Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways - 2024/2025

Colorado has one of the nation’s top networks of state parks. These publicly owned lands are superb for fishing, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, wildlife watching and boating, and they also double as convenient places to stay with great facilities. Here are just five superb parks within easy reach of a byway that are worth checking out. You can find more on Colorado’s State Parks by visiting cpw.state.co.us or calling 303-297-1192.

1. Colorado State Forest State Park (Cache la Poudre– North Park) – This preserve is the largest state park in Colorado, and its visitor center has interpretive displays on the park’s unique residents — moose. Cabins and yurts are available for overnight stays.

2. John Martin Reservoir State Park (Santa Fe Trail) – Surrounding an enormous body of water, this state park is a pleasure boater’s paradise and an incredible place for birding. Species include wood ducks, wild turkey and the rare piping plover.

3. Trinidad Lake State Park (Highway of Legends) – For geology buffs, this park is a must-see for its K-Pg boundary, which marks the dividing line between the Mesozoic and Cenozoic geologic eras. The park’s hiking trails are also good places to spot roadrunners.

4. Navajo State Park (Tracks Across Borders) – A 15,000- acre reservoir makes this park ideal for fishing, boating and swimming, especially with mellow temperatures year-round. Campsites dot the wooded landscapes that harbor deer, bald eagles and other wildlife.

5. Ridgway State Park (San Juan Skyway) – From grand views of jagged Mount Sneffels to fly-fishing for trout in the Uncompahgre River below the dam, this state park boasts a unique blend of scenery and recreation.