National Parks in Colorado: How to Visit and a 9 Day Itinerary
Colorado’s national parks are home to a myriad of breathtaking sites, each offering a unique natural experience. From snow-capped mountains to stunning canyons, the state’s diverse landscapes captivate visitors from around the world. In this article, we will delve into the remarkable national parks in Colorado and discover the wonders they hold. Urmi and I took 9 days to visit Colorado’s national parks and are excited to tell you how to experience these wonderful places!
This article is intended to be a summary of all the national parks in Colorado, along with an itinerary to guide you. Subscribe to our email list to hear when we write dedicated articles for each of them!
National Parks in Colorado: How to Visit and a 9 Day Itinerary
- Map of National Parks in Colorado
- Rocky Mountain National Park (Estes Park, CO)
- Mesa Verde National Park (Cortez, CO)
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Montrose, CO)
- Great Sand Dunes National Park (Mosca, CO)
- Itinerary for National Parks in Colorado
- Other National Parks near Colorado
- FAQS about National Parks in Colorado
- Final Thoughts
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this article in this article are affiliate links, which means that at no cost to you, Jetsetting With US gets paid a commission when you make a purchase. Urmi and Sanjay thank you for your support!
Map of National Parks in Colorado
To help you visualize your itinerary, here’s a map of Colorado’s national parks!
Rocky Mountain National Park (Estes Park, CO)
The most popular national park near Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park boasts jaw-dropping vistas and abundant wildlife. With over 415 square miles of pristine wilderness, it is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike along the picturesque trails, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and be rewarded with panoramic views that will leave you in awe.
Basic Information about Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is easily accessible from Denver. In fact, from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park is only 1.5 hours!
Partially due to the proximity to Denver, and in no small part due to the scenic beauty – Rocky Mountain National Park saw 4.3 million visitors in 2022! It is the most heavily visited of Colorado’s national parks, and top 5 most heavily visited in the whole US National Park system.
Rocky Mountain National Park is situated in high altitudes, and some parts reach more than 12,000 feet above sea level. If you are affected by altitude sickness, don’t forget to plan a couple days just to get acclimated!
Rocky Mountain National Park Photos
How to Get to Rocky Mountain National Park
From Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park is only a 1.5 hour drive. As Denver is a relatively easy destination to fly to, I won’t list flying separately!
As one of the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park is to drive Trail Ridge Road, you’ll want to rent a car.
Rocky Mountain National Park Reservations
As the most popular national park in Colorado, Rocky Mountain NP has a reservation system to keep car traffic to a manageable level.
We will write a separate article detailing how the reservation system works. In short, there are 2 tiers. One of the tiers allows access to the most popular part of the park, called Bear Lake Road. The other tier allows access only to the rest of the park.
Reservations are notoriously difficult to get, and are often sold out within 10-15 minutes upon their release. Have faith and keep revisiting the website to see if others have canceled. Similarly, if you have a change of plans and are no longer using your ticket, please return your ticket so others have a chance to visit!
Where to Stay Near Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is near Denver, and definitely it’s doable to stay in Denver. However, for a multi-day trip, it may become exhausting to drive 3 hours round trip just to make it to the park entrance!
Other, more convenient options include Boulder, CO (1 hour from park entrance) and Estes Park, CO which is right at the entrance to the park.
Denver
- Four Seasons Denver: A family-friendly hotel in a great location, with all the amenities you love like a pool and spa.
- Home2 Suites Downtown Denver Convention Center: A more affordable price while still backed by the Hilton name. Fitness center on-site if hiking in the park isn’t enough for you!
Boulder
- Hotel Boulderado: A whopping 9.4/10 rating on Expedia, this independent hotel has 2 restaurants on-site and rooms perfect for solo travelers, couples, or families & groups.
- Residence Inn Boulder Canyon Boulevard: For those like Urmi and me who like to cook on their extended trips, the Residence Inn has a kitchenette in each room.
- Colorado Chautauqua: Travelers preferring a whole home can consider this option, which has up to 3 bedrooms and a fully stocked kitchen.
Estes Park
- The Ridgeline Hotel, Estes Park, Ascend Hotel Collection: A family-friendly hotel containing a pool and hot tub to relax at the end of a long day.
- Estes Park Condos: These beautiful condos feature a hot tub and a fully stocked kitchen in each condo!
Mesa Verde National Park (Cortez, CO)
Travel back in time at Mesa Verde National Park, where ancient cliff dwellings offer a glimpse into the lives of the ancestral Puebloan people. Explore the remarkably preserved structures that date back more than 700 years. Walk in the footsteps of the past and marvel at the ingenuity of these early civilizations.
