Colorado is home to a wide variety of wildlife that inhabits the plains, waterways, and mountains.  Here is a short list to entice you have your camera ready for some amazing shots of creatures in their natural habitat as you explore the beauty of Colorado’s varied terrain.

Bald Eagle

Approximately 50 nesting pairs of Bald Eagle find their home in Colorado.  With a wingspan of 7 ½ feet, this predator is second only to the California Condor.  Look up into the treetops around high mountain lakes and reservoirs to see these majestic creatures soaring above, scouting for fish and carrion.

Some of the best vacation destinations in the Rockies for Bald Eagle viewing are:

• Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge just north of Dinosaur National Monument
• The Dolores River in the southwest
• Saint Vrain Park near Longmont

Bighorn Sheep

These hardy sheep can withstand the sub-zero temperatures of high altitude mountain life while easily managing the precipices in strong winds.  As the state mammal of Colorado, Bighorn Sheep represent the versatility and strength that one associates with adaptation to life in the Rockies.  During the spring and summer, these beasts shed their heavy fur, which often is found attached to the trees and rocks that they pass.  Spend an afternoon floating down a high mountain river to see these mighty creatures grazing on outcroppings.  Some of the best points of view are:

• Apishapa State Wildlife Area, 30 miles east of Walsenburg
• Brown’s Canyon, near Salida along the Arkansas River
• Georgetown

Black Bear

With no natural enemies except for man, these approximately 250 pound creatures stand three feet tall when on all fours and five feet tall when on their hind legs.  Black Bears are omnivores who will stop at almost nothing to get to the smell of food.  Leave your garbage out in a Black Bear zone, and one is sure to turn up for his version of a gourmet meal.  Once they have tasted human food, they often give up their desire to forage in the wild, so make sure you keep a clean campsite and lock up your food at all times.

Important tip:  Use bear boxes or other bear-proof containers while at a campsite, or hand your food from a tree in a bag that is at least 10 feet away from the ground and 5 feet from the trunk.

Often covering anywhere from 10 to 200 square miles, the Black Bear can be difficult to spot, but there are areas in Colorado where they are more prevalent than others:

• Curecanti National Recreational Area, just west of Gunnison
• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Weminuche Wilderness Area, northeast of Durango

Mountain Lion

Often called a catamount, cougar, panther, or puma, these stealthy beasts with their short, light brown fur can be imperceptible as they prowl through the Rockies’ brush.  With his fine-tuned senses, his extraordinary hunting skills, and his feline elegance, the Mountain Lion’s habitat stretches from Canada to Argentina.  Unfortunately due to hunting and development, they are becoming an endangered species on the east coast, but out west, they continue to thrive, especially in the Colorado Rockies, which provides the perfect landscape with its mesas, canyons, and foothills.

Important Tip: The Mountain Lion keeps to himself, enjoying his meals of mule deer and rabbit.  Over the past 100 years there have been very few human fatalities due to Mountain Lion attacks.  If by chance you should come upon one who has become aggressive, stay calm, speak loudly and firmly, and back away with your arms raised.

Possibilities of spotting Mountain Lion are high in these areas:

• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
• Bosque del Oso, west of Trinidad
• Roxborough State Park, southwest of Denver

River Otter

Playing and hunting for fish are the favorite pastimes of these good humored creatures.  Watch them run along the ground and then throw themselves onto their bellies to slide from one place to another, often reaching up to a speed of 18 mph!  Once in the water, they are full of summersaults and other acrobatics as they chase their prey through the waters of local rivers, lakes, and streams.  With their tail comprising approximately 1/3 of their body, the River Otter moves like a graceful eel.  Because their habitat has been increasingly compromised by development, the Colorado Division of Wildlife has made sure that the river otters have been reintroduced into specific waterways where they can proliferate and enjoy a protected life.

Take your vacation trip to the following areas to see them at work and play:

• The Dolores River
• The South Platte River
• The Upper Colorado River

Related posts:

• Wildlife Watching in the Colorado Rockies: From Natural Habitat to Interpretive Exhibits by Michele
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So, you’re driving along Highway 17 with the Sangre de Cristo mountains running by your side.   You must be on your way to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, the site of the highest sand dunes in North America.  You can’t tell just yet that these dunes are so high.  Against the Sangre de Cristos, they don’t look like all that much.  With peaks ascending to more than 14,000 feet, such as Crestone Needle and Crestone Peak, and Cleveland Peak and Mount Herald reaching to above 13,000 feet, you will be hard-pressed to find more breathtaking scenery.

Now you’re entering the road leading to the park and the dunes start to seem a bit more impressive.  You park.  You get out of the car and begin to walk, feeling your feet in the sand.  And now you are amazed.  Here are these enormous, undulating sand dunes stretching out before you, inviting you to climb and revel in them as the sun plays with light and shadow on their surface.

Activities in the Dunes
For a winter vacation trip, the dunes are ideal when covered in snow.  Take your skis, snowshoes, snowboard, or sled for a great downhill experience.  In the warm months, you can hike or take your skis or snowboard just like in winter to hit the dunes without the champagne powder and lifts.

