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Camping and Hiking in Colorado
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Roxborough State Park
Roxborough State Park is one of the most dramatic and beautiful
parks in the state and is best known for its magnificent
red-rock outcroppings. More than 1.2 billion years of geologic
time are represented by the spectacular rock formations found
within the park, which is located southwest of Denver.
Ecologically, the park is highly diverse as a result of its
location in a transition zone between the plains and the
mountains. The area's geological structure has resulted in
microclimates that have produced seven distinct plant
communities in a unique mixture of prairie and mountain species.
As a result, Roxborough is home to abundant wildlife, including
black bear, mountain lion and elk. The dramatic red-rock
formations and the resulting ecosystem at Roxborough State Park
are so distinct, it is the only state park designated by the
U.S. Department of the Interior as a National Natural Landmark.
It was Colorado's first state park to be designated as a State
Natural Area, and it is a National Archeological District. The
park is known for its spectacular sightseeing, tranquil
surroundings, fascinating trails and wonderful Visitor Center.
This park offers hiking, cross-country skiing and excellent
educational programs on Colorado history, geology and wildlife
watching. Fountain and Lyons rock formations with a moderate
change in elevation. This self-guided hike takes you through
some of the most magnificent land in the park. The trail winds
through several different habitats for plants and animals,
including mule deer, raccoons and coyote. You may see a golden
eagle soaring over the hogback hunting small mammals, snakes or
birds. At the top of the loop are buildings built by Henry S.
Persse at the turn of the century. Persse used Roxborough as a
summer home and hoped to develop the land into a resort. Hiking
time is approximately one and one-half to two hours. The Willow
Creek trail, which is known for its abundance of wildflowers, is
a gentle 1.25-mile loop. Explore the southern end of the park on
a moderately-difficult three-mile trail, the South Rim Loop. The
trail to Carpenter Peak is a 5.8-mile round-trip hike of
moderate-to-steep terrain. Its summit is the highest point in
the park and provides a spectacular view in all directions.
Biking, pets and horseback riding are not permitted. Join a
naturalist and hike by the light of the moon! For information
call: (303)973-3959
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Golden Gate Canyon State Park is 14,000 acres of hiking,
picnicking and camping among dense forest, rocky peaks and
aspen-filled meadows. Several ponds offer good trout fishing.
Mountain splendor awaits only 30 miles from Denver at Golden
Gate Canyon State Park! Wildflower meadows, glorious autumn
colors and a spectacular view from the famous Panorama Point of
over 100 miles of the Continental Divide make Golden Gate Canyon
State Park ideal for sightseers and photographers. Plenty of
campsites, 168 total, and miles upon miles of mountain trails
for hiking, biking and horseback riding make this gorgeous area
accessible to everyone. Golden Gate Canyon offers excellent
mountain biking, picnicking and camping. It's a great place for
young anglers, and the fall colors are breathtaking. Panorama
Point has hosted countless weddings and other special
celebrations. For information call: (303)582-3707
Lory State Park
Lory State Park offers fabulous scenery and seclusion just
minutes from Fort Collins. Lory State Park is located along the
edge of Horsetooth Reservoir in Larimer County. Extensive trails
offer visitors terrain for mountain biking, hiking and horseback
riding. And visitors have a chance to experience Lory's wildlife
and colorful wildflowers along any trail. Horseback riding
enthusiasts enjoy the Double Diamond Stables and cross-country
jumping course. And equestrian events are a regular feature at
the park. Visitors can tour the park by foot, horseback, buggy
or hay wagon. Beautiful Lory State Park is open to explore and
enjoy all year long. Lory State Park allows primitive
backcountry camping by permit, offering the perfect weekend
getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are six
campsites marked by stakes numbered 1 through 6. There is no
electricity or water at the campsites, and there is no pad to
camp on. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served
basis.. Campsites are located along the Timber Trail and are
approximately 2.5 miles from the Arthur's Rock parking lot. No
other camping is allowed in the park, and open fires are
prohibited. For information call: (970)493-1623
Trinidad State Park
A beautiful setting in the mountains of southern Colorado, a
mild year-round climate and 900 acres of water ideal for
numerous water sports are the lures of Trinidad Lake State Park.
Anglers catch rainbow and brown trout, largemouth bass, channel
catfish, walleye, crappie and bluegill. The lake is popular for
water skiing and windsurfing as well. Other attractions include
self-guided nature hikes where visitors can choose a short walk
near the Visitors Center or venture farther into primitive
backcountry areas. Hikers may explore the mountain branch of the
historic Santa Fe Trail in nearby Trinidad. Trinidad welcomes
visitors with its rich Native American history, including an
ancient teepee ring right in the center of the campground near
the park's amphitheater. There are great wildlife-watching
opportunities at this park; turkey, coyote, and deer call the
park home. All this, plus some spectacular scenery, make
Trinidad Lake a wonderful place to play in the great outdoors.
For information call: (719)846-6951
Stagecoach State Park
Located in the verdant Yampa Valley south of Steamboat Springs,
Stagecoach State Park offers visitors a wonderful area to enjoy
Colorado's outdoors. The park is centered around a 780-acre
reservoir with full-service marina. Learn the fascinating
history of mining and logging near Stagecoach while you enjoy an
unlimited array of activities, including fabulous boating and
fishing. The Elk Run Trail (along the south shore) and the
Wetlands Trail (located at the inlet) provide great
opportunities for nature observation and recreation. The
proximity to additional recreation opportunities and the family
atmosphere here makes Stagecoach State Park a wonderful vacation
destination. Stagecoach State Park has 92 campsites spread among
the lush and fragrant sagebrush of the Yampa Valley. These
campsites are located in four separate campgrounds within the
park: Junction City, Pinnacle, Harding Spur and McKinley
campgrounds. Come experience the excellent views, abundant
wildlife and diversity of Stagecoach State Park's trails system.
Stagecoach offers three wonderful trails -- Wetlands, Pinnacle
Peak and Elk Run -- each offering a unique experience. So,
whatever your taste, come and enjoy this magnificent resource!
For information call: (970)736-2436
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