Top 12 Must-Visit National Parks and Monuments in Colorado for 2025

Colorado is easily one of the best states in the US to experience the great outdoors. The state is home to amazing hikes, cozy cabin getaways, and a selection of the best national parks in the US. Are you starting to plan your Colorado itinerary? These 12 best Colorado national parks and monuments are the greatest places to start.

Best Colorado National Parks

Colorado has four national parks: Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Great Sand Dunes National Park. These national parks have some big-ticket items, especially in the Rocky Mountains. In fact, they are some of the most visited national parks in the US.

From the country’s tallest sand dunes to UNESCO World Heritage Site cliff dwellings and exhilarating whitewater rafting, there is something for everyone. Let’s take a look at these fab four Colorado national parks.

If you plan to visit several Colorado national parks, purchase a National Parks and Federal Recreational Land Pass. The National Park Service offers an annual pass to all NPs for $80 a year that can be used at more than 2,000 recreation areas. Get more details here. The best way to see these national parks is by driving. Compare car rental rates at RentalCars.com

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

When people discuss US national parks, Rocky Mountain National Park is usually the most popular national park to crop up. Rocky Mountain National Park is the most visited national park in Colorado. The park covers an impressive 265,461 acres and stretches across multiple states, including Colorado.

It is also one of the country’s highest national parks, and the Rocky Mountains are famously snow-capped in sections. The entirety of Rocky Mountain National Park is full of craggy mountains, alpine tundra, and beautiful forests. It is ideal for horseback riding holidays, hiking, and rock climbing. You’ll usually spot stray bighorn sheep too.

Getting there: Rocky Mountain National Park is a 1 hour and 20-minute drive from Denver, Colorado. You can rent a car to get there. Download your self-drive audio tour to discover the best viewpoints, hiking trails, mountain passes, and lakes as you follow GPS coordinates.

When to visit Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is best visited in early spring, but only if you don’t want to access Trail Ridge Road. In March and April, there are fewer crowds than you’ll find in summer. Spring is when you’ll see flowers and other plant life blooming into action after winter. There will still be snow in places, but this is a peaceful period to visit the park.

If you want to access Trail Ridge Road, we recommend visiting the park in late May or June. The road (Colorado’s highest continuous paved road) will have just opened, but crowd numbers will still be low.

Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park

• Spot bears and elk near Estes Park.
• Hike around Bear Lake.
• Drive Trail Ridge Road.

Where to stay in Rocky Mountain National Park

Blue Door Inn is 4 miles from the Rocky Mountain National Park entrance and is set against a backdrop of snowcapped peaks. The facilities are excellent, with a seasonal pool, basketball courts, and barbeques with picnic tables.

Grand Lake Lodge is a beautiful property that boasts a gorgeous pool with views of the surrounding scenery. The lodge is ideal for big groups and exudes a luxurious vibe, featuring a hot tub and dramatic-looking firepit.

Rams Horn Village Resort offers a holiday resort vibe. Guests enjoy a two-bedroom holiday home complete with a full kitchen and hot tub access. There’s also a business center and a gym to enjoy when you are not exploring Rocky Mountain National Park.

2. Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is another fantastic addition to our Colorado national parks. While the Rocky Mountains are famed for their dramatic peaks and alpine lakes, Mesa Verde is renowned for its historical sites. Mesa Verde National Park is home to Cliff Palace, featuring the Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings.

For more historical sites, drive Mesa Top Loop Road. This road passes some remarkable attractions, including Petroglyph Point Trail. Mesa Verde National Park really is the heart of culture in the Colorado national parks, with over 4,700 archeological sites, including more than 600 cliff dwellings.

Getting there: Mesa Verde National Park is a 7-hour drive from Denver, Colorado; 6 hours from Salt Lake City, Utah; and 4 hours from Albuquerque, New Mexico. The closest city to Mesa Verde is Cortez, Colorado. You can rent a car to get there. Get your self-drive audio tour to discover the best viewpoints, hiking trails, mountain passes, and lakes while following GPS coordinates.

