Colorado National Park Guide: The Best Tips for Travel

Colorado national parks are known for their diversity, natural beauty and recreational opportunities. From the alpine peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park to the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde, Colorado’s learning and discovery opportunities are endless. Some of the best national parks in Colorado offer unrivaled outdoor adventures, from mountainous treks to river rafting and fishing.

At Road Scholar, we’re committed to offering accessible experiential learning programs that immerse you in any destination you choose, including our tours of national parks in Colorado. With expert instructors and a diverse cohort of like-minded learners, you’ll leave your trip with lifelong memories and friendships.

However, no matter the park you choose to adventure in, it’s important to be prepared. Below, you’ll find an in-depth Colorado national parks itinerary and a list of Colorado national park travel tips and information on the best time to visit Colorado national parks, so you can make the most out of your visit.

Featured National Parks

Before diving into the travel tips for Colorado national parks, it’s essential to be informed about Colorado’s national parks and monuments. So, what national parks are in Colorado? Below, you’ll find your guide to Colorado’s national parks, where you can learn more about the history, geography, wildlife, and more before embarking on your outdoor adventure.

1. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

In Western Colorado, you’ll find Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. This national park was formed over 2 million years, with the Gunnison River carving its way through Precambrian rock to create a massive gorge with steep cliffs and breathtaking spires. In this park, you can spot wildlife such as deer, elk, and golden eagles.

2. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

As you make your way to Southern Colorado, you’ll come across Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, home to North America’s largest dunes, such as Star Dune and Medano Dune. A diversified landscape of grasslands, wetlands, woods, alpine lakes, and tundra can also be found in this park.

3. Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park resides in Southwestern Colorado and is known for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, such as the Cliff Palace. Mesa Verde is also home to more than a thousand species, with several only found in this national park. When exploring Mesa Verde, you can take in incredible vistas, learn about the Ancestral Pueblo people, and walk on the mesas and along the cliffs of this nationally protected area.

4. Rocky Mountain National Park

Along the Continental Divide, you’ll find Rocky National Park. In this park, you can drive along the famous Trail Ridge Road and the Old Fall River Road, climb up the Keyhole Route, and reach the top of Longs Peak, the park’s tallest peak. Rocky Mountain National Park also has three unique environments, including the meadows found in the montane life zone, the subalpine zone with crystal clear lakes, and the alpine zone with steep mountains.

Tips for Planning Your Trip

Now that you know more about Colorado National Parks, it’s time to prepare for your adventure. As you get ready to pack your bags, consider these tips:

Best Time of Year to Visit

When’s the best time to visit Colorado national parks? The ideal time to visit one of Colorado’s beautiful parks depends on personal preferences and interests, as each season offers something spectacular for visitors.

Summer: If you’re looking for warm weather suitable for hiking, summer is your best bet. It provides pristine weather with less precipitation than other seasons, allowing you to wear lighter layers without the fear of getting stuck in a storm. However, Colorado summers bring large troves of tourists, making its national parks crowded.

Spring and Fall: If you want to enjoy the views without the crowds, consider visiting in the fall or spring. With students back in school and cooler temperatures, these seasons offer a quieter experience.

Winter: For some adventurers, winter is the best time to visit. It brings unrivaled beauty and quietness, with stunning vistas of snowy landscapes in complete silence. However, be aware that some parks might have road closures due to snow, which could limit your exploration.

Each park in Colorado has its own best times to visit:

• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: April through November are the best times to visit, as the South Rim Road is open and the weather is pleasant.

• Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve: Visit during the late spring or early fall to avoid the hot summer temperatures and crowds.

• Mesa Verde National Park: Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.

• Rocky Mountain National Park: Explore during the summer when most of the snow is melted, and the trails are open.

In summary, whether you seek warm weather, fewer crowds, or serene winter landscapes, Colorado’s national parks offer something special throughout the year.

Closest Airports

Now that you know the best time of year to visit the Colorado National Park of your choice, it’s time to book your flight. These are the closest airports to each of Colorado's four national parks:

• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Montrose Regional Airport

• Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve: San Luis Valley Regional Airport

• Mesa Verde National Park: Cortez Municipal Airport

• Rocky Mountain National Park: Denver International Airport

It’s important to note most of these airports are smaller regional airports, which can make finding flights more challenging. Denver International Airport is the largest in the state and offers the most accommodations, so flying to Denver and booking a rental car can be another option.