For a great four-wheeling adventure, take the Medano Pass trail that extends from the national park 25 miles to the town of Gardner.  The drive takes you through dense aspen and pinon groves up to the high-altitude tundra that is part of the beauty of the region.

Wildlife around the Dunes
The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve teems with wildlife.  Its best to have your camera ready as many of the following animals are bound to appear:  bison, elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, fox, and coyotes.  The area is also home to mountain lions and black bears who thankfully prefer not to socialize.

There are more than 88 camping sites for cars and tents throughout the more than 33,000 acres of parkland, making your stay in the Great Sand Dunes one that you will remember forever.

Park Information
The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The Visitor Center is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the winter months and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the summer months.
Adult passes cost $3.00.  Camping fees are $14.00 per night in addition to the cost of a day pass.

Related posts:

• Great Sand Dunes National Monument Nestled in
• Sunsets in the Colorado Rockies: A visit to nature’s best slide show: Front Range, Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde and more… by Miche
• Rocky Mountain National Park The park

Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site
This fort, located in Colorado’s Southern Plains and built in 1833, served as an Indian trading post and a central hub on the Santa Fe Trail.  The fort became a staging area for Colonel Stephen Watts Kearney’s “Army of the West” during the war with Mexico in 1846.  It was abandoned in 1849, but the current structure is a perfect replica of the original.

Walk down the Santa Fe Trail to arrive at the fort’s gate. Once inside, watch the short documentary film, “Castle of the Plains” and then take a self-guided or guided tour to see actors reenact how life was back when the fort was alive and thriving.

Guided tours are available from September to May at 10:30 a.m. and again at 1:00 p.m.  The site is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from June through August and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. September through May.  Call 719-383-5026 to reserve a tour, it is well worth it.

How to get there:
8 miles east of La Junta, Colorado on US 50.  Take Highway 109 north 1 mile to Highway 194.  Go 6 miles east to arrive at the site.

15 miles west of Las Animas, Colorado on CO 194.  Take US 50 to Highway 194 and then go west 13 miles.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Located in west-central Colorado, Black Canyon is not a well known park.  With its 27,705 acres of land, it attracts only about 180,000 visitors each year, ensuring that you will not be meeting up with the usual crowds when hiking or enjoying other activities during the high seasons.  With its narrow width and its sheer walls, Black Canyon is a dramatic sight, combining ruggedness and depth with the beauty of the Gunnison River flowing over the igneous rock below.  Only 1,500 feet wide in some places, the sun rarely shines on the canyon walls, hence the name Black Canyon.  The canyon is 5 miles long, with the most scenic area designated a national park.  Hike over to the upstream part of the gorge to see the three dams that are part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area.

You can reach Black Canyon off the Gunnison National Park from the north or south.  I found my way there by taking US 50 just east of Montrose via CO 347.  It’s a 7 mile trip that takes you up to 8,500 feet above sea level.  The excitement builds as you feel yourself get closer to the canyon rim.  Then, at Tomichi Point, you finally see the canyon in all of its grandeur.  There are quite a few vantage points from there and I stopped at every one to get some really great photos.  Once you get past the visitor’s center, you’ll see the canyon at its narrowest width at a spot rightly called The Narrows.  Once you arrive at High Point, the canyon becomes more V-like in shape, opening up a bit to give you a greater perspective.

From the south rim you can take a number of trails.  There are easy hikes as well as extremely challenging ones.  I was hoping to see some wildlife as I trekked through the majestic scenery and was rewarded slightly by spotting an eagle and a marmot!  There are also black bears, coyotes, bobcats, and a plethora of bird species hiding all about, waiting to be alone again on their turf once you’ve passed by.

From the north rim you can take a five-mile road that provides amazing vistas along the edge of the canyon.  There are several trails that take you down to the river, but this can be a difficult trek.

The park offers 102 campgrounds on the south rim and 13 on the north rim, all available on a first-come, first serve basis.  For information on camping and lodging, contact the Montrose Visitors and Convention Center at 800-873-0244.

One of the most breathtaking sights is on the 205 mile West Elk Loop.  This is easily accessed if you’re arriving at the park by taking I-70.  Here you will loop around the West Elk Wilderness, driving past the Blue Mesa Reservoir, Crawford and Paonia State Recreational Areas, White river, and the Gunnison National Forest.  Once you reach I-50 you can enjoy even more amazing views from the Curecanti National Recreation Area.

For more information on the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, contact: 970-641-2337.

Colorado National Monument
This stately monument on 20,534 acres of land is located in western Colorado and is part of the greater Colorado Plateau, which includes the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Arches National Park.  This site is famous for its unusual formations that include sheer-walled canyons, monolithic rock outcroppings, dinosaur fossils, and evidence of prehistoric Native American culture.  During the summer you can enjoy evening campfire programs, where entertaining lectures and stories are told about the region.  The park is open 24 hours a day, with the Visitor Center open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the summer and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the winter.

How to get there:
The site is located 12 miles from Grand Junction, Colorado.  If you’re arriving from the east, take I-70 to Grand Junction and exit at Horizon Drive, taking Exit 31 to the east entrance of the park.  If you’re arriving from the west, take I-70 to Fruita and Exit 19 to the west entrance.

