Colorado Vacations 
Family Travel Colorado
  Vacation Planning Guide for Visiting Colorado with the Kids
Colorado's State Parks and National Parks

National and State Parks in Colorado

Colorado is rich in public lands just made for outdoor recreation.

Families who want to experience the best of Colorado nature can visit four national parks and 40 state parks, each with its own personality and options for outdoor recreation.


  

Did You  Know?


In 1899, the Colorado General Assembly adopted the white and lavender Columbine, Aquilegia caerules, as the official Colorado State Flower.

Later the General Assembly determined that it is the duty of all citizens to protect this rare species from needless waste or destruction.





Di
d You Know?

Colorado has 41 passes over 10,000 feet above sea level.

Many can be traveled by passenger car, though some can only be accessed by 4-wheel drive vehicles.



Photo: Sylvan Lake State Park, Colorado is perfect for family canoe fishing.


Visitors to Colorado often come for the state's incomparable natural beauty and the opportunity to pursue outdoor activities. Fortunately, Colorado is graced with no less than 40 state parks and four national parks, plus a generous smattering of national and state recreation areas, national monuments, and national historic sites.



State

State parks in Colorado are run by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and tend to be oriented around lakes or reservoirs. However, many are focused on activities like scenery viewing, wildlife watching, and hiking.


Federal

Colorado's national parks are areas of such important national value that they were designated by an act of Congress. These are America's crown jewels and are administered by the National Park Service.

Both state parks and national parks in Colorado are very family friendly, with rangers who can offer valuable advice and tips for what to do and how to make it worth while for kids. Look for special Junior Ranger programs, ranger hikes, and kid focused exhibits  in museums and visitor centers.

The following directories of Colorado's National Parks and State Parks can help you choose the best vacation for your family.


Directory: Colorado's National Parks
Directory: Colorado's State Parks