoods
Enjoy off-leash fun at one of the best dog parks in the state
“It’s where the city ends and the wild begins.”
2. Roxborough State Park – Striking Red Rock Formations
Location: Littleton | Highlights: Hiking, geology, birdwatching
Designated a National Natural Landmark, Roxborough is Colorado’s quieter version of Garden of the Gods. Towering red sandstone formations pierce the sky like frozen flames, creating a visual feast for hikers and photographers.
Must-Hike Trails:
Fountain Valley Trail: 2.3 miles of epic rock views
Willow Creek Trail: Ideal for families and casual walkers
Wildlife sightings are common—think mule deer, wild turkeys, and even black bears in the early morning.
Insider Tip: Visit at sunrise for golden light on the rocks and solitude on the trails.
3. Eldorado Canyon State Park – A Rock Climber’s Dream
Location: Eldorado Springs | Highlights: Climbing, history, canyons
Eldorado Canyon is a mecca for technical climbers, with over 1,000 routes attracting athletes from around the world. But even if you don’t scale cliffs, this park is worth your time.
Notable Trails:
Rattlesnake Gulch: Leads to the ruins of the Crags Hotel and panoramic views of the Continental Divide
Fowler Trail: Short, flat, and family-friendly
“Eldo,” as locals call it, is also steeped in history—once a resort getaway in the early 1900s. Today, it balances that past with adrenaline-pumping climbs and peaceful canyon strolls.
4. State Forest State Park – Moose, Mountains & More
Location: Walden | Highlights: Wildlife viewing, remote hiking, camping
At over 71,000 acres, State Forest State Park is Colorado’s largest and one of its wildest. It’s best known as the “Moose Viewing Capital of Colorado,” and summer mornings often yield sightings near Ranger Lakes.
Top Experiences:
Rent a yurt or cabin for rustic charm
Hike to Lake Agnes for one of the most stunning alpine lake views in the Rockies
Look for osprey, elk, black bears, and foxes
Fun Fact: The park borders Rocky Mountain National Park, yet receives a fraction of the crowds.
5. Sylvan Lake State Park
Location: Eagle, Colorado
Size: 1,548 acres
Highlights: Fishing, boating, hiking, camping
Tucked away in the White River National Forest, Sylvan Lake State Park offers a serene mountain retreat centered around a 42-acre lake. The lake is ideal for non-motorized boating, paddleboarding, and fishing for trout. Surrounding the lake are aspen and pine forests, providing picturesque settings for hiking and wildlife viewing.
The park features a variety of accommodations, including campsites, cabins, and yurts, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquil environment. With its peaceful ambiance and stunning natural beauty, Sylvan Lake is perfect for families and those seeking a quiet escape.
See more: The 5 Best Restaurants in Silverthorne, CO
6. Barr Lake State Park
Location: Brighton, Colorado
Size: 2,715 acres
Highlights: Birdwatching, hiking, fishing, environmental education
Barr Lake State Park is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 350 species recorded, including bald eagles, pelicans, and herons. The park’s 12-mile multi-use trail encircles the lake, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife observation.
The park’s Nature Center provides educational exhibits and programs focused on the area’s ecology and wildlife. Fishing and boating are permitted in designated areas, while the southern portion of the lake serves as a wildlife refuge. Barr Lake’s proximity to Denver makes it an accessible destination for nature enthusiasts and families.
7. Chatfield State Park
Location: Littleton, Colorado
Size: 5,400 acres
Highlights: Water recreation, camping, trails, wildlife
Chatfield State Park is a popular destination for water-based activities, centered around a 1,500-acre reservoir suitable for boating, fishing, and swimming. The park’s marina offers boat rentals and a floating restaurant, enhancing the recreational experience.
Beyond the water, visitors can explore over 26 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The park also features campgrounds, picnic areas, and an off-leash dog area, making it a versatile spot for outdoor fun. Wildlife such as deer, coyotes, and various bird species can often be spotted throughout the park.
8. Castlewood Canyon State Park
Location: Franktown, Colorado
Size: 2,303 acres
Highlights: Hiking, rock climbing, historical sites, photography
Castlewood Canyon State Park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. The park’s rugged terrain features dramatic cliffs, rock formations, and the remnants of the Castlewood Dam, which burst in 1933, sending a flood through Denver.
Hiking trails wind through the canyon, offering views of the dam ruins, waterfalls, and diverse plant life. Rock climbing is permitted in designated areas, and the park’s scenic vistas make it a favorite among photographers. With its rich history and striking landscapes, Castlewood Canyon provides a captivating outdoor experience.
9. Boyd Lake State Park
Location: Loveland, Colorado
Size: 3,000 acres
Highlights: Boating, fishing, swimming, camping
Boyd Lake State Park is a water recreation hotspot, featuring a 1,700-acre lake suitable for boating, jet skiing, and paddleboarding. The park’s sandy beach and designated swimming area offer a refreshing escape during the summer months.
Anglers can fish for species such as walleye, bass, and catfish, while campers can choose from 148 sites equipped with electrical hookups. The park also includes picnic areas, playgrounds, and a paved trail for biking and walking, making it an ideal destination for family outings.
10. Pearl Lake State Park
Location: Clark, Colorado
Size: 300 acres
Highlights: Camping, fishing, paddle sports, tranquility
Nestled in the mountains north of Steamboat Springs, Pearl Lake State Park offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush forests and the majestic Farwell Mountain. The park’s 167-acre lake is perfect for non-motorized boating, paddleboarding, and fishing for cutthroat trout.
Campsites are located along the shoreline or on a ridge overlooking the lake, providing stunning views and a serene atmosphere. With its quiet ambiance and natural beauty, Pearl Lake is an ideal spot for those seeking solitude and relaxation in the great outdoors.
Final Thoughts: Which Colorado State Park Will You Visit This Summer?
From the red rocks of Roxborough to the alpine silence of Pearl Lake, each park offers something extraordinary. Whether you’re planning a family-friendly getaway, a wildlife photography trip, or a solo spiritual escape, Colorado’s state parks are where nature meets renewal.
I’m Kara Chavez, and I love coffee. I like to create some of the best coffees around – espressos, lattes, macchiatos . I strive for perfection in my coffee-making skills, and I take great pride in providing a delicious cup of joe to my customers.
I’ve been working in the coffee industry for years now, and I know everything there is to know about making a perfect cup of coffee. My passion for coffee shines through in every cup that I make, and I hope that you’ll stop by soon so that I can share my love of coffee with you!