Curecanti National Recreation Area
This 41,972 acre park is located in west-central Colorado between Montrose and Gunnison.  Here you will find three exquisite lakes: Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal.  The Blue Mesa is the largest lake in Colorado, extending for 14 square miles.  Morrow Point Lake marks the entryway of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and below this is Crystal Lake, where you will find the Gunnison Diversion Tunnel, a National Historic Civil Engineering landmark.

There are many wonderful things to do in Curecanti, including hiking the beautiful trails, fishing the clear lakes, and horseback riding in the warm months; cross country skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, and ice fishing in the cold months.  There are many interesting interpretive programs and an abundance of wildlife viewing, which makes being in this lush area a true vacation pleasure.  Many dinosaur fossils have been discovered here as well as traces of 6,000 year old structures.  Visit the 5,000 acre archeological district and ride on the narrow gauge train to make your stay complete.

The park is open every day, with the visitor center open from mid-May to the end of September.

Dinosaur National Monument
You will find this national monument in the northwestern region of Colorado and the northeastern region of Utah.  The vista from this spectacular area is nothing short of stunning.  The area is renowned for being the most important Jurassic paleontological site in the world, with the monument standing as a testimonial to an almost complete stratigraphic geological record. In addition you will see miles of canyons created by the Green and Yampa rivers cutting through the landscape.

When I visited the area I was overwhelmed by the display of over 1,500 dinosaur bones as well as the dinosaur replicas at the Dinosaur Quarry, just 7 miles north of Jensen, Utah.  I took the self-guided auto tour, which is a great way to learn about the history of the park along with the wildlife, prehistoric Native American rock art, and more.  Be sure to take the Desert Voices nature trail, guided by the Tour of the Tilted Rocks auto tour.  There is also a 62 mile auto tour that will take you through a dinosaur ecosystem, a great drive to Echo Park through two sandstone canyons, and some great river trips where camping is spectacular under the vast mountain skies.

How to get there:
Go two miles east of Dinosaur, Colorado off US 40.

For more information, contact: 970-74-3000

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Just 35 miles west of Colorado Springs, Colorado, this 5,998 acre park is known for its countless fossils.  Here you will find insects, leaves, and seeds from the Oligocene period preserved in great detail along with the famed petrified sequoia stumps that make this monument a favorite with those interested in prehistoric life.  Take a walk through the petrified forest after being informed by the 20 minute orientation lecture beforehand.  There are many summer programs offered at this monument, including Junior Ranger programs on the weekends, discovery programs, and a wide range of pertinent seminars.  Come at any time of year to hike along some of the most fascinating trails in the region.  The visitor center is open from May to September from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the rest of the year.

How to get there:
North or south on I-25, take US 24 west for 35 miles until you arrive in Florissant.  From here follow the signs and go 2 miles south to arrive at the visitor center.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
These are the highest dunes in North America, surrounded by some of the most magnificent mountains in the Colorado Rockies.  This protected area includes tundra, forests, grasslands, wetlands, forests, lakes, and streams.  The dunes were created over thousands of years by southwesterly winds blowing through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.  They are a magnificent sight at any time of day when they turn varying shades of cream, pink, gray, gold, brown, and russet.  All along the dunes there are trails of all kinds.  Take a backcountry trek or hike on the dunes themselves (about a 2 hour journey).  I took my hike in the late afternoon when the light created an amazing array of colors that played over the dunes in an ever changing rhythm.  There is plenty of flora and fauna to observe in the park and camping is a delicious way to enjoy the pure air and clear night sky.  Summer events are abundant, with contests for kite flying and sand castle building, seminars, photo workshops, and concerts galore.

There are two major national scenic byways near the park.  Take the Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway if you are coming north from Colorado Springs or Denver.  Here you will follow the historic stagecoach and railway routes to famous gold prospecting sites, fossil sites, and historical sites.  Some recommendations are The Royal Gorge Railroad with its 1,053 foot suspension bridge, the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Victor’s National Historic District, and Cripple Creek.

How to get there:
Take State Highway 115 from Colorado Springs to US 50, going west to Canon City.  Alternatively you can take US 24 from Colorado Springs to Florissant.

The second scenic byway lies northwest of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and is called the Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway.  Here you will see historic villages and trading posts, Wet Mountain Valley, San Isabel National Forest, and spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

How to get there:
Take I-25 south for 112 miles to Pueblo.  Then pick up State Highway 96 west for 51 miles to Westcliff.  You can follow route 165 south from Highway 96 at McKenzie Junction to Colorado City, passing through Rye and San Isabel.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is open 24 hours a day all year round, with the Visitor Center open daily except for winter holidays.
For more information, contact:  719-378-6300

Hovenweep National Monument
This monument consists of 6 groups of towers, pueblos, and cliff dwellings created by the pre-Columbian Indians.  Located in southeastern Utah and southwestern Colorado, the area is comprised of 785 acres filled with some of the most beautiful ancestral Puebloan architecture in the region.  Each trail leads to each of the sites, which are in fairly remote areas.  Enjoy the peace and serenity of the land as you feel the vibration of the history resonate through each step.  Start at the visitor center for an orientation and then continue to the Square Tower Group to begin your self-guided tour, which should include the trail through Little Ruin Canyon.

