State Park Finder
Hiking is a wonderful way to see and experience the many wonders Colorado’s state parks have to offer.
State Park Finder
Hiking is a wonderful way to see and experience the many wonders Colorado’s state parks have to offer.
Top Parks for Hiking
Castlewood Canyon
Castlewood Canyon offers 13 miles of hiking trails for every skill level. Visitors will enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Front Range and Pikes Peak. Paved trails give all ages access to magnificent views of the canyon, while more difficult trails take you down to Cherry Creek and along the canyon floor. Trails along the Cherry Creek wind past the ruins of the Castlewood Dam (circa 1890).
Cheyenne Mountain
The park has 21 diverse trails rated easy to moderate in difficulty and take hikers (and other trail users) on a nature adventure throughout the 2,701-acre park. Visitors with disabilities can use the Terrain Hopper to explore designated trails. See the park's Activities and Trails page to make reservations. There are 2 miles of designated leashed dog trails and there are specific trails for equestrians. Check to be sure which animals are allowed on specific trails beforehand.
Golden Gate
Nearly 35 miles of hiking trails in the park offer opportunities for everyone. Leashed dogs are permitted only on designated trails. Located under an hour from Denver, Golden Gate Canyon State Park will give visitors a sense of the mountains with spectacular views. The Raccoon Trail is a 2.5 mile loop, perfect for that “backcountry not in Denver” feeling without driving too far. It takes you to breathtaking Panorama Point, sure to impress your family and friends.
Lory
Lory’s 27 miles of trails wind through sweeping valleys, steep hillsides and deep gulches. The park's 2,596 acres include stunning, long distance views that can be enjoyed from several high points. The variety of trails range from easy to difficult and are suitable for long or short hikes. Overlooking the Fort Collins area from a breathtaking elevation of 6,780 feet is Arthur’s Rock, a jutting granite formation named for an early local settler. This 1.7 mile hiking trail winds through forested mountainsides and open meadows to the summit.
Mueller
Mueller State Park has no shortage of trail options, with over 44 miles of trails open to hiking. Trail opportunities to explore the beautiful foothills of the Rockies vary from short, leisurely walks to challenging, full-day hikes. The park offers three self-guided nature trails. Trail maps are available at the Visitor Center and park entrance. One favorite is the 3.2 mile trek on the Osborn Homestead to see the Osborn family cabin ruins. Throw in a chance to see Pikes Peak and we’re sold.
Staunton
The park is a mosaic of low grasslands, rocky foothills, soaring granite cliffs and lush stream corridors. Hikes range in length from a short 2-mile loop to a day hike exploring all the sites Staunton has to offer. There are approximately 8 miles of hiker-only trails. A visitor favorite is the hike to the dramatic Elk Falls Waterfall. With a Track-Chair reservation, visitors with disabilities can explore designated trails in the park.
Featured Issue
Colorado Outdoors Magazine
2026 Annual State Parks Issue — View the contents.
The annual state park issue is full of recreation ideas: Bird watch at Barr Lake, go into the backcountry at State Forest, experience whitewater thrills at Arkansas Headwater.
A great gift
At Home in Nature - The History of Colorado's State Parks
Order online or stop by your favorite park to pick up a copy!
The story of how Colorado's state parks came to be, featuring breathtaking photography and the voices of the staff and stewards of these magnificent public lands. The book delves into the rich history of Colorado's state parks, from their inception to the present day, and is a must-read for anyone interested in the state's natural and cultural heritage.
Colorado's Ultimate Road Trip
Colorado State Parks Passport
Visit a state park or hatchery and ask for your free passport. Ask any state park or hatchery staff to stamp your passport. Collect all 57 (42 parks, 15 hatcheries) stamps and receive a completion prize.