When to visit

So, when should you visit this national park? June or early September is ideal. While you might hope to avoid the crowds in the fall or spring, this isn’t advisable if you want to see the historical sites.

Attractions like Cliff Palace don’t open until late May and close in late September. To get the most out of Mesa Verde National Park, it is best to visit in June or early September to explore the best attractions with the fewest crowds.

Things to do in Mesa Verde National Park

• Visit Cliff Palace.
• Hike Petroglyph Point Trail.
• Visit Step House.

Where to stay in Mesa Verde National Park

Far View Lodge is located right within Mesa Verde, providing an excellent base if you want to avoid daily travels in and out of the park entrance. You won’t feel disconnected from the action with three onsite restaurants and guided tours running from the reception desk.

Retro Inn at Mesa Verde offers a budget-friendly, urban option. This cheery motel features comfortable furnishings and various room types, including family rooms. After visiting the nearby national park, you can enjoy the town of Cortez.

Grizzly Roadhouse Bed and Breakfast promises simple pleasures with mountain views, air-conditioning, and a coffee machine. This property is well-loved for its location and peaceful atmosphere.

3. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is sadly overlooked by many tourists. Don’t make this mistake. Black Canyon National Park is one of the best Colorado national parks. The park’s main attraction is its steep black canyons, shaped over millions of years by the Gunnison River cutting through Precambrian metamorphic rock. You can access countless viewpoints and trails on both the south and north rims.

Furthermore, Black Canyon National Park is home to peregrine falcons—the fastest bird in the world. Bring a pair of binoculars; you might get lucky with a sighting. Keep your eyes peeled at night, as Black Canyon is an international dark sky park, showcasing some of Colorado’s most breathtaking starry skies.

Getting there: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is 4.5 hours from Denver, Colorado, and 4 hours from Colorado Springs. You can rent a car to get there.

When to visit

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is best visited between mid-April and November when the National Park Service operates the ranger station and opens roads to both the south and north rims. Of this period, late-April and early May offer the most enjoyable visiting conditions.

During these months, crowds are sparse, temperatures are milder, and flora starts to perk up after winter. Nearby, Curecanti National Recreation Area is outstanding at this time of year, boasting a serene collection of three scenic reservoirs. Likewise, the Gunnison River appears spectacular in spring, enhanced by melted ice and snow.

Things to do in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

• Drive South Rim Road.
• Hike Chasm View Nature Trail.
• Visit the Museum of the Mountain West.

Where to stay in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Old School Lodge is a stunning period property boasting mountain views, conveniently located just outside one of Colorado’s most famed national parks in Montrose. The interior showcases elegant decor, making it an ideal base for luxury seekers near Gunnison.

The Blue Bungalow is a gorgeous two-bedroom holiday home with a distinctive blue-painted exterior. Guests can access a patio, sun terrace, and idyllic comforts like a garden and living room. Located in Montrose, this bungalow is perfect for exploring the fantastic nearby national parks.

Hotchkiss Inn Motel is best described as basic yet comfortable. This motel is situated in the town of Hotchkiss and ideally positioned for exploring Black Canyon National Park. It also offers thoughtful amenities like a daily continental breakfast and 24-hour reception.

4. Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park thrives with tourism, unlike some lesser-known sites. This unique national park is one of the best in Colorado for enjoying dramatic landscapes. The park is home to the tallest sand dunes in the US, set against sharp mountain peaks. The scenery resembles something lifted from a movie.

Great Sand Dunes National Park features individually famous dunes, including Star Dune (rumored to be the tallest at 755 feet). While recognized as one of the Colorado national parks, the park has wheelchair-accessible dunes that are free to use. For more information, visit the National Park Service here.

You can freely walk around all the sand dunes and even try sandboarding for extra excitement. However, be cautious to avoid the midday heat during summer, as the sand can become scorching. Out of all Colorado’s national parks, Great Sand Dunes demands the most careful planning regarding the timing of your visit.

Getting there: Great Sand Dunes National Park is a 3-hour drive from Denver, Colorado. You can rent a car to get there.