Hovenweep is open year round, with visitor center hours daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and extended hours during the summer.  Hiking trails are open during daylight hours only.

For more information, contact: 970-562-4282

How to get there:
From US 191, take UT 262, which runs east.  You can also reach the areas through Cortez, Colorado.

Mesa Verde National Park
A unique park that houses the cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo Indians who lived in the area from the 6th to 12th centuries, there are 4,400 sites that comprise this truly precious World Heritage Site.  If you are in good physical shape, take a tour with a ranger, arranged at the visitor center.  And do be warned!  Standing at 7,000 feet above sea level, Mesa Verde National Park can be a demanding hike for those who are not accustomed to moderately rugged activity.

One demanding hike descends about 100 feet on a steep trail with more than 120 uneven stone steps.  You then have to climb five 8-foot wooden ladders to arrive at Cliff Palace.  If you are up for the challenge, it is well worth the trek as you get a very good picture of how the Ancestral Puebloans lived so long ago.

An even more challenging trip takes you down a 100 foot staircase, up a 32 foot high ladder, a 12 foot tunnel (crawl space only), and then another 60 foot climb on ladders and stone steps.  Once you arrive you’ll be in a small ruin nestled in a cliff with a wall that was created to prevent anyone or thing from falling below.  This is Balcony House, one of the treasures of ancient Puebloan life.

These two trails are by no means indicative of all the trails in Mesa Verde National Park.  There are shorter, easier hikes as well as numerous drives to overlooks where the views are spectacular.

The park is open year round and is ideal during summer, fall, and spring.  Winter conditions can be challenging, with up to 3 feet of snow.  For more information, contact: 970-529-4465.

How to get there:
Near to Cortez and Durango, Colorado as well as Farminton, New Mexico.  From Cortez drive one hour east on Highway 160.  From Durango drive one hour and a half west on Highway 160.

Rocky Mountain National Park
Just two hours by car from Denver, this beautiful 265,765 acre park with peaks reaching more than 14,000 feet high, wildflower meadows, forests, lakes, and wildlife galore, stretches 415 miles across the Colorado Rockies.  Reachable by Trail Ridge Road, one of the most astounding drives in North America, you will be driving across the Continental Divide reaching from Estes Park to the east and Grand Lake to the west.  Trail Ridge Road, built between 1929 and 1932, rises more than 11,000 above sea level for eight miles and offers some of the most magnificent vistas imaginable.

Hike one of the more than 60 miles of exhilarating trails through the park where you can see bighorn sheep and elk as well as a wide range of other types of wildlife.  There are many guided tours, but if you want to just enjoy the freedom of big wilderness country, I suggest you get on a horse, take out your snowshoes or cross country skis, or take a boat out for a day of luxurious fishing.  The park is open 24 hours a day all year round.

Through there is no lodging inside the park, there are many possibilities for overnight stays outside.  You can pick from top shelf resorts, hotels, motels, B&Bs, lodges, cabins, campgrounds, and RV parks to enjoy days and days of exploration.  Campers can make reservations up to five months in advance at Moraine Park and Glacier Basin. Camping at Aspenglen, Longs Peak, and Timber Creek is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For information on camping, contact: 800-365-2267
Visitor information:  970-586-1319

How to get there:
Located in north-central Colorado, you can take US 34 and US 36 through Estes Park from the east, and I 70 and US 40 to US 34 through Granby and Grande Lake from the west.

Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
Along the banks of Big Sandy Creek in southeastern Colorado, this interesting site is on 920 acres of authorized land, with the remainder owned privately and by the state.  The site got its name from a shameful, bloody massacre lead by Colonel John M. Chivington on November 29, 1864.  He led a large number of soldiers to a village of approximately 500 Arapaho and Cheyenne who were camped peacefully along the banks of Big Sandy Creek.  Assuming they were under the protection of the U.S. Army, the tribes were unprepared for the attack where more than 150 people, mainly women, children, and the elderly, were brutally murdered.  The massacre was eventually condemned after three Federal investigations, but the harm had been done.

The site is currently waiting for authorization to open, pending the acquisition of enough land for preservation, interpretation, and commemoration of the massacre.  In tandem with The Conservation Fund, the State of Colorado, and the Arapaho and Cheyenne tribes, the National Preservation Society is working towards establishing the site as official.

Yucca House National Monument
On a mere 34 acres, this monument is easily found at just 15 miles south of Cortez, Colorado off US 666.  Here you will see the unexcavated ruins of prehistoric Indian pueblos.  Because of the large size and amount of mounds, archeologists assume that the area will ultimately reveal a great deal of information about the life and times of these people.  The site achieved its name due to the Indians who lived in the Montezuma Valley calling what is now Sleeping Ute Mountain by a native name meaning yucca because of the abundance of these plants in the area.

Though there are no visitor services, you can hike here at any time of year.

