Summer Activities in Colorado’s National Parks
As summer rolls in, Colorado’s national parks transform into playgrounds of adventure, offering endless opportunities to explore the great outdoors. With their diverse landscapes, ranging from towering mountains and lush forests to dramatic canyons and serene lakes, these parks provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable summer getaway. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking to conquer the peaks or a family looking to relax by the water, Colorado’s national parks have something for everyone.
In this guide, we will explore the best summer activities in some of Colorado’s most iconic national parks. From hiking and rock climbing to ATV riding and wildlife watching, we’ll cover a range of adventures that will make your summer visit truly memorable. We’ll also highlight practical tips and essential information to help you plan your trip, ensuring you make the most of your time in these natural wonders.
Hiking and Backpacking
One of the most popular summer activities in Colorado’s national parks is hiking. With hundreds of miles of trails, these parks offer routes for every skill level, from easy strolls to challenging backcountry treks.
Rocky Mountain National Park is a hiker’s paradise. The park boasts over 355 miles of hiking trails that wind through alpine meadows, dense forests, and rocky peaks. One of the most popular hikes is the Emerald Lake Trail, a moderate 3.6-mile round trip that takes you past Nymph Lake and Dream Lake before reaching the stunning Emerald Lake, nestled beneath the towering Hallett Peak. For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the Longs Peak Trail offers a strenuous 14.5-mile round trip to the summit of Longs Peak, one of Colorado’s famous “Fourteeners.”
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve offers a unique hiking experience on its vast sand dunes. The Dunes Overlook Trail provides an excellent vantage point to admire the expansive dune field. For a more adventurous trek, try hiking to the top of High Dune or, for the truly intrepid, Star Dune, the tallest dune in North America.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers dramatic hikes along the rim and into the canyon itself. The Rim Rock Nature Trail is an easy hike that offers spectacular views of the canyon, while the more challenging Gunnison Route descends into the canyon, requiring a permit and a good level of fitness.
Rock Climbing
Colorado’s rugged terrain makes it a prime destination for rock climbing enthusiasts.
Rocky Mountain National Park is renowned for its climbing routes, particularly around the Longs Peak area. The Diamond face of Longs Peak is a world-class climbing destination, attracting climbers from around the globe. Lumpy Ridge, near Estes Park, offers a variety of routes suitable for different skill levels, from beginner-friendly climbs to advanced multi-pitch routes.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its challenging climbs on the sheer, dark walls of the canyon. The park is a destination for experienced climbers, offering routes that demand technical skill and endurance. Popular climbs include the Casual Route on the North Rim and the Scenic Cruise on the South Rim.
Wildlife Watching
Summer is an excellent time for wildlife watching in Colorado’s national parks, as animals are active and often visible.
Rocky Mountain National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, moose, and black bears. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to spot these animals, particularly in areas like Moraine Park, Horseshoe Park, and the Kawuneeche Valley. The park’s diverse habitats also make it a great destination for bird watching, with over 280 recorded species.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Look for mule deer, pronghorn, and even the elusive mountain lion in the park’s diverse ecosystems, which range from wetlands and grasslands to alpine forests. The park is also home to numerous bird species, including the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher.
Mesa Verde National Park is known not only for its archaeological sites but also for its wildlife. Visitors can spot mule deer, wild turkeys, and a variety of raptors. The park’s diverse habitats, from desert scrub to pinyon-juniper woodlands, support a rich array of wildlife.
ATV Riding
For those seeking a thrilling way to explore Colorado’s national parks, ATV tours offer an exciting adventure. These off-road vehicles allow you to access remote areas and experience the rugged beauty of the parks in a unique way.
Rocky Mountain National Park may not permit ATV use within its boundaries, but the surrounding areas offer fantastic ATV riding opportunities. The nearby Roosevelt National Forest has numerous trails where you can enjoy the thrill of off-roading while taking in the stunning mountain scenery.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve offers a unique landscape for ATV enthusiasts. The adjacent Bureau of Land Management’s Medano Pass Primitive Road allows for ATV use, providing access to stunning sand dunes, alpine meadows, and the Medano Creek. This rugged route is perfect for adventurous riders looking to explore the diverse terrain of the area.