When to Visit

It is no wonder that the best time of year to visit is outside of summer. September and October are optimal months, providing cooler weather and fewer crowds. While it is still advisable to avoid the midday heat when visiting the dunes, you shouldn’t find it excessively hot underfoot during these months.

Things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park

• Hike Star Dune.
• Go sandboarding.
• Stop by the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center.

Where to stay in Great Sand Dunes National Park

Marriott is likely a familiar name, and the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Alamosa is a fine example of its chain. Offering meeting and dining facilities, the hotel features an indoor pool and fitness center—ideal luxuries after a day at Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Hampton Inn Alamosa is another modern option. This hotel is ideally located for visiting Great Sand Dunes and has facilities that include an indoor pool and gym. The Hampton Inn Alamosa provides a complimentary continental breakfast and even offers takeaway breakfast bags.

The Best Western Movie Manor is truly stunning. The manor features a seasonal drive-in movie theater, a gym, and a business center. With a complimentary breakfast each morning, you’ll be well-fed before your visit to the Great Sand Dunes.

Best Colorado National Monuments

If you fancy a more specific experience of natural scenery in Colorado, consider visiting some of the best national monuments instead of the colossal national parks. A national monument is any location the government protects due to its natural beauty and historical or scientific importance.

These Colorado national monuments represent some of the best places to visit in the state. Check out these top 8.

7. Chimney Rock National Monument

Chimney Rock National Monument is an intriguing site. The 4,726-acre area contains an expansive archaeological site that dates back over 1,000 years. The most striking feature is Chimney Rock, a massive rocky mound towering 7,000 feet above sea level. The spire gives it its nickname “chimney,” making it an imposing landmark for those seeking great views and history. Chimney Rock National Monument deserves a spot on your bucket list. It takes several hours to fully appreciate the monument, with guided tours available regularly throughout the day during the tourist season.

Historically, Chimney Rock was a Pueblo II community between 900 and 1150 AD. The ancient residences are highly significant to the indigenous population, reflecting their ancestral history. Additionally, the site’s astronomical value is worth noting, as ancient structures were designed with astronomy in mind, more of which you can discover on a guided tour.

Chimney Rock National Monument is located in San Juan National Forest, southwest Colorado. It easily pairs with a visit to Mesa Verde, making it a worthwhile national monument to experience alongside one of the Colorado national parks.

8. Canyons of the Ancients National Monument

Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is a little larger—ideal for those with more time to explore its 6,000 ancient sites. This protected area spans 176,000 acres, interlinked by a network of hiking trails and rugged roads. The central hub is the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum, which we recommend visiting first. This way, you can utilize engaging information and exhibits related to the ruins and archaeological attractions throughout the monument. Afterward, explore pictographs, ancient dwellings, and scenic desert landscapes aplenty.

Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is fantastic if you wish to explore a larger site. Although much smaller than Colorado’s national parks, it still warrants an extended weekend to fully enjoy. This unique aspect adds adventurous appeal. The museum enhances the experience significantly.

Historically, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument holds immense importance in Colorado as one of the richest sites of Native American ancestral history. The land was inhabited by humans for over 10,000 years, creating an array of stories to uncover.

This monument is located in southern Colorado, adjacent to the Colorado-Utah border, making it a convenient drive from Mesa Verde or San Juan National Forest. Staying in one of the larger southern Colorado towns like Cortez allows for an exciting exploration of the region.

9. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument offers something slightly different. Unlike the other two monuments discussed, this area is renowned for its natural history rather than human affairs. For science and geology enthusiasts, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is a must-see. Situated just outside Colorado Springs in central Colorado, this monument is easily accessible from a city break. You can catch a direct flight to Colorado Springs and then rent a car to reach Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument.

So, what natural history awaits you in this protected area? Primarily insect and plant fossils. We recommend taking a guided walk to enhance the experience, as having expert insight can help uncover deeper meanings that may go unnoticed otherwise. Besides fossils, you can also spot petrified redwood stumps, including the world’s only known trio of petrified redwood trees, observable from a shaded viewing platform.

