Colorado National ParksColorado national parks are among most beautiful places in the United States. These preserved lands draw millions of visitors each year. Colorado’s national parks include Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and Mesa Verde National Park. Any one of these parks would make for an excellent day trip.Rocky Mountain National Park, located on the Front Range in Northern Colorado, is a sight to see. The park borders the small mountain town of Estes Park. Rocky Mountain National Park offers magnificent views of snow capped mountains, diverse Rocky Mountain animals, and areas to engage in outdoor activities.  Varied landscapes and climates add to the extraordinary beauty of this land. The west side of the park is damper with thick forests, while the east side is known to be drier with ice capped mountains. Some of the more well-known spots include Bear Lake, Trail Ridge Road, and Long's Peak. Fees for entry into Rocky Mountain National Park are $20 for a pass that is good for 7 days. Take advantage of the Free Days in 2011 for this Colorado national park: January 15-17, April 16-24, June 21, September 24, and November 11, 2011. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve can be found in the south central part of the state, less than four hours from Denver. Here you can find the tallest sand dunes in the country, over 750 feet high! These dunes change shape and form daily due to wind currents. This area is also home to streams, lakes, wetlands, and grasslands with a wide assortment of plants and animals. A creek must be crossed in order to get to the park, but don’t worry, it is shallow and only flows during the spring and summer. It costs $3 per adult for a weekly pass or $15 for an annual family pass. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is in western Colorado. There are two entrances, but the north side entryway is closed during the winter months. 12 miles of the Gunnison River is inside of the park, with parts of the river canyon making for some of the steepest grades in North America (240 feet/mile!). People come here each year to hike, camp, rock climb, whitewater raft, and kayak through the rugged terrain. Be careful because much of this park area is not beginner territory! The entrance fee for each vehicle is $15 or $30 for a yearly pass. Mesa Verde National Park covers 81 square miles in southwestern Colorado, near the Four Corners. The park entrance is 9 miles from Cortez, Colorado. Village ruins from the Anasazi people are scattered throughout the park. Mesa Verde is famed for its cliff dwellings, shelters that were built in caves and in the cliff overhangs. Only three of the cliff dwellings are open for public touring, with two of these closing during winter. The dwellings were built with adobe and sandstone in the late 12th century. It is not known why the ancient peoples left their homes, but a visit to this park sure makes for an interesting history lesson. A 7-day pass into Mesa Verde National Park costs between $10 and $15 for a private vehicle. These Colorado national parks cannot be missed! |