Leadville, located near several national forests and mountain ranges, is another excellent destination for ATV tours in Colorado. The area around Leadville is renowned for its scenic beauty and extensive network of trails, making it a prime spot for off-road adventures. ATV tours here often include routes through alpine forests, past historic mining sites, and up to high-altitude viewpoints with breathtaking vistas. Companies like Leadville ATV Tours offer guided tours that cater to all skill levels, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Camping and Stargazing
Camping in Colorado’s national parks allows you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of these landscapes. Many parks offer developed campgrounds as well as opportunities for backcountry camping.
Rocky Mountain National Park has several campgrounds, including Moraine Park, Glacier Basin, and Aspenglen, which provide stunning views and easy access to hiking trails. Backcountry camping is also available with a permit, offering a more secluded experience.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve offers camping at the Piñon Flats Campground, located near the dune field. The park also allows backcountry camping in designated areas, providing a unique experience of camping among the dunes.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has campgrounds on both the North and South Rims. The South Rim Campground is open year-round, while the North Rim Campground is open seasonally. Backcountry camping is also permitted in the inner canyon, requiring a free permit.
Stargazing is a highlight of any camping trip in Colorado’s national parks. The parks’ remote locations and low light pollution make them ideal for observing the night sky. During the summer, ranger-led astronomy programs are often available, providing a deeper understanding of the cosmos.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, offering exceptional stargazing opportunities. On a clear night, you can see the Milky Way stretching across the sky, along with countless stars and planets.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park also offers excellent stargazing. The park’s dark skies reveal a brilliant array of stars, and the steep canyon walls provide a dramatic backdrop for night sky photography.
River Rafting and Kayaking
Colorado’s rivers provide thrilling opportunities for water-based adventures. Whether you prefer the excitement of white-water rafting or the serenity of kayaking, there are options for all skill levels.
Dinosaur National Monument offers some of the best river rafting in the state. The Green and Yampa Rivers flow through the monument, providing challenging rapids and stunning scenery. Guided rafting trips range from half-day excursions to multi-day adventures, allowing you to explore the remote canyons and observe wildlife along the way.
Colorado River flows through several national parks, including Rocky Mountain National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Kayaking on the Colorado River offers a unique perspective of these parks, with opportunities to paddle through calm sections and navigate thrilling rapids. Guided kayaking tours are available for those who want to explore the river with the help of experienced guides.
Arkansas River, located near Great Sand Dunes National Park, is another popular destination for white-water rafting. The river offers a variety of rapids, from beginner-friendly Class II to challenging Class V sections. Rafting trips on the Arkansas River provide an exhilarating way to experience the natural beauty of Colorado’s landscapes.
Wrapping Up Your Journey
Colorado’s national parks offer a wealth of summer activities that cater to all types of adventurers. From hiking and rock climbing to ATV tours and river rafting, there’s no shortage of ways to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. Each park has its unique attractions and experiences, making it worth visiting multiple parks to fully appreciate the diversity of Colorado’s natural beauty.
In addition to the outdoor adventures, the parks provide opportunities to connect with nature, learn about the region’s history and geology, and observe wildlife in their natural habitats. Whether you’re camping under the stars, hiking to a scenic overlook, or paddling through a tranquil river, these experiences create lasting memories and foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
As you plan your summer visit to Colorado’s national parks, be sure to prepare adequately and respect the natural environment. Follow Leave No Trace principles, stay on designated trails, and be mindful of wildlife. For more information and resources on planning your trip, visit the National Park Service website and other reputable sources.
Take on an adventure that will not only thrill you but also inspire you to cherish and protect these incredible natural treasures. Colorado’s national parks await your exploration, offering a summer filled with discovery, excitement, and unforgettable moments.
