Nature Viewing

Colorado has a lot to offer when it comes to nature viewing opportunities. With over 400 species of birds, ample wildlife, and biodiverse landscapes, there is always something new to experience in the wild!
Painted Turtle, Wayne D Lewis/CPW
A painted turtle resting on a log in the water.

Find a Destination

Two people surrounded by spring wildflowers at Pearl Lake State Park.

State Parks

There are many ways to enjoy nature at Colorado state parks, from watching birds and wildlife to enjoying wildflowers growing along the trails. You can also check out nature displays in many of the park visitor centers and join guided tours. Use our park finder to plan your trip!

 Employee at Mt Shavano Hatchery holding a net.

State Fish Hatcheries

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has 19 hatcheries stocking 90+ million fish yearly. All are open year-round. Some have self-guided tours or guided tours during specific times. Call to check your chosen hatchery's offerings.

Sign at Ramah State Wildlife Area.

State Wildlife Areas

State Wildlife Areas are land owned by the state or privately that is open to the public for outdoor recreation. Many areas offer bird and wildlife viewing opportunities. Use our finder to plan your visit.

Three women reading a sign about dinosaur tracks at the Dakota Hogback Natural Area.

Colorado Natural Areas

The Colorado Natural Areas Program chose 96 State Natural Areas to protect as important natural places. Fifteen natural areas are open to the public. Some might have fees or need permission from the landowner for visits.

Fall foliage at Steamboat Springs.

Experience Fall in Colorado

Many state parks are located along some of the most scenic drives in Colorado, providing the perfect landscape for a weekend getaway to enjoy Colorado’s fall splendor. Stay overnight and bask in the beautiful fall foliage. Take a few days to relax and reset among the reds and golds, and breathe in some much-needed fresh air. There's still plenty of good weather, so reserve your cabin, yurt, or campsite now.

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Colorado River State Park
Crawford State Park
Eldorado Canyon State Park
Eleven Mile State Park
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Harvey Gap
Highline Lake State Park
Lathrop State Park
Mancos State Park
Mueller State Park
Navajo State Park
Paonia State Park
Pearl Lake State Park
Ridgway State Park
Rifle Falls
Rifle Gap
State Forest
Steamboat Lake
Sylvan Lake
Trinidad Lake State Park
Vega State Park

Explore Scenic Colorado

    A hiker looks at the brickwork of the remnants of Castlewood Dam.

    Castlewood Canyon State Park

    Following trails that wind along Cherry Creek, visitors will find remnants of the Castlewood Dam, which burst on August 3, 1933.

     Slocum cabin built in 1852.

    Chatfield State Park

    People have lived near Chatfield State Park for at least 8,000 years. The area where Chatfield is located, called the Plum Creek-South Platte River confluence, goes back over 11 million years to the Late Miocene Era. Fossils of ice-age animals have been found in the South Platte area. Lamb Spring, near Chatfield, holds well-preserved evidence of early human life, making it one of North America's oldest sites for human use.

    A woman views an animal petroglyph carved into the rock.

    John Martin Reservoir

    Remnants of the Santa Fe Trail can be found near the park’s north shore.

    Ancient artifacts display in the Roxborough visitor center.

    Roxborough State Park

    Over 200 artifacts have been found in Roxborough State Park, and several artifacts are on display in the park’s Visitor Center.

    The historic Staunton Cabin surrounded by trees.

    Staunton State Park

    Staunton State Park is made up of properties that once belonged to early Colorado settlers. Remnants of some of these properties can still be found in the park.

    Historical site.

    Trinidad Lake State Park

    Miles of trails winding through ancient and interesting local history, and spectacular scenery provide visitors and nature enthusiasts with great outdoor exploration opportunities.

    A hiker looks at the brickwork of the remnants of Castlewood Dam.

    Castlewood Canyon State Park

    Following trails that wind along Cherry Creek, visitors will find remnants of the Castlewood Dam, which burst on August 3, 1933.

     Slocum cabin built in 1852.

    Chatfield State Park

    People have lived near Chatfield State Park for at least 8,000 years. The area where Chatfield is located, called the Plum Creek-South Platte River confluence, goes back over 11 million years to the Late Miocene Era. Fossils of ice-age animals have been found in the South Platte area. Lamb Spring, near Chatfield, holds well-preserved evidence of early human life, making it one of North America's oldest sites for human use.

    A woman views an animal petroglyph carved into the rock.

    John Martin Reservoir

    Remnants of the Santa Fe Trail can be found near the park’s north shore.

    Ancient artifacts display in the Roxborough visitor center.