For more information, contact:  970-529-4465

Related posts:

• Colorado National Monument Establishe
• Great Sand Dunes National Monument Nestled in
• The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve by Michele

With millions of tourists coming to the Colorado Rockies every year, the parks can often be more for people-watching than anything else.  Here at rockies.com, we’ve discovered ten parks that are slightly off the radar, where you can enjoy some privacy and tranquility while enjoying all that nature has to offer.

Northeast

North Sterling State Park

Cool off in this 3,000 acre aquatic park where you will find North Sterling Reservoir, one of the largest bodies of water in the area.  With its many coves, you can cool off on a hot summer day in the privacy of your own little world.  There are six miles of beautiful hiking trails where you can picnic overlooking the eastern plains as well as the reservoir, or pick a place for beautiful overnights under the stars in one of the 141 campsites located throughout the park.  Take your tent, your trailer, or your RV and revel in this oasis where you will be far from usual crowds.

Nearest town: Sterling

Rifle Falls State Park

Here you will find an astounding waterfall splitting into three rushing cascades that plummet over the rocks and vegetation.  Take a hike to the top of the falls or past the limestone caves covered with organic artwork of filigree limestone designs.  The lush terrain comes alive with birdsong, proving the visitor with a sense of walking through a magical garden.  With seven walk-in and 12 drive-in campsites, you can enjoy a peaceful stay in this under-populated paradise.

Nearest town:  Rifle

Yampa River State Park

With millions of tourists coming to the Colorado Rockies every year, the parks can often be more for people-watching than anything else.  Here at rockies.com, we’ve discovered ten parks that are slightly off the radar, where you can enjoy some privacy and tranquility while enjoying all that nature has to offer.

Nearest town: Craig

Denver Area

Castelwood Canyon State Park

Rock climbers in the know come to this magnificent park to scale the sharply ascending rock faces that invite only the experienced.  For mere mortals, hiking through the area is ideal, especially the two-mile long Inner Canyon Trail where you will see the remains of the Castlewood Dam.  Built to hold the Cherry Creek waters, the dam collapsed in 1933 and is now known as an authentic 20th century ruin.  Come during the spring months to experience the magnificent wildflowers that grow freely throughout the park.  The park is for day-use only as there is no camping permitted.

Nearest town: Castle Rock

Roxborough State Park

Another day-use park only, this exquisitely peaceful park so close to Denver is an ideal spot to take in nature at its best.  With its grassy meadows, its red rock outcroppings, its thickets and clearings, Roxborough is ideal for catching glimpses of grazing deer and elk.  Friendly to visitors with special needs, you can take the motor shuttle on a 2.3 mile ride around Fountain Valley Trail to see the amazing rock formations there.

Nearest town: Denver

Southeast

John Martin Reservoir State Park
For anglers, this is paradise, for here you will find walleye, saugeye, bass, wiper, catfish, crappie, and perch just waiting to be caught.  It is paradise for birdwatchers too, as the skies offer sights of a wide range of native and migratory birds.  Pitch a tent or bring your RV and camp out under the Colorado sky while you spend some of the best Colorado Rockies vacation days you can possibly have.

Nearest town: Las Animas

Lathrop State Park
With a view of the Spanish Peaks Mountain Range as well as Martin Lake and Horseshoe Lake, you are right in the middle of big nature.  Anglers can enjoy the great fishing opportunities, with trophy-winning catches available in each lake (like the 25 pound muskie one visitor was lucky enough to nab!)  Take a boat for a tranquil afternoon on the water, or pull out your golf clubs for a day on the nine-hole course.  There are 100 sites for camping, so plan your vacation travel for some overnights.

Nearest town: Walsenburg

Southwest
Ridgeway State Park
There are 1,000 acres of water in this park, and it is here that you can participate in a unique sport uncommon in Colorado: scuba diving!  Stop at the marina where you can rent or buy anything you need for a beautiful vacation on the water. With modern facilities and ample camping opportunities, the park is extremely user-friendly, with attention for those with special needs.  If a tent is not your cup of tea, rent a yurt – a teepee-type structure that includes a door, bunk beds, and a wooden floor.

Nearest town: Ridgeway

Sweitzer Lake State Park
Waterskiing is one of the popular sports in this water vacation spot.  With its sandy beaches, its beautiful views of the reservoir, and sunshine-filled days, this is the perfect park for family travel. Though camping is not permitted, there is plenty to do by day, including fishing where you will find a plethora of bluegill, catfish, and carp for a fun-filled time of catch and release.

Nearest town: Delta

Front Range
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Panorama Point, located inside this magnificent park, lives up to its name by offering stunning views of the surrounding terrain.  With 12,000 acres of land, you can horseback ride, hike, and fish in one of the most ample parks in the Colorado Rockies.  Come during the autumn months and you will see a golden-covered landscape as the aspens turn their colors.  With over 150 camping spots, you will be happy to spend your vacation time in this fulfilling and still under populated Colorado Rockies park.