Basic Information about Mesa Verde National Park
One of the most unique national parks in the US, Mesa Verde is primarily visited for its Pueblan cliff dwellings. The largest of these, Cliff Palace, can only be seen via a guided tour.
Tour tickets can be sold out far in advance, but definitely keep checking the website. People cancel and return their tickets all the time – Urmi and I got lucky and found last minute availability from a cancellation! (Similarly, if you buy tickets and can’t make it, please do cancel so someone else can take your spot!)
Mesa Verde National Park is closest to Cortez, CO. Another option is Durango, CO if you’re not able to find accommodations in Cortez.
Be aware: expect to drive 40 minutes between the park entrance and the actual sites!
Mesa Verde National Park Photos
How to Get to Mesa Verde National Park
- Drive: Mesa Verde National Park is not easy to get to! It’s a 6.5-7 hour drive from each of Denver, Salt Lake City, and Phoenix to the park entrance. Albuquerque is a 4 hour drive. Montrose (closest to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park) is 2.5 hours, Durango is 45 minutes, and Cortez is 15 minutes.
- Fly: Via Denver or Phoenix, you can fly into Cortez Municipal airport. You’ll still need a rental car to get to and through Mesa Verde National Park.
Due to its distance from major cities, Mesa Verde National Park is best visited while on a Colorado road trip, potentially in combination with Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. We stayed in Montrose for 3 days, which allowed us 1 day to see Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and 1 day to see Mesa Verde – albeit, with many hours of driving to see Mesa Verde!
Where to Stay near Mesa Verde National Park
Cortez, CO:
- Cortez Retreat with Office & Stunning Mountain Views: A full house for rent, this option is perfect for families or large groups.
- Hampton Inn Mesa Verde / Cortez: For those who prefer a standard hotel, the Hampton Inn here is highly rated and yet surprisingly affordable.
Durango, CO:
- Springhill Suites by Marriott Durango: Travelers who have loyalty with Marriott may prefer this hotel within the Marriott collection.
- The Rochester Hotel: An upscale option for travelers who prefer splurging! This property was renovated in May 2022 and is worth checking out if you like staying at independent hotels.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Montrose, CO)
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park showcases the power of nature at its finest. Marvel at the sheer cliffs that plunge deep into the Gunnison River below. Hike along the rim and be captivated by the stunning geological formations. The park’s rugged beauty will leave you humbled by the forces that shaped the earth!
Basic Information about Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is divided into two parts – the South Rim and the North Rim. These two sections are literally the opposite sides of the canyon.
The South Rim is the more popular side of the park, due to its proximity to Montrose, CO. It’s only a 15-20 minute drive from Montrose!
Unlike many other canyons, Black Canyon of the Gunnison does not have a bridge to cross the canyon by vehicle. To explore the North Rim, you’ll have to drive about 90 minutes from Montrose. Due to the extra driving distance, the North Rim sees substantially fewer visitors than the South Rim! The North Rim is thus a haven for those looking to avoid the crowds seen in other national parks such as Rocky Mountain National Park or Glacier National Park.
That being said, Black Canyon of the Gunnison is the least visited national park in Colorado. In fact, in 2022, it had 297,000 visitors compared to 4.3 million visitors(!) in Rocky Mountain National Park. That’s nearly 15 times fewer visitors! We barely noticed other people touring the South Rim, despite it being the “crowded” side of the park.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Photos
How to Get to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Drive: From Denver–the largest airport in Colorado–it’s approximately a 5 hour drive. Definitely too long for a day trip! No doubt, the long drive from Denver is why there are so few visitors to this park, despite its awesome beauty.
- Fly: Another option is to take a regional flight into Montrose Regional Airport, MTJ. You’ll still need to get a rental car.
Most visitors from out of state are likely making the trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison while on a road trip around Colorado. In fact, that’s what we did! Unless you’re making a dedicated trip to this park, it probably makes most sense to fly into Denver and drive to the various national parks in Colorado from there.
Where to Stay Near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
The closest town to the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison is Montrose, CO – only a 15-20 minute drive!
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Montrose: For those who prefer a standard hotel, the Holiday Inn Express provides a free breakfast and free airport shuttle for those flying into the local airport, MTJ.
- Hampton Inn Montrose: Includes a pool for those hot Colorado summer days!
Great Sand Dunes National Park (Alamosa, CO)
Home to stunning alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and dense forests, Great Sand Dunes National Park offers endless opportunities for exploration. Embark on a scenic drive, hike through the enchanting landscapes, or cast a line into one of the park’s pristine lakes. Whatever your adventure, this park will leave you spellbound by its natural splendor.
