Meeker Office Closure
The Meeker office is closed until further notice due to the Lee Fire. Please view the news release for additional details and alternative office information.
Eldorado Canyon State Park
State Park in Eldorado Springs, CO
Hours:
Timed entry reservations needed Saturdays, Sundays and summer holidays May 1 through October 1.
Park: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Visitor Center: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed on Thursdays.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
9 Kneale Road
Eldorado Springs, CO 80025
United States
Eldorado Canyon State Park
State Park in Eldorado Springs, CO
Hours:
Timed entry reservations needed Saturdays, Sundays and summer holidays May 1 through October 1.
Park: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Visitor Center: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed on Thursdays.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
9 Kneale Road
Eldorado Springs, CO 80025
United States
Road Closure August 26 -
Road closure in effect on August 26 from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for bridge installation project. There will be no access to the park road or upper canyon during this time. Recreating on an alternate date is recommended.
Timed Entry Reservations
Anyone accessing the park in their vehicle must have a Timed Vehicle Reservation to enter the park on Saturdays, Sundays, and summer holidays (Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day) from May 1 through October 1 annually. Learn more about timed entry reservations.
Make a Reservation
Visitors must make a reservation in advance through cpwshop.com. Reservations cannot be made at the state park, including the entrance station or visitor center/park office.
Make an Online Reservation
Climbing the walls of Eldorado Canyon
Activities and Trails
What to Do at Eldorado Canyon
Located nine miles south of Boulder, Eldorado Canyon is one of the top US climbing destinations with over 500 routes. The park also features scenic trails for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Anglers can fish in South Boulder Creek.
- Biking
- Cross-country Skiing
- Education Programs
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
- Hunting
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Rock Climbing
- Snowshoeing
Best of Eldorado Canyon
Rock Climbing
Eldorado Canyon is one of the top climbing destinations in the United States. More than 500 technical climbing routes attract climbers (and onlookers) from around the world.
Fishing
Eldorado Canyon is normally an excellent fly-fishing area for brown and rainbow trout. A Colorado fishing license is required. Licenses are available for purchase at the park Visitor Center. There are no bait restrictions or size limits, and catch and release is encouraged.
Picnicking
A beautiful picnic area along South Boulder Creek offers 10 picnic sites. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only, and they are not reservable.
Hunting
Hunting is allowed the Tuesday after Labor Day through March 31 in the Crescent Meadows portion of the park only. Only archery and black-powder weapons are allowed. A unit 29 hunting license is necessary, and all hunting and possession limits apply.
Upcoming Events
Nov
11
Free Park Entry for Veterans and Active Military
Tuesday, Nov 11
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
As a thank you to U.S. military members, Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers veterans, active-duty military and the National...
Nov
11
Free Park Entry for Veterans and Active Military
Tuesday, Nov 11
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
As a thank you to U.S. military members, Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers veterans, active-duty military and the National...
Nov
11
Free Park Entry for Veterans and Active Military
Tuesday, Nov 11
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
As a thank you to U.S. military members, Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers veterans, active-duty military and the National...
Nov
11
Free Park Entry for Veterans and Active Military
Tuesday, Nov 11
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
As a thank you to U.S. military members, Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers veterans, active-duty military and the National...
Hiking, Biking and Horseback Riding
Trails
For the best view of the lichen-covered canyon walls, walk the easy (wheelchair-accessible) Fowler Trail. Continue your journey by foot or mountain bike on the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail and explore the ruins of an old hotel that burned down during an era when Eldorado Springs was known as the "Coney Island of the West." From the ruins, travel to the Continental Divide Overlook and take in the spectacular views.
Fowler Trail
0.90 miles one way, non-paved
Hiking
ADA accessible
Dog friendly
Streamside Trail
0.5 miles one way, non-paved
Hiking
ADA accessible first 300 feet of trail
Dog friendly
Crescent Meadows Trail
2.5 miles one way, non-paved
Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding
Dog friendly
Fowler Trail
0.90 miles one way, non-paved
Hiking
ADA accessible
Dog friendly
Streamside Trail
0.5 miles one way, non-paved
Hiking
ADA accessible first 300 feet of trail
Dog friendly
Crescent Meadows Trail
2.5 miles one way, non-paved
Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding
Dog friendly
Rattlesnake Gulch Trail
3.6 miles, non-paved
Hiking and mountain biking
Dog friendly
Eldorado Canyon Trail
3.5 miles one-way, non-paved
Hiking and horseback riding
Dog friendly
Rattlesnake Gulch Trail
3.6 miles, non-paved
Hiking and mountain biking
Dog friendly
Eldorado Canyon Trail
3.5 miles one-way, non-paved
Hiking and horseback riding
Dog friendly
Clean Your Gear: Fishing
Help Protect Colorado Waters
Clean Your Gear
Cleaning your gear before and after use helps protect our water from aquatic nuisance species. Check out these videos to learn how to clean your fishing gear.
Photography
Special Activity Permits for Photographers
Eldorado Canyon’s dramatic rock formations and abundance of wildlife make this park an exceptional place to take photographs! Depending on how photos will be used, photographers may be required to obtain a Special Activity permit to take pictures in the park.
If you are a commercial photographer, you are required to obtain a Special Activity permit before your photo session at the park. Permits are not required for film, video or still photography if visitors are taking film or photos for their own personal use, or for news media filming current events or breaking news. Drone usage is prohibited.
For permitting information, please call 303-494-3943 or email [email protected]. Completed permits must be submitted 90 days before the event or an expedite fee for processing may be charged, or the permit may be denied.