Nearest town:  Black Hawk

Related posts:

• RVing Through the Colorado Rockies Front Range by Michele
• RVing Through the Northeast Colorado Rockies by Michele
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Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway
Beginning and End Points: Trinidad, Lamar
Points of interest: Trinidad, Trinidad State Park, Comanche National Grassland, Fort Carson, La Junta, Rocky Ford, Bent’s Old Fort, Las Animas, John Martin Reservoir State Park, Lamar
Distance one way: 188 miles
Estimated driving time: 4 hours

Trinidad
A lovely ranching and faming town, be sure to visit the Baca House, the Bloom Mansion, and the Santa Fe Trail Museum to learn about the roots of the area and how it served as an important stop for pioneers coming through the Santa Fe Trail.  Trinidad State Park, located along the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, is a beautiful park to explore with its plains and expansive views of the Colorado Rockies.  Within the park you will find Trinidad Lake with its abundant brown and rainbow trout, largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill, catfish, and wipers.  Be sure to take your fishing gear to enjoy a day on this serene lake where there are boat launches for easy debarkation.  You will find many electrical hookups in the park, but none for water.  Showers, however, are available.

Comanche National Grassland
Look up and you will see hawks riding the airstreams looking for their daily meal.  Look elsewhere and you may catch sight of pronghorn antelope and colored pheasants covering these sweeping grasslands.  With many trails to follow, especially for those with ATVs or OHVs, you can find yourself deep in prairie land, exploring areas that have remained the same since the first pioneers traversed the region.  There is primitive camping in the grassland, but no RV hookups.  Picnic stops such as the Picture Canyon Picnic Area and the special-needs friendly Vogel Canyon Picnic Area are musts when you are ready to stop for refreshments in this magnificent open air setting.

Fort Carson
At this famous tank-maneuvering training ground, you will find an American tank with its turret pointed over the plains.  Take your camera for an unusual photograph to bring back to the folks at home.

La Junta
Located in the northeast region of Comanche National Grassland where the Santa Fe Scenic and Historic Byway leads away from Highway 30 to Highway 50, this town makes a lovely vacation stop.  Here you will find two special museums that provide interesting background on the history of the area, the Koshare Indian Museum, and the Otero Museum.

Rocky Ford
Ten miles northwest of La Junta on Highway 50 lies this fabulous agricultural market town where you can find some of the best produce in all of Colorado.  Stock up at some of the many roadside stands where you can enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables galore.

Bent’s Old Fort
As you make your way east on Highway 50, make a stop at Bent’s Old Fort where you will be entertained by costumed actors who will accompany you on your tour.  Here you will learn all about how relations between settlers and the Plains Indians were maintained during the early days.  The parking lot here is more than ample for large RVs.

Las Animas
With its strong agricultural roots, this small town rests on the western side of John Martin Reservoir where the Arkansas River flows to the north.  Don’t forget to stop at the Kit Carson Museum, a great place to learn about the area’s history.

John Martin Reservoir State Park
With approximately 2,000 acres of water, this state park is a must for anglers and boaters.  There are 213 campsites here, many of which have electrical and water hookups all year round.

Lamar
Stop in at the Colorado Welcome Center here to see this historic building that was once a train depot.  Here you can pick up all the information you need on the area, in pamphlet form or by asking the knowledgeable staff any question you may have.  Right outside you will see a huge steam locomotive, something as hard to miss as the giant windmill blade facing the main road.

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Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic and Historic Byway
Beginning and End Points: Cumbres Pass, Alamosa
Points of interest: Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railway, San Luis, Fort Garland, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, San Luis State Park, Alamosa
Distance one way: 129 miles
Estimated driving time: 3 hours

Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railway
As the highest and longest narrow gauge railway, the steam locomotive is owned by both Colorado and New Mexico.  Going across state borders on its 64 mile one-way route, the train takes you through a landscape that turns from open tundra to the ridges of the Rockies.  Follow the track from Antonito, Colorado to Champa, New Mexico to experience the thrill of the ride.

San Luis
This is Colorado’s oldest town, founded by mostly Hispanic families in 1851.  Visit the Stations of the Cross where Christ’s crucifixion is represented in strikingly beautiful bronze sculptures along a walking path located on a mesa nearby.

Fort Garland
Built in 1858, this fort included an infantry and cavalry that amounted to more than 100 soldiers designed to protect settlers in the San Luis Valley against the Ute Indians who had lived in the area for centuries.  The Buffalo Soldiers, the black troops who protected the region after the Civil War, as well as Kit Carson, add to the fame of the Fort, which has been renovated as a living museum.  Take a self-guided tour to see the room used by Kit Carson during his days of command and take in the beautiful Hispanic folk art that is displayed throughout the museum.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
At 750 feet high, the Great Sand Dunes are the highest dunes in North America, and a phenomenon to behold.  With their changing shapes due to the high winds, they are located in the San Luis Valley, along with the National Park and Preserve.  Home to herds of pronghorn antelope, mule deer, elk, and bison, the area also boasts fox, coyote, black bear, and mountain lions.  Park your RV and you might find yourself face to face with one of these beautiful beasts.  Not to worry, they are curious but not so much that they would not prefer to be on their merry way after a moment of salutation.