Great Sand Dunes National Park is a true marvel of nature. Witness the tallest sand dunes in North America, rising against the backdrop of the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Wade through the Medano Creek, which flows at the base of the dunes, or challenge yourself to conquer their sandy peaks. This unique park promises an otherworldly experience.
Basic Information about Great Sand Dunes National Park
Much like Mesa Verde National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park had approximately 500,000 visitors in 2022.
The park is renowned for having the tallest sand dunes in North America, which can reach heights of up to 750 feet (229 meters)! These dunes were formed over thousands of years by wind and water carrying sand grains from the San Juan Mountains to the east.
What makes this park particularly remarkable is the juxtaposition of the towering sand dunes against the backdrop of the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This dramatic contrast in terrain creates a breathtaking and otherworldly landscape.
Photographers take note: Great Sand Dunes National Park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, making it an excellent location for stargazing and astrophotography.
How to Get to Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Drive: From Denver, it is just under 4 hours to drive to Great Sand Dunes National Park.
- Fly: Another alternative is to fly into San Luis Valley Regional Airport (ALS). Be sure to grab a rental car as well! The only rental car operation is an independent shop called Quest Car.
Where to Stay Near Great Sand Dunes National Park
We recommend staying in Alamosa for closest proximity to the park entrance, about 45 minutes.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Alamosa: After a hot day in the park, the pool in this hotel is perfect to cool off!
- Downtown Alamosa 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Home: Travelers who prever a full home can try this option, with a barbecue grill and a washer/dryer in the house, along with a fully stocked kitchen.
Itinerary for National Parks in Colorado
You can see all the national parks in Colorado in 9-10 days, if you are willing to spend several hours on the road at a time traveling between locations.
Of course, if you’re not trying to see all 4 parks–or want to spend more time in 1-2–you can adjust the itinerary accordingly!
Here’s a sample itinerary below. You can also do the itinerary in the reverse order, as you’re effectively driving a big circle around the 4 national parks.
- Day 1: Land in Denver, drive to Estes Park
- Day 2: See Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Day 3: See Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Day 4: Drive to Montrose (6 hours)
- Day 5: See Black Canyon of the Gunnison South Rim, then drive to Cortez (2.5 hours) or Durango (2.5 hours)
- Day 6: See Mesa Verde National Park Chapin Mesa
- Day 7: See Mesa Verde Wetherill Mesa, then drive to Alamosa (3.5 hours)
- Day 8: See Great Sand Dunes National Park, drive back to Denver (3.5 hours)
- Day 9: Return home 😢
Other National Parks near Colorado
If you’re considering a road trip around Western Colorado into Utah or Arizona, there are a handful of other national parks worth mentioning!
- Arches National Park: Urmi’s personal favorite, this park is located only a 2.5 hour drive from Montrose, CO or a 2 hour drive from Cortez, CO.
- Canyonlands National Park: Just around the corner from Arches, this park is a 3 hour drive from Montrose or 2 hours from Cortez!
- Capitol Reef National Park: A little bit farther west into Utah, you can find this national park 4 hours driving from Montrose or Cortez.
- Petrified Forest National Park: A 3 hour drive from Cortez, this park is located in Arizona.
- Zion National Park: A fan favorite canyon, Zion is a 5 hour drive from Cortez, or a 6 hour drive from Montrose.
- Bryce Canyon National Park: Another fan favorite, Bryce Canyon is a 6 hour drive from each of Montrose and Cortez.
FAQs About Visiting the National Parks in Colorado
Answers to some commonly asked questions about the national parks in Colorado.
How many national parks are in Colorado?
Colorado has 4 national parks: Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Great Sand Dunes.
What is the best national park in Colorado?
Colorado’s national parks are so vastly different from each other that it is hard to answer this question!
- Rocky Mountain NP is in the mountains (obviously), offering scenic mountain views.
- Mesa Verde NP has some hikes but is most exciting for its archaeological sites.
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison is great for unique canyon views with few other tourists around.
- Great Sand Dunes NP is loved by some but not by others – it’s literally a collection of sand dunes!
Are the national parks in Colorado free to enter?
No. Each park has a separate cost to enter, and may have additional fees for vehicle reservations and/or guided tours. Be sure to check the NPS website in advance for any of the parks you wish to visit.
Are there any national parks near Denver?
Rocky Mountain National Park is near Denver. In fact, it is only a 1.5 hour drive from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Final Thoughts on National Parks in Colorado
Colorado’s national parks invite you to embark on a journey of discovery and wonder. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde, each park offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Start planning your visit to these remarkable national parks in Colorado today!