    Roxborough State Park

    Over 200 artifacts have been found in Roxborough State Park, and several artifacts are on display in the park’s Visitor Center.

    The historic Staunton Cabin surrounded by trees.

    Staunton State Park

    Staunton State Park is made up of properties that once belonged to early Colorado settlers. Remnants of some of these properties can still be found in the park.

    Historical site.

    Trinidad Lake State Park

    Miles of trails winding through ancient and interesting local history, and spectacular scenery provide visitors and nature enthusiasts with great outdoor exploration opportunities.

    Man fly fishing in the Arkansas River surrounded by pine tree covered mountains.

    Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

    The AHRA spans diverse topography, from the alpine highlands near Leadville to the open prairies near Pueblo. It includes portions of Browns Canyon National Monument, which encompasses a rugged and beautiful landscape.

    Cheyenne Mountain State Park sign with wildflowers in the front and mountains in the back.

    Cheyenne Mountain State Park

    Enjoy the mix of prairies and mountain woodlands and ponderosa forests along with views of Cheyenne Mountain and Pikes Peak.

    A truck and two boats on the boat ramp while a woman fishies nearby at Crawford State Park.

    Crawford State Park

    Not far from the striking Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Crawford State Park is the perfect base camp for scenic mountain recreation.

    Large weathered boulders along the shoreline at Elelven Mile State Park.

    Eleven Mile State Park

    Enjoy the wildlife, wildflowers and unique geology in this mountain park and reservoir, surrounded by plains within a vibrant montane ecosystem.

    Wildflowers in the front with Fishers Peak in the distance.

    Fishers Peak State Park

    The 19,200-acre property connect​s grasslands to the east with foothills and mountains to the west, serving as an important corridor for wildlife movement.

    The Golden Gate Canyon visitor center partially hidden by forest.

    Golden Gate Canyon State Park

    Ranging in elevation from 7,600 to 10,400 feet, Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers visitors a variety of alpine experiences, including mountain biking and rock climbing.

    Two people in a boat with mountains in the background.

    Harvey Gap State Park

    At an elevation of 6,500 feet, the mountain reservoir at Harvey Gap is a scenic getaway for boating, fishing and swimming.

    A father and son fishing off an accessible fishing pier.

    James M. Robb Colorado River State Park

    On the edge of the Western Slope, the park, which comprises five sections, offers visitors five unique river and lake-based outdoor recreation opportunities.

    A sailboat on the water with mountains in the background.

    Lake Pueblo State Park

    The large lake and sunny days draw crowds. Visitors enjoy views of the Greenhorn and Wet mountain ranges to the southwest and the magnificent Pikes Peak to the north.

    A boat pulling a raft with forest in the background.

    Lathrop State Park

    Nestled in the shadow of the Spanish Peaks in Southern Colorado, the lakes at Lathrop are a haven for water enthusiasts.

    Two women hike along a forest trail.

    Lory State Park

    Nestled in the foothills just outside of Fort Collins, Lory is a popular destination for mountain biking and trail running.

    Three people in a canoe with a snow dusted mountain in the background.

    Mancos State Park

    On the edge of the Western Slope and not far from Mesa Verde National Park, Mancos is a great basecamp for a variety of outdoor adventures.

    Two people on horses ride through a green meadow dotted with wildflowers.

    Mueller State Park

    With views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding mountains, Mueller offers a scenic mountain backdrop for activities like horseback riding and mountain biking.

    Two people in inflatable kayaks paddle around the water.

    Navajo State Park

    Near the Colorado-New Mexico border, the huge reservoir at Navajo offers mountain views and memorable days on the water.

    A man holding fishing gear stands on a pier overlooking the water and the mountains.

    Paonia State Park

    Steep mountainsides, pristine water, alpine scenery and peaceful environment make Paonia a haven for water and nature lovers.

    A tent campsite overlooks the green mountain.

    Pearl Lake State Park

    Perched in the mountainous terrain north of Steamboat Springs, this tranquil park offers lakeside camping with stunning views of Farwell Mountain.

    The lake framed by blue sky and red wildflowers.

    Ridgway State Park

    This scenic alpine lake park near Ouray, Colorado, offers visitors breathtaking mountain views and outdoor adventures.

    People fishing along the rocky reservoir shore.

    Rifle Gap State Park

    This mountain park and its reservoir offer a scenic getaway for visitors interested in camping, boating and more.

    Sunrise over the reservoir and mountains.

    Spinney Mountain State Park

    Nestled in the mountains west of Colorado Springs, Spinney Mountain offers great fishing and outdoor adventures.

    A father and child fish from a pier at St. Vrain State Park.