For those with special needs, the park offers special designed, dune-friendly wheelchairs complete with oversize tires that make navigating over the dunes a breeze – provided the person pushing you is up to the task.

Though there are no water or electrical hookups, the area has several RV sites.  Make sure you check into the height of some of the turns within the campgrounds, as they are not all sufficient to handle more than 32 feet.  Make a stop at the ranger station at the entrance to the dunes to get information on private RV campgrounds in the area.

San Luis State Park
This park comes with electrical hookups, and as the park is only 15 miles from the entrance to the Great Sand Dunes National Park, many RVers prefer to park here for their overnights.  With a wide boat ramp and all year round trout fishing, San Luis State Park is a favorite with anglers and boaters worldwide.  Try to take a stroll around sunrise or sunset to make the most of the desert landscape with the sun reflecting its golden red colors all about.  Hiking inside the park is easy as most of the land is flat, making the area ideal for special needs visitors.

Alamosa
This former railroad town is now a serene ranching and farming community that boasts a wonderful 18 hole golf course and other attractions such as the alligator farm in Mosca.  There are several year-round RV parks in Alamosa, making the area ideal for use as a base when sightseeing in the Great Sand Dunes National Park, San Luis State Park, Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge, and the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge.  Have your camera ready to catch photos of the prevalent red-tailed hawk, pronghorn antelope, and the sandhill cranes that flock during the spring months.

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Dinosaur Diamond Scenic and Historic Byway
Beginning and End Points: Grand Junction, Dinosaur
Points of interest: Grand Junction, Colorado National Monument, Fruita, Highline Lake State Park, Canyon Pintado, Donosaur, Dinosaur National Monument
Distance one way: 134 miles
Estimated driving time: 4 hours

Grand Junction
Otherwise known as the Grand Valley, this beautiful area is the center of Colorado wine country.  With many vineyards gracing the landscape, be sure to visit one of the local vintners who will be happy to invite you to a tasting.  There are plenty of RV sites in towns with full hookups.

Colorado National Monument
Grand Junction provides the southern entrance to Colorado National Monument where you will find Rim Rock Road, an ideal route to follow for amazing vistas during sunrise or sunset.  Be sure your RV fits through the rock tunnel along the way as it is only 16 feet high.

Fruita
Northwest of Grand Junction lies the town of Fruita, which is also the exit point of Colorado National Monument if you came in through the southern entranceway.  With many trails running throughout the backcountry areas, Fruita is a favorite with mountain bikers.  RVers can find a resting point in town if you’re in the mood for a stay.  And while you’re in the area, take a stop at the Colorado Welcome Center at Fruita.  Here you can find information on the area along with a knowledgeable staff who are ready to answer any question.  Be sure to pick up a free Official State Vacation Guide along with a state map.

Highline Lake State Park
There are many campsites here that are RV friendly, even if there is a lack of water and no electrical hookups.  There is, however a dump station.  With two lakes that more than make up for the missing amenities, you can take an afternoon to fish on Mack Mesa Lake with its abundance of rainbow trout.  Highline Lake is another great destination for an afternoon of speed boating, if that’s your preference.  If you’re traveling during the winter, make sure to bring your binoculars as migrating waterfowl are in abundance in this beautiful Colorado locale.

Canyon Pintado
Located in the Douglas Creek Valley, the Canyon Pintado is known for its sandstone walls that hold more than 200 sections of artwork etched into their surfaces.  Fifty of these sections have been interpreted, with 18 of the panels providing the best illustration of how the inhabitants lived during Puebloan times.  Drive along Highway 139 between Rangely and Fruita to arrive at the canyon where you will want to spend some time soaking in the history.

Dinosaur
Fossil fields rich with treasure have made this area famous with those who are interested in relics from the great past.  Here you will find dinosaur sculptures and a town that is rife with dinosaur references.  Take a moment to visit the Welcome Center at Dinosaur where you can obtain up-to-date information on all things prehistoric.

Dinosaur National Monument
Within the park you will find the majestic Yampa and Green rivers along with the sandstone cliffs that border them.  Geology hunts, hiking, fishing, and rafting are all popular activities and a driving tour is essential for appreciating the ancient rock art and fossils that abound.  Though there are no hookups for electricity or water, there are many campgrounds that are otherwise ideal for RV travelers.

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Pawnee Pioneer Trails Scenic and Historic Byway
Beginning and End Points: Ault, Fort Morgan, Sterling
Points of interest: Ault, Pawnee National Grassland, Pawnee Buttes, Fort Morgan, Sterling
Distance one way: 128 miles
Estimated driving time: 3 hours

Ault
Entering the Pawnee Pioneer Trails Scenic and Historic Byway from the west, you will come upon the quaint town of Ault.  With its charming building facades that speak of times gone by, you can enjoy the sensation of a truly agrarian town that keeps close to its early roots.

Pawnee National Grassland
As one of the most traveled routes during the great pioneer treks across the plains, the Overland Trail still holds vestiges of its past as seen in the wagon ruts visible along most of the prairie.  Off road, you will see paths where juniper trees have taken root in the indented areas where the wagon wheels once traversed the land, carving parallel lines into the pristine landscape.  Do be sure to take your eyes off the road occasionally to see the abundance of wildlife in the area.  Hawks and pronghorn antelope are among some of the most visible, so have your camera ready at hand.

