Colorado National Parks

Colorado is known for the magnificent Rocky Mountains, with towering trees, beautiful aspens, unbelievable elevations, canyons, monoliths and panoramic views to take one's breath away. The history of this state traces back the millennia to ancient cultures, explorers, pioneers and homesteaders seeking a new way of life. History is everywhere you look, from archeological discoveries to the Spanish explorers, the Old West, gold miners, ranchers and the trappers who traversed this vast expanse of land. Colorado is filled with National Forests, Grasslands, Wildlife Refugees, Parks and Monuments; as well as numerous State Wildlife Areas and Parks. This amazing state offers the visitor an abundance of recreational activities to please both winter and summer enthusiasts. Interested in fossils? Visit Dinosaur National Monument where the dinosaurs once roamed. Interested in archeology? Native American History? The Ancient Puebloans? All of this can be found in Colorado with sublime scenery wherever you look. Take a Scenic or Historic Byway to see history unfold while you explore and enjoy the recreational activities along your route. Traveling with children? Denver offers a cornucopia of children's activities from their large aquarium to discovery museums and a zoo. There is also a wildlife refuge near Denver. Looking for night life? Denver is a cosmopolitan city, or visit the Four Corners Region for casinos, dining and more. The Aspen Filmfest and the Telluride Film Festival both draw international visitors; while the Cowboy Poetry Gathering rivals the film industry with its salute to the Old West. Colorado has its share of ghost towns, dude ranches, mining towns and even a town called the "Switzerland of America" surrounded by the towering Rocky Mountain peaks, evergreens and a mineral spring. Colorado has many mineral springs; one of these drew the infamous Doc Holiday to its waters in 1887. Tour the train museums; some trace the history of scenic trains as well as the history of the railroad. Or visit Pike's Peak, or take the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to explore a mining town or to visit the wilderness areas. This steam powered train goes through sections of the San Juan National Forest that cars cannot traverse; the scenic wonder of this ride through these untouched areas of wilderness are breathtaking. For the history enthusiast be certain to stop at the Black American West Museum where you will learn about the Black ranchers and cowboys who helped to build the West. Almost one-third of the cowboys were of Black African descent. And a visit to Canyon Pintado "Painted Canyon" offers Indian rock art where the cultural history of Native Americans can be explored.

There are 8 locations in this list of national parks, monuments and memorials. Scroll down to see their locations on a map.

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