    St. Vrain State Park

    St. Vrain State Park

    Stagecoach reservoir framed by green hills, brush and yellow wildflowers.

    Stagecoach State Park

    Located in the Yampa Valley near Steamboat Springs, Stagecoach and its reservoir are popular spots for fishing, hiking, picnicking and camping.

    A group of adults and children hike along a forest rail.

    State Forest State Park

    The park stretches along the west side of the Medicine Bow Mountains and into the north end of the Never Summer Range, offering visitors 71,000 acres of forest, jagged peaks, alpine lakes, wildlife and miles of trails.

    Two mountain bikers ride uphill on a forest trail.

    Staunton State Park

    Staunton State Park spans diverse landscapes from 8,100-foot meadows to 10,000-foot granite cliffs, fostering unique plant communities, wildlife and outdoor activities in a rich mountain environment.

    An old gate frames part of the view of Hans Peak.

    Steamboat Lake State Park

    Hahn’s Peak is the backdrop for fishing, camping, picnicking and more at Steamboat.

    Picnickers on the grass enjoy the view of Sylvan Lake and the mountains.

    Sylvan Lake State Park

    Stunning mountain scenery, abundant recreation, wildlife watching and top-notch fishing and hiking provide year-round fun at Sylvan Lake.

    A man on a mountain bike rides along a rocky trail.

    Trinidad Lake State Park

    In addition to a lake for water recreation, Trinidad Lake offers miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking.

    A field of yellow flowers with green mountains and a cloud dotted blue sky.

    Vega State Park

    At an elevation of 8,000 feet, Vega State Park’s high-mountain lake sits in a beautiful montane​ meadow on the northeast edge of Grand Mesa National Forest in Western Colorado.

    Two people in a blue raft float along a tree lined section of the Yampa River.

    Yampa River State Park

    Located in the Yampa Valley west of Steamboat Springs, Yampa River State Park offers top-notch fishing, camping and swimming,

    Man fly fishing in the Arkansas River surrounded by pine tree covered mountains.

    Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

    The AHRA spans diverse topography, from the alpine highlands near Leadville to the open prairies near Pueblo. It includes portions of Browns Canyon National Monument, which encompasses a rugged and beautiful landscape.

    Cheyenne Mountain State Park sign with wildflowers in the front and mountains in the back.

    Cheyenne Mountain State Park

    Enjoy the mix of prairies and mountain woodlands and ponderosa forests along with views of Cheyenne Mountain and Pikes Peak.

    A truck and two boats on the boat ramp while a woman fishies nearby at Crawford State Park.

    Crawford State Park

    Not far from the striking Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Crawford State Park is the perfect base camp for scenic mountain recreation.

    Large weathered boulders along the shoreline at Elelven Mile State Park.

    Eleven Mile State Park

    Enjoy the wildlife, wildflowers and unique geology in this mountain park and reservoir, surrounded by plains within a vibrant montane ecosystem.

    Wildflowers in the front with Fishers Peak in the distance.

    Fishers Peak State Park

    The 19,200-acre property connect​s grasslands to the east with foothills and mountains to the west, serving as an important corridor for wildlife movement.

    The Golden Gate Canyon visitor center partially hidden by forest.

    Golden Gate Canyon State Park

    Ranging in elevation from 7,600 to 10,400 feet, Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers visitors a variety of alpine experiences, including mountain biking and rock climbing.

    Two people in a boat with mountains in the background.

    Harvey Gap State Park

    At an elevation of 6,500 feet, the mountain reservoir at Harvey Gap is a scenic getaway for boating, fishing and swimming.

    A father and son fishing off an accessible fishing pier.

    James M. Robb Colorado River State Park

    On the edge of the Western Slope, the park, which comprises five sections, offers visitors five unique river and lake-based outdoor recreation opportunities.

    A sailboat on the water with mountains in the background.

    Lake Pueblo State Park

    The large lake and sunny days draw crowds. Visitors enjoy views of the Greenhorn and Wet mountain ranges to the southwest and the magnificent Pikes Peak to the north.

    A boat pulling a raft with forest in the background.

    Lathrop State Park

    Nestled in the shadow of the Spanish Peaks in Southern Colorado, the lakes at Lathrop are a haven for water enthusiasts.

    Two women hike along a forest trail.

    Lory State Park

    Nestled in the foothills just outside of Fort Collins, Lory is a popular destination for mountain biking and trail running.

    Three people in a canoe with a snow dusted mountain in the background.

    Mancos State Park

    On the edge of the Western Slope and not far from Mesa Verde National Park, Mancos is a great basecamp for a variety of outdoor adventures.

    Two people on horses ride through a green meadow dotted with wildflowers.