Lodging

With your flight booked the exciting part is finding a place to stay. You can start by looking for rental homes through sites like Airbnb and VRBO or consider one of these hotels:

• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: The Lodge at Needle Rock

• Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve: Zapata Ranch

• Mesa Verde National Park: Far View Lodge

• Rocky Mountain National Park: The Stanley Hotel

Dining Options

When exploring Colorado national parks, staying fueled and hydrated is a must. Fortunately, all of the national parks in Colorado have several dining options to choose from. Take a look:

• Rocky Mountain National Park: Located near the Alpine Visitor Center, Trail Ridge Store and Cafe is a convenient spot for a quick bite with stunning mountain views. Additionally, several nearby towns, such as Estes Park and Grand Lake, have several restaurants, grocery stores and cafes offering a variety of cuisines.
• Mesa Verde National Park: In Mesa Verde, you can stop by the Far View Lodge to dine at the Metate Room, which offers fine dining with a menu featuring southwestern cuisine. You can also visit the Far View Terrace Cafe or Spruce Tree Terrace cafe for snacks, sandwiches, salads, beverages and hot meals.
• Great Sand Dunes National Park: Here, the Oasis Restaurant and Store offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a menu featuring burgers and sandwiches, as well as a store with groceries, camping supplies and souvenirs.
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: While the park does not have on-site restaurants or stores, visitors can find restaurants and grocery stores in the nearby towns of Montrose and Gunnison.

Visitor Centers

When looking at a map of Colorado with national parks, you’ll notice each has visitor centers that offer travelers invaluable information on each park’s top attractions, trails, weather conditions, safety considerations and more. Take a look at the visitor centers at all of the national parks in Colorado:

• Rocky Mountain National Park: Home to four visitor centers, you can find Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on the east side of the park, Fall River Visitor Center located near the Fall River entrance, Alpine Visitor Center at the highest point on Trail Ridge Road and Kawuneeche Visitor Center near the Grand Lake entrance. Each visitor center features exhibits, an information desk and other amenities like bookstores or snack and beverage areas.
• Mesa Verde National Park: Find the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center at the park’s entrance, with exhibits, information and a park film.
• Great Sand Dunes National Park: The Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center is located at the park’s entrance and features interactive exhibits, a park film, an information desk and a bookstore.
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: The South Rim Visitor Center offers exhibits on the canyon’s geology, wildlife and history, as well as an information desk, park film and a bookstore. Visitors can also stop by the North Rim Ranger Station, which offers park information and maps, but has more limited services compared to the South Rim Visitor Center.

Permits and Passes

Colorado National Parks have requirements regarding permits and passes for entrance and activities such as camping.

• Rocky Mountain National Park fees: $35 for a 7-Day Vehicle Entrance Pass, $15 per person
• Mesa Verde National Park fees: $30 for a 7-Day Vehicle Entrance Pass, $15 per person
• Great Sand Dunes National Park fees: $25 for a Private Vehicle Entrance Pass, $15 per person
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison fees: $30 for a 7-Day Vehicle Entrance Pass, $15 per person

Wildlife and Nature Viewing

What makes Colorado national parks so special are their wildlife and nature viewing opportunities. Here’s what you can discover on your excursions to national parks in Colorado:

• Rocky Mountain National Park: Find mammals like elk, moose, mule deer, black bears, bighorn sheep and coyotes, as well as over 280 species of birds like eagles, hawks and peregrine falcons. Rocky Mountain National Park also features montane forests in lower elevations, alpine tundra above the treeline, as well as several lakes and rivers. We also can’t forget the 60+ peaks towering over 12,000 feet.
• Mesa Verde National Park: In this terrain, visitors can spot mammals like mountain lions, bobcats, cottontail rabbits and reptiles like lizards and amphibians like the canyon tree frog. As for nature, the park features a mix of pinyon-juniper woodlands, grasses and sagebrush that spread across mesas and steep canyons.
• Great Sand Dunes National Park: The challenging terrain is home to mule deer, pocket gophers and kangaroo rats, along with invertebrates like the Great Sand Dunes tiger beetle. The park contains the tallest dunes in North America, along with wetlands, creeks, mountains and grasslands.
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison: Animals you can spot include mountain lions, black bears, coyotes and birds like golden eagles, red-tailed hawks and various waterfowl. The park’s geography consists of its defining feature, the Black Canyon and canyon rims lined with flora like oak brush and pinyon pine.

Safety and Leave-No-Trace Practices

When exploring these parks, it’s crucial to respect nature and wildlife by staying on designated trails, leaving no traces and maintaining safe distances from animals to avoid safety hazards. Additionally, due to terrain, climate and varying altitudes throughout these parks, staying hydrated and fueled is paramount to ensuring a safe and comfortable exploration. By keeping safety top of mind and following leave-no-trace practices, you can minimize the environmental impact of your adventure and preserve the natural beauty of the parks while remaining safe.

What Do I Need to Know Before Going to a Colorado National Park?

The last set of Colorado national parks travel tips is knowing how to prepare. No matter the national park you choose to visit, it’s always important to keep these rules in mind:

• Respect the environment by staying on designated trails and cleaning up after yourself

• Watch wildlife from afar

• Pack layers, as this can allow you to dress up or down depending on the weather

• Bring snacks and hydration to ensure you’re fueled for your adventure

• Pack a camera to document your journey

• Pack safety supplies such as bandages and sunscreen
• Enjoy your time

Review our national parks travel guide for a complete understanding of how to make the most out of your trip.

