Park It Here: The Best Parking Spots in Colorado’s Top 5 State Parks
Colorado. It’s a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, a haven for nature lovers, and a haven for breathtaking scenery. But let’s be real, getting to all that beauty can be a pain in the neck, especially when it comes to finding parking. You don’t want to spend your precious vacation time circling for a spot, do you?
Fear not, fellow adventurers! We’ve got you covered. We’ve scoured the state, consulted with park rangers, and even chatted up fellow campers to bring you the best parking areas in Colorado’s top 5 state parks.
Related Articles: Park It Here: The Best Parking Spots in Colorado’s Top 5 State Parks
- Navigating The Jungle: A Comprehensive Guide To Auburn Tigers Parking
- Parking Your Paws At Colorado Zoos: A Guide To Avoiding The Wild Side
- Navigating San Diego Parking: A Comprehensive Guide To Finding Your Spot
- Unleashing Your Adventures: A Guide To Pet-Friendly Parking In Alabama
- Navigating The Parking Landscape: A Comprehensive Guide To Arkansas Parking Area Rules
1. Rocky Mountain National Park: Where the Parking is as Majestic as the Views
Rocky Mountain National Park is the crown jewel of Colorado’s state parks, offering up towering peaks, alpine meadows, and wildlife galore. But it’s also one of the most popular parks in the country, meaning parking can be a real challenge, especially during peak season.
Here’s the lowdown on where to park your chariot in this majestic park:
- The Best Bet: The Estes Park Visitor Center. It’s a bit of a walk to the park entrance, but it’s usually the most reliable spot to find parking. Plus, you can grab a map and some insider tips from the friendly park rangers.
- For the Trailheads: Many trailheads have their own parking lots, but they fill up fast. Arrive early or be prepared to park a bit further and hike in.
- The Hidden Gem: Moraine Park. This spot offers some of the best views in the park, and you can often find parking spots even on busy days. Just be aware that it’s a bit of a drive from the main park entrance.
- The Parking Lot Lottery: If you’re willing to gamble, try your luck at the parking lots near the popular attractions like Bear Lake and Emerald Lake. But be prepared to wait, and don’t be surprised if you have to park a bit further and walk.
2. Mesa Verde National Park: Where the Parking is as Ancient as the Ruins
Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to incredible cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloans. While the park itself is a marvel, the parking situation can be a bit of a head-scratcher.
Here’s the inside scoop on where to park your wheels in this historic park:
- The Main Entrance: The main entrance has a large parking lot, but it can get crowded, especially during peak season.
- The Cliff Palace Area: This area has a dedicated parking lot, but it’s limited. Arrive early or be prepared to park further away and take the park shuttle.
- The Spruce Tree House Area: This area also has a dedicated parking lot, but it’s smaller than the Cliff Palace lot.
- The Wetherill Mesa Area: This area has a large parking lot, but it’s a bit of a drive from the main entrance.
3. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve: Where the Parking is as Big as the Dunes
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a playground for adventurers, offering up towering sand dunes, a stunning alpine lake, and a whole lot of fun.
Here’s the scoop on where to park in this unique park:
- The Main Entrance: The main entrance has a large parking lot, but it can get crowded, especially during peak season.
- The Dune Area: There are a few parking lots near the dune area, but they fill up quickly.
- The Medano Creek Area: This area has a large parking lot, but it’s a bit of a walk to the dunes.
- The Pinon Flats Campground: This campground has a large parking lot, but it’s only for campers.
4. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Where the Parking is as Deep as the Canyon
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a stunning natural wonder, offering up towering cliffs, a deep canyon, and a whole lot of solitude.
Here’s the skinny on where to park in this dramatic park:
- The South Rim Visitor Center: This area has a large parking lot, but it can get crowded, especially during peak season.
- The North Rim Visitor Center: This area has a smaller parking lot, but it’s often less crowded than the South Rim.
- The East Portal Trailhead: This area has a small parking lot, but it’s a good option for those who want to hike the East Portal Trail.
- The Curecanti National Recreation Area: This area has a few parking lots, but they’re a bit of a drive from the main park entrance.
5. Garden of the Gods: Where the Parking is as Stunning as the Rock Formations
Garden of the Gods is a natural wonder, offering up towering sandstone formations, a stunning vista, and a whole lot of history.
Here’s the lowdown on where to park in this iconic park:
- The Main Entrance: The main entrance has a large parking lot, but it can get crowded, especially during peak season.
- The Visitor Center: This area has a smaller parking lot, but it’s often less crowded than the main entrance.
- The Perkins Central Garden: This area has a small parking lot, but it’s a good option for those who want to explore the central garden.
- The Red Rock Canyon Open Space: This area has a few parking lots, but they’re a bit of a drive from the main park entrance.
Tips for Parking Like a Pro
- Arrive Early: The best way to guarantee a good parking spot is to arrive early, especially during peak season.
- Use the Park Shuttles: Many parks offer shuttle services to popular areas, which can save you the hassle of finding parking.
- Be Prepared to Hike: If you’re willing to hike a bit, you can often find parking spots further away from the main attractions.
- Consider Visiting During the Off-Season: If you’re flexible with your travel dates, consider visiting during the off-season when the parks are less crowded and parking is easier to find.
- Check the Park Website: Before you go, check the park website for the latest information on parking availability and restrictions.
Parking FAQs
Q: How much does it cost to park in Colorado state parks?
A: Parking fees vary depending on the park, but they’re typically between $5 and $15 per day.
Q: Can I park overnight in Colorado state parks?
A: Overnight parking is only allowed in designated campgrounds. You’ll need to make a reservation in advance, especially during peak season.
Q: Are there any parking restrictions in Colorado state parks?
A: Yes, there are some parking restrictions in Colorado state parks. For example, you’re not allowed to park in areas that are designated for wildlife viewing or in areas that are closed to the public.
Q: What should I do if I can’t find a parking spot?
A: If you can’t find a parking spot, don’t despair! You can always try parking a bit further away and hiking in, or you can use the park shuttle.
Hit the Road, Jack!
Now that you’re armed with this parking intel, you’re ready to hit the road and explore the stunning beauty of Colorado’s state parks. Remember, a little planning goes a long way when it comes to parking, so make sure you check the park website and arrive early! Happy trails!
Closure
Thus, we hope this article has provided valuable insights into Park It Here: The Best Parking Spots in Colorado’s Top 5 State Parks. We appreciate your attention to our article. See you in our next article!