    Mueller State Park

    With views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding mountains, Mueller offers a scenic mountain backdrop for activities like horseback riding and mountain biking.

    Two people in inflatable kayaks paddle around the water.

    Navajo State Park

    Near the Colorado-New Mexico border, the huge reservoir at Navajo offers mountain views and memorable days on the water.

    A man holding fishing gear stands on a pier overlooking the water and the mountains.

    Paonia State Park

    Steep mountainsides, pristine water, alpine scenery and peaceful environment make Paonia a haven for water and nature lovers.

    A tent campsite overlooks the green mountain.

    Pearl Lake State Park

    Perched in the mountainous terrain north of Steamboat Springs, this tranquil park offers lakeside camping with stunning views of Farwell Mountain.

    The lake framed by blue sky and red wildflowers.

    Ridgway State Park

    This scenic alpine lake park near Ouray, Colorado, offers visitors breathtaking mountain views and outdoor adventures.

    People fishing along the rocky reservoir shore.

    Rifle Gap State Park

    This mountain park and its reservoir offer a scenic getaway for visitors interested in camping, boating and more.

    Sunrise over the reservoir and mountains.

    Spinney Mountain State Park

    Nestled in the mountains west of Colorado Springs, Spinney Mountain offers great fishing and outdoor adventures.

    A father and child fish from a pier at St. Vrain State Park.

    St. Vrain State Park

    St. Vrain State Park

    Stagecoach reservoir framed by green hills, brush and yellow wildflowers.

    Stagecoach State Park

    Located in the Yampa Valley near Steamboat Springs, Stagecoach and its reservoir are popular spots for fishing, hiking, picnicking and camping.

    A group of adults and children hike along a forest rail.

    State Forest State Park

    The park stretches along the west side of the Medicine Bow Mountains and into the north end of the Never Summer Range, offering visitors 71,000 acres of forest, jagged peaks, alpine lakes, wildlife and miles of trails.

    Two mountain bikers ride uphill on a forest trail.

    Staunton State Park

    Staunton State Park spans diverse landscapes from 8,100-foot meadows to 10,000-foot granite cliffs, fostering unique plant communities, wildlife and outdoor activities in a rich mountain environment.

    An old gate frames part of the view of Hans Peak.

    Steamboat Lake State Park

    Hahn’s Peak is the backdrop for fishing, camping, picnicking and more at Steamboat.

    Picnickers on the grass enjoy the view of Sylvan Lake and the mountains.

    Sylvan Lake State Park

    Stunning mountain scenery, abundant recreation, wildlife watching and top-notch fishing and hiking provide year-round fun at Sylvan Lake.

    A man on a mountain bike rides along a rocky trail.

    Trinidad Lake State Park

    In addition to a lake for water recreation, Trinidad Lake offers miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking.

    A field of yellow flowers with green mountains and a cloud dotted blue sky.

    Vega State Park

    At an elevation of 8,000 feet, Vega State Park’s high-mountain lake sits in a beautiful montane​ meadow on the northeast edge of Grand Mesa National Forest in Western Colorado.

    Two people in a blue raft float along a tree lined section of the Yampa River.

    Yampa River State Park

    Located in the Yampa Valley west of Steamboat Springs, Yampa River State Park offers top-notch fishing, camping and swimming,

    Rafters drift by tree dotted cliffs.

    Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

    The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area includes portions of Browns Canyon National Monument, with its rugged, beautiful landscape. The Arkansas River winds through valleys, canyons and through the Royal Gorge.

    A rock climber scales a cliff.

    Castlewood Canyon State Park

    Castlewood Canyon is a popular destination for rock climbers, with walls up to 60 feet and canyon face climbing available for all skill levels.

    A rock outcropping juts out of the landscape.

    Crawford State Park

    With the majestic Black Canyon of the Gunnison so close by, it's easy to imagine the fantastic mountain scenery found here.

    Climbers prepare to climb a red sandstone cliff face.

    Eldorado Canyon State Park

    Visitors are drawn to Eldorado Canyon for the towering, golden sandstone cliffs and the over five hundred technical rock climbing routes.

    Campsites next to large boulders.

    Eleven Mile State Park

    The reservoir’s shoreline can be rugged in places, giving great views from both the water and shore.

    Woman looks out at the view.

    Golden Gate Canyon State Park

    The park encompasses 12,000 acres along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, including portions of Promontory Ridge. Rock climbing opportunities can be found throughout the park.

    sandstone cliffs with green tree cover.

    James M. Robb Colorado River State Park

    The spectacular Navajo and Mesa Verde sandstone formations of Colorado National Monument are easily visible from all parts of the Fruita section of the park.