Colorado Parks & Wildlife - Park Activities

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Park Activities

Park Activities

Biking
The Rattlesnake Gulch Trail offers the experienced mountain biker an enjoyable three-mile ride. This is not a sit-down ride. It is a steady uphill climb for 1.4 miles, gaining 800 feet in elevation. There are several tight switchbacks, as well as areas with loose rock.
Bikers can also enjoy the 7 mile Walker Ranch Loop accessed from the Crescent Meadows section of the park.
Note: the connecting Eldorado Canyon Trail is NOT open to biking. See Eldorado Canyon State Park's Trails page for a more complete description.
(Updated: 10/17/2019 1:43 PM)
Boating
Tubing, rafting, etc. are not permitted on South Boulder Creek for safety reasons. Kayaking is permitted when water flow is sufficient.

Boat registrations may be purchased at our Visior Center. However, we do NOT offer HIN inspections. Visitor Center hours vary throughout the year, so please call 303.494.3943 to check if we are open for business ahead of your visit.

(Updated: 7/31/2019 2:32 PM)
Camping
There is NO CAMPING in this State Park; back-country camping is not permitted. The park is closed to the public from sunset to sunrise. Additionally, Eldorado Canyon has a steep and narrow dirt road and parking is only available for regular passenger type vehicles on weekends and holidays. Do NOT attempt to enter the Park in an RV because you may not have sufficient space to turn around and may obstruct the flow of traffic.
(Updated: 8/9/2018 1:31 PM)
Cross-country Skiing
In the winter, skiers and snowshoers are often on the road and Fowler Trail after a good snowfall. Please call the park at 303-494-3943 for conditions.
(Updated: 12/7/2021 12:44 PM)
Dog-friendly
Dogs are welcome everywhere in the park as long as:
- they are on a six-foot or shorter leash at all times
- under control
- their waste is properly disposed of
Violations of these regulations are subject to citation.
(Updated: 10/17/2019 1:49 PM)
Education Programs
Our JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM for ages 6 to 12 is held on select Saturdays from 10:00-11:15am June-August. This program is for kids who are interested in learning about Colorado's natural resource. It features games, activities and crafts, fishing, rock climbing, nature photography, and archery.
Our LITTLE CRITTERS PROGRAM for ages 3-5 years is held every other Friday from 10:00-11:00am June-August. This program is for young children who are interested in meeting new friends, exploring the world around them, and making an early childhoo connection to the critters that live in Eldorado. Children must be accompanied by an adult for Little Critter events.
Our ADULT PROGRAM is typically held every other Sunday from June-August. This program is for adults of all ages who are interested in hands-on learning and picking up new skills along the way. Programs include local history, geology, fly fishing, and more.
Programs are free with the park entrance fee. Please visit our calendar of events to reserve your spot today!
Educational programs for groups conducted by the Park Naturalist are available by request. Please call 303-494-3943 to arrange for a group program.

(Updated: 6/6/2023 1:21 PM)
Fishing
Eldorado Canyon is normally an excellent fly-fishing area for brown and rainbow trout. With very little pressure, the fish are hungry, healthy, and at certain times of the year very abundant. Check the Park Conditions section of this website to see how they're biting. Colorado Fishing Licenses are required and are available for purchase at the park Visitor Center.
(Updated: 10/17/2019 1:59 PM)
Hiking
Eldorado Canyon has three trails of note. The Fowler Trail is easy, the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail is moderate, and the Eldorado Canyon Trail is more difficult.
Fowler Trail features amazing views of the canyon walls, a self-guided nature walk, benches and spotting scopes.
Rattlesnake Gulch Trail is a moderate climb on switchbacks to the site of the former Crags Hotel with exceptional views through the Canyon. At the top is an additional loop which leads to a beautiful overlook of the continental divide and into a quiet forest.
The Eldorado Canyon Trail also has excellent views of the canyon. It continues up through forested land and connects to the Walker Ranch loop for an extended hike. Take plenty of water and be prepared for changeable weather.
Check the Park Conditions section of the website for the current status of trails.
(Updated: 10/17/2019 2:05 PM)
Horseback Riding
Equestrians are welcome in the park. The main park road, Eldorado Canyon Trail, and Walker Ranch Loop connect the front range to the mountains. It may be necessary to dismount from time to time due to the steepness of the trail. Horse trailers are not feasible in the park on weekends or holidays year-round.
(Updated: 10/17/2019 2:07 PM)
Hunting
Hunting is allowed the Tuesday after Labor Day-March 31 in the Crescent Meadows portion of the park only (archery and black-powder weapons only). The appropriate license is necessary (unit 29) and all Colorado Parks and Wildlife hunting and possession limits apply. Colorado Hunting Licenses are available at the park Visitor Center.
(Updated: 10/17/2019 2:10 PM)
Photography
Eldorado Canyon’s dramatic rock formations and abundance of wildlife make this park an exceptional place to take photographs!
Commercial Photographers
If you are a commercial photographer interested in taking pictures at Eldorado Canyon State Park, you are required to obtain a Special Use Permit prior to your photo session at the park. Please fill out this quick questionnaire and we will be in touch shortly: Special Use Photography Permit
Note: DRONE usage is PROHIBITED.
For permitting information, please call (303) 494-3943 or email eldorado.park@state.co.us.
(Updated: 3/21/2022 12:46 PM)
Picnicking
10 picnic areas along South Boulder Creek make it a wonderful spot for a picnic. It is especially peaceful on weekdays and summer evenings. From May 15 - Sept 15 on Saturdays, Sundays, and summer holidays a Timed Vehicle Reservation will be required to access the park in your personal vehicle. Summer weekends fill up quickly, so reserve early if you want to get a table. Picnic areas are NOT reservable and are first come, first served.
Picnicking and the use of portable grills and stoves is permissible only in designated sites.
View the new Picnic Area configuration.

(Updated: 8/22/2022 10:34 AM)
Rock Climbing
Eldorado Canyon is one of the top climbing destinations in the United States.
We have more than 500 technical climbing routes that attract climbers (and onlookers) from around the world. To protect the rock, NO drilling or chipping is allowed. Please use minimal chalk. Remember that the park closes at sunset and that it is not permitted to climb here at night. The climbing here is mostly traditional- there are very few sport routes or routes that you can top-rope. Be aware of possible rapid weather changes including high winds, spring snow storms and summer thunderstorms.
For more information, see the Rock Climbing page.
Eldorado Canyon approves up to 15 rock climbing guiding permits each year to professional companies and organizations across the county. If you are interested in a permit, please contact 303.494.3943 to find out more.

(Updated: 8/22/2022 9:18 AM)
Snowshoeing
Eldorado Canyon's dramatic beauty is highlighted by a fresh dusting of snow on the cliffs and trees. Snowshoeing is best experienced on the Fowler Trail and Rattlesnake Gulch Trail. Call the Park for the most updated trail conditions at 303-494-3943.
(Updated: 6/16/2018 3:11 PM)