When Should I Visit Colorado National Parks?

When’s the best time to visit Colorado national parks? The time you visit one of Colorado’s beautiful parks depends on personal preferences and interests, as each time of year offers something spectacular for visitors. For example, summer is your best bet if you’re looking for warm weather suitable for hiking. The summer provides pristine weather with less precipitation than other seasons throughout the year, allowing you to wear lighter layers without the fear of getting stuck in a storm.

However, Colorado summers bring large troves of tourists, which can make its national parks crowded. If you’re interested in taking in the views one of Colorado’s national parks has to offer without people in your way, you might want to consider the fall or spring. Students are back in school, and cooler temperatures keep people at home.

But, the best time to visit Colorado national parks for some adventurers might be the winter. The winter brings unrivaled beauty and quietness, where you can take in stunning vistas of snowy landscapes in complete silence. However, some parks might have road closures in the winter due to snow, which is a factor to keep in mind if you’re looking to explore a park in its entirety.

What Is the Best National Park in Colorado to Visit?

The best national park in Colorado to visit depends on your interests. The most visited Colorado national park is Rocky Mountain National Park, while the least visited is the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Each park offers its unique features, history, and attractions. With this Colorado national park guide, you’ll be able to learn about each park and which ones pique your interest.

How to Plan Your Time

Now that you know about Colorado national parks travel tips, it’s time to put them into action by creating a plan to visit them. Here, you’ll find our complete Colorado national parks itinerary that you can follow when exploring all four of Colorado’s national parks. With a route in place and suggested attractions to visit, you’ll be able to make the most out of your Colorado adventure. Here’s your guide to Colorado national parks and how to plan your time.

• Day 1 - Denver: To start your trip, it’s best to fly into Denver. As an international hub, most cities offer direct flights or flights with one layover that can bring you to Colorado’s capital city. After landing, you can pick up your rental car, explore the city, and find lodging in its historic downtown.
• Day 2 - Rocky Mountains National Park: The drive from Denver to Rock Mountains National Park is about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Along the way, you’ll drive through cities like Boulder and Altona, which are unique mountain towns with stunning vistas. Upon arrival, you can take a short day hike, such as the Alberta Falls Hike or Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes Hike. Then, you can check into the Stanley Hotel to rest up for your next day of adventure.
• Day 3 - Rock Mountains National Park: To catch the sunrise, you can wake up early and hike to Sprague Lake. Then, you can visit the Alpine Visitor Center for park information, souvenirs, and history of the park. To complete your afternoon, head over to Kawuneeche Valley to spot wildlife and end your day stargazing along Trail Ridge Road.
• Day 4 - Black Canyon of the Gunnison: One of the longest legs of the trip is getting from Rocky Mountain National Park to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, which takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes. If you want to break up this leg, you can stop in Breckenridge or Grand Junction. Upon arrival, you can check into The Lodge at Needle Rock.
• Day 5 - Black Canyon of the Gunnison: Start your day by visiting the South Rim Visitor Center. Then, drive along Rim Drive Road and stop at viewpoints like Painted Wall View and Devil’s Lookout. From there, you can hike along Warner Point Trail to get panoramic canyon views before returning to the hotel.
• Day 6: Mesa Verde National Park: In the morning, you’ll head south and take a 3-hour and 30-minute drive to Mesa Verde National Park. Upon arrival, you can stretch your legs and walk along the Petroglyph Point Trail before checking into the Far View Lodge.
• Day 7 - Mesa Verde National Park: Start your day at the Mesa Verde Visitor & Research Center to learn about the park’s history, then visit the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum, Spruce Tree House, or both. You can finish the day driving the Cliff Palace Loop and pulling off at many of the viewpoints.
• Day 8 - Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve: To reach your final Colorado National Park, start your morning with a 4-hour drive to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Once you arrive, you can head to the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center to learn about park conditions. You can then hike the Wellington Ditch Trail, and as the dunes begin to cool in the late afternoon, you can try sandboarding or hiking along the dunes. You can end your day at the Zapata Ranch.
• Day 9 - Denver: To complete your Colorado national parks itinerary, you’ll have to drive back to Denver, which will take about 3 hours and 45 minutes. You can spend your final morning in the park exploring the dunes or make stops in Colorado City or Castle Rock.

Explore Colorado National Parks With Road Scholar

At Road Scholar, we have a variety of Colorado national park experiential learning adventures from which to choose. With tours of some of the most popular national parks, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in some of America’s most iconic parks, learning about the people, biodiversity, and environments that make up each park.

Every Road Scholar experience is led by an expert guide who will teach you about your destination’s history, traditions, and culture. Whether you’re exploring Southwest national parks or national parks in the Pacific Northwest, our educational travel programs will allow you to make memories that will last a lifetime.