Pawnee Buttes
Rising up from the plains are sandstone structures known as the Pawnee Buttes.  Standing at 5,500 feet above sea level, the pinnacles create a startling backdrop as they jut straight out of the stark landscape.  Take a 1.5 mile hiking trail that begins at the parking lot to Lips Bluff and West Butte for an amazing view.  (East Butte is inaccessible as it stands on private property.)  The area is known for fossils, especially vertebrate fossils with over 100 species having been located in the area.  Make sure you look up to see the many hawks, falcons, and swallows soaring over the cliffs as they make their way to their nests.

Fort Morgan
With its agricultural, military, and industrial past, this area is a great vacation highlight for the whole family.  Visit the Rainbow Arch Bridge which forms an entry point to the Pawnee Trails scenic Byway and out into the Pawnee National Grassland.  The Fort Morgan Museum contains a large amount of information on the history of the region, with an excellent display of memorabilia from the town’s famous former resident, the one and only big band leader, Glenn Miller.

Sterling
As the largest city in the region, Sterling provides the vacation traveler with much to explore.  Take some time in the Overland Trail Museum where you will learn about the history of the town along with visiting an old-time schoolhouse.  Take time to stroll about Columbine Park where you can see trees that have been sculpted into such shapes as a herd of giraffes, a golfer, and a mermaid!

North Sterling State Park
Bring along your fishing gear when you visit this area, which includes Prewitt Reservoir.  With bass, muskie, and walleye populating the waters, you will have your days full of some of the best angling in Colorado.  The park has close to 100 campsites for RVs, including hookups for electricity and water.  With no city lights to compete with the darkness, make sure you look to skies where the stargazing is at its best.

Editor’s Note:  Many areas along this road are packed dirt, which can become dangerous during rainy or snowy conditions.

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Trail Ridge Road Scenic and Historic Byway
Beginning and End Points: Estes Park, Grand Lake
Points of interest: Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake
Distance one way: 48 miles
Estimated driving time: 2 hours

Estes Park
This beautiful alpine town that functions as the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park shines all year round with its verdant spring and summer vistas and its startlingly golden autumns.  Take a stroll down Elkhorn Avenue where you can shop in the many stores for gift buying for the folks back home.  There are several RV and camping areas in or around the town, some with full hookups to make your stay all the more comfortable.

Rocky Mountain National Park
This is the highest continuously paved road in North America with some of the most amazing views of the Colorado landscape that one can find.  Take to the trails to enjoy a true backcountry experience as you tread the same land as the local elk, mule deer, foxes, and other wildlife that inhabit the region.  Make sure you have your camera ready to shoot the herds of bighorn sheep, especially during the autumn months when they come to mate.  Drive through the majestic granite cliffs that define the Rockies in this area, and enjoy the landscape of high-altitude tundra and brush that give this area so much character.  There are several camping sites within the park, but none of them have hookups for water or electricity.

Grand Lake
As the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, the town of Grand Lake attracts many vacation visitors who come to enjoy the many outdoor activities that the high-altitude lake allows.  During the summer, the town holds the Lipton Cup Races as well as the Grand Lake Regatta, known for being the highest altitude regatta in the United States.

Editor’s Note:  Trail Ridge Road Scenic and Historic Byway is closed from mid-October to Memorial day due to changeable weather conditions, so plan your vacation accordingly.

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The 1,450 mile long Colorado River is rich with stories of the Native Americans as well as early western pioneers, prospectors, and miners seeking their fortunes throughout the west.  With its red silt banks, this majestic river was named Colorado by Spanish settlers, who commemorated the river by calling it “colored red.”  Running from Rocky Mountain National Park to Glenwood Springs, the history that goes along with this body of water commemorates the origins of the state with all of its varied lore.

Starting at the headwaters, the Colorado River begins its journey just west of the Continental Divide at 9,010 feet above seal level.  It continues through Utah and the Grand Canyon in Arizona, over the Hoover Dam in Nevada, and across the farmlands of California before emptying into the Pacific Ocean just off the coast of Mexico.

Beginning in Colorado, this great river wends its way to the first of many dams at Grand Lake, a lovely reservoir nestled in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.  It then spills into Granby Lake, a favorite haunt for hikers, boaters, and picnickers during the summer and snow lovers in the winter.  Both Grand Lake and Granby Lake are located along Trail Ridge Road Scenic and Historic Byway, North America’s highest continuous paved road.

Flowing west, the Colorado River reveals itself once again upon arrival in the historic town of Glenwood Springs off I-70.  As you go past the Continental Divide, the river appears on your left, snaking through canyons and on into the town where the Roaring Fork River merges with its peripatetic waters.

If you are visiting the beautiful town of Grand Junction, with its ridged mesas and triangular mountains framing vineyards and orchards, you will see the Colorado River just past the town’s center.  Here the canyons of the Grand Valley flank the flowing waters of this river that continues on to its ultimate destination.

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