5 Colorado State Parks That Locals Say Are Better Than the National Parks
We’ve been exploring Colorado for over a decade now, and we’ve discovered something that’ll make you rethink your entire Colorado bucket list.
After countless weekends camping, hiking, and getting gloriously lost in this amazing state, we’ve found some incredible spots that most people completely overlook.
While everyone’s fighting for parking at Rocky Mountain National Park and shelling out $30 for 7-day passes plus timed entry reservations, we have been quietly enjoying some of the most stunning spots in the state, and they happen to be state parks.
Don’t get us wrong… we love our national parks!
But when you want the same jaw-dropping scenery without the tour buses and timed entries, these five Colorado state parks are hands down better than their famous cousins, and we’re excited to share our favorites with you.
1. Staunton State Park
The “Mini Rocky Mountain” Without the Madness
Just 40 miles southwest of Denver, this gem gives you everything Rocky Mountain National Park offers, minus the crowds, entry fees, and reservations.
During a weekend trip, we hiked the Elk Falls trail and honestly couldn’t believe we weren’t in RMNP. The 75-foot waterfall at the end was absolutely breathtaking. But we saw maybe 15 people on the entire 10.9-mile trail. Try finding that kind of solitude at Bear Lake!
We also tried the Davis Ponds Trail, and it’s perfectly manageable for families. The views of Pikes Peak and Mount Rosalie from the overlooks are spectacular; you’ll be snapping photos every five minutes.
Quick info:
- 30+ miles of hiking trails
- Elk Falls, a 75-foot, stunning waterfall can be reached via the nearly 11-mile Elk Falls and Chimney Rock Trail
- Rock climbing opportunities with 400+ routes
- Track-chair program for accessibility (the ONLY state park in Colorado offering this!)
More Practical Info:
- Cost: $10 per vehicle daily pass
- Best Time to Visit: May through October for hiking
- Pro Tip: The parking lot fills up fast on weekends, so arrive before 9 AM or you could be turned away
You get the same granite peaks, alpine meadows, and wildlife viewing without the $30 entrance fee or reservation requirements.
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2. State Forest State Park
Colorado’s Moose Capital
This state park is known as the moose-viewing capital of Colorado because it’s home to over 600 moose. This massive park borders Rocky Mountain National Park but offers a completely different (and usually much better!) experience.
We spent four days here, and holy cow… we saw moose EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
The hike to Lake Agnes is just under a mile, but the payoff is incredible; an alpine lake filled with turquoise waters. There’s actually an island in the middle of it. We spent hours just sitting by the water, watching for wildlife and soaking in the mountain views.
Quick Info:
- Cabins, yurts, and camping options are available, and we highly recommend it.
- Cost: $12 daily vehicle pass (increased from $10 in 2025); camping $28/night
3. Eldorado Canyon State Park: World
A stunning canyon with towering sandstone cliffs up to 700 feet high, over 500 technical climbing routes, and golden sandstone walls that make this one of the world’s premier climbing destinations. And it’s all just 9 miles south of Boulder.
Eldorado Canyon never gets old. The cliffs have names like Wind Tower, The Bastille and Whale’s Tail, and even if you don’t climb, watching the climbers tackle these massive walls is super neat.
The Rattlesnake Gulch Trail leads to the Continental Divide Overlook and Crags Hotel Ruins. This area was called the “Coney Island of the West” in the early 1900s. The hike offers incredible views of the canyon and surrounding foothills, and you can see why this place attracts so many adventurers.
Quick Info:
- Cost: $10 daily vehicle pass
- Best Time: Year-round, but timed entry reservations needed Saturdays, Sundays and summer holidays May 1 through October 1
- Important Note: Day-use only, no camping; free shuttle available from Boulder during peak season
Eldorado Canyon State Park is one of the best free climbing areas in the world, and it offers world-class outdoor recreation without massive crowds like the national parks.
4. Cheyenne Mountain State Park
This 2,701-acre former ranch tucked beneath the eastern flank of Cheyenne Mountain is one of the best-kept secrets in Colorado Springs.
While it doesn’t have the towering red rock formations of Garden of the Gods, it does offer peaceful trails, mountain views, full-service camping, and a chance to experience nature without the tour bus crowds.
The Dixon Trail to the summit is phenomenal. It’s a tough 17+ mile roundtrip hike, but the views from the top are worth it.
For easier adventures, the lower prairie trails are good for families.
Quick Info:
- Cost: $10 daily pass; camping from $28/night
- Best Views: Dixon Trail summit (for experienced hikers only)
- Camping: Reservations required
Despite being located in Colorado Springs, Cheyenne Mountain State Park gives a great escape from city life. You get better camping facilities than most national parks, plus the convenience of being close to Colorado Springs attractions.
5. Ridgway State Park
The Switzerland of America
Voted one of the top ten state parks in the country by National Geographic Traveler, this park sits at the base of the San Juan Mountains and offers some of the most spectacular mountain views in Colorado.
You can rent paddleboards for $45/hour and spend an afternoon on the reservoir. if you have kids, they’ll love swimming at the beach, hiking trails, and more.
This state park offers everything from easy lakeside strolls to more challenging mountain routes.
Quick Info:
- Cost: $10 daily pass; camping $28-35/night; yurts $100/night
- Best Time: May-September for water activities
If you visit Ridgway State Park, you’ll get national park-quality scenery with state park-level amenities. And it’s the perfect base camp for exploring multiple mountain towns without dealing with timed entry requirements or $30 daily fees.
Tips For Visiting
- Get the Keep Colorado Wild Pass ($29 annually) if you’ll visit more than 3 times per year
- Book camping reservations 6 months out
- Visit on weekdays if possible for the best experience
- Always bring layers. Colorado weather changes FAST
- LNT! Leave NO Trace. Pack out everything you pack in. Even things like banana peels and toilet paper.
A Final Note
These state parks offer everything the national parks do, from stunning scenery to incredible wildlife to outdoor adventures. But these parks come with WAY fewer crowds, lower costs, and often better facilities. You’ll spend less time in traffic and more time actually enjoying nature.
