&
Treasured natural, cultural and recreational
sites abound in Colorado
V
isitors to Colorado are fortunate Black Canyon of the Gunnison National
that some of the state’s most- Park
unusual and pristine landscapes No other canyon in North America
have been set aside as protected lands combines the narrow opening, sheer
underneath the US National Park Service, walls and startling depths of the Black
Bureau of Land Management and Canyon – it’s up to 2,700 ft (822m) deep,
Colorado State Parks. T_h at means it’s but often less than 1,100 ft (335m) across.
easy to admire scenery from man-made T_h e park has two entrances; the more
visitor centres or while driving paved park popular south rim is 30 minutes east of
roads. At national and state parks, visitors Montrose, while the north rim is two
can also learn about the state’s fascinating hours west of Gunnison.
geologic and human history, relax on
reservoirs and rivers, and fi nd aff ordable Great Sand Dunes National Park and
camping options. Preserve
Gigantic sand dunes rise to more than
Rocky Mountain National Park 700ft (213m) and stretch for 50 miles
T_h is high-altitude park features the (80km) in south-central Colorado, near
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
highest paved road in the United States. Alamosa. Hike up the dunes, then run,
Trail Ridge Road winds 48 miles (77km) slide or even board down. Kids love to years. T_h ey left behind fascinating cliff
past meadows, through pine forests and splash around in Medano Creek at the dwellings, some of which are accessed
into the Alpine tundra of the Continental base of the dunes, especially in the early by tall ladders. Ranger-led tours that
Divide, topping out at more than 12,000 summer when the water runs high due to bring visitors into the dwellings are
ft (3,657m). Keep your eyes peeled for elk, snowmelt. excellent; arrive early for a timed ticket.
bighorn sheep, bald eagles, moose and even In fact, with 600 dwellings, 4,000
black bears that make their home here. T_h e Mesa Verde National Park archeological sites, and myriad hiking
Estes Park entrance is less than an hour’s A World Heritage Site, Mesa Verde in trails and driving routes, there’s so much
drive from Denver; or enter through the south-west Colorado was inhabited by to see and do. Spend a couple of days at
quieter western side via Grand Lake. Ancestral Puebloans for more than 700 the park, and conveniently stay at the
on-site Far View Lodge, open April
through October.
Colorado National Monument
What’s the diff erence between a national
park and a national monument? T_h e
former is appointed by US Congress, the
latter can be declared by the US President.
Regardless of the terminology, Colorado
National Monument outside Grand
Junction contains amazing, otherworldy
rock formations. Motor along Rim Rock
Drive to see massive, free-standing
sandstone monoliths, rugged buttes and
steep canyons.
Still More National Monuments
If you have time on your driving tour of
the state, consider these worthy spots,
Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park
which feature archaeological treasures:
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