Visiting this monument usually takes just a few hours, as the site covers around 5,998 acres. It’s a worthwhile day trip from Colorado Springs. Although it was established as a national monument in 1969, the fossils date back approximately 34 million years. The phenomenon was created by nearby volcanic eruptions, which covered flora and fauna in thick ash, preserving them indefinitely.

10. Yucca House National Monument

This Colorado national monument features a single archaeological site south of Cortez in southwestern Colorado. Once a vast Ancestral Pueblo village, Yucca House held significant importance in Montezuma Valley. At just 34 acres, it is one of the smallest monuments in Colorado and easily explored on foot during a day trip. Notably, Yucca House National Monument remains unexcavated, which means visitors might not notice the ruins unless informed.

Being unexcavated creates a niche appeal for Yucca House National Monument, attracting enthusiasts and patient tourists. It’s perfect for escaping the crowds and immersing oneself in a lesser-visited archaeological attraction. The network of unmarked gravel and dirt roads leading to the monument makes the journey feel adventurous, contributing to the allure of exploring an ancient farming village. Despite its stature, Yucca House offers an immersive experience in untouched history.

Yucca House served ancient Puebloan communities from 1150 to 1300 AD. The reasons for the population’s departure following this period remain a mystery. With minimal adjustments made for tourism, Yucca House is a fascinating historical attraction in Colorado.

11. Dinosaur National Monument

To delve into the Jurassic era, skip the national parks and head to Dinosaur National Monument. This region houses over 1,500 preserved dinosaur remains immortalized in fossils displayed in the monument’s Quarry Exhibit Hall. The remains date back as far as 150 million years, and if you’re lucky, you may even get to touch some dinosaur fossils.

In addition to dinosaur remains, Dinosaur National Monument is famous for its petroglyphs and thrilling whitewater rafting. Hiking trails allow for close encounters with petroglyphs at locations such as McKee Spring and Deluge Shelter. River rafting is best enjoyed on organized tours, providing excitement amid the spectacular setting. Thus, it is no surprise that Dinosaur National Monument is so popular; it promises action and fun, presenting a unique opportunity to connect with prehistoric times.

In terms of size, be prepared for extensive driving and long hiking trails. The monument spans 210,000 acres and may take between three hours and two days to explore, depending on your interest levels in dinosaurs. The quarry itself protects 80 acres filled with condensed fossils, discovered by paleontologist Earl Douglass in 1909, and designated a national monument by 1915.

12. Browns Canyon National Monument

Browns Canyon National Monument is one of the newest in Colorado, earning its title in 2015. The canyon, shaped by the Arkansas River, features characteristic granite cliffs and outcrops. Don’t merely visit the canyon and leave; the protected region around it is filled with forests, rivers, and wildlife-spotting opportunities. During the summer, beautiful hiking trails offer stunning views of striking colors in the inner canyon. Additionally, bring binoculars, as Browns Canyon is noted for sightings of bobcats, falcons, and black bears.

Covering 21,536 acres, Browns Canyon National Monument may not match the vast Rocky Mountain National Park in terms of size. Nevertheless, it still warrants a significant amount of time for a visit. Why visit in the first place? Browns Canyon National Monument represents one of the most undisturbed riverbank ecosystems along the Arkansas River, teeming with wildlife and perfect for those desiring a tranquil experience in nature. Unlike major US attractions, including the Grand Canyon and even the Colorado national parks, comfort-seeking visitors will appreciate the absence of large crowds, making it ideal for a genuine wilderness experience.

Colorado National Parks and Monuments Map

These top 12 Colorado national parks and monuments deserve a spot in your itinerary. You’ll love experiencing the tallest dunes in the US alongside the majestic Rocky Mountains. The additional pleasure of beautiful alpine lakes and historic cliff dwellings enriching your outing is worth noting.

If possible, try to visit them all; however, if you must narrow it down, we hope you’ve found your perfect match. As a year-round destination, Colorado offers numerous outdoor attractions, regardless of whether you visit in winter or summer. For those planning a visit in winter, consider checking out our best things to do in Aspen guide first. Otherwise, enjoy all that Colorado has to offer!

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