Rocky Mountain National Park in the autumn


T e Treasures of the


National & State Parks T


Colorado is a treasure house of glorious National and State Parks, offering not only some of the most spectacular scenery and wildlife-watching opportunities in the USA, but also a wide range of activities and camping sites


he 415 sq mile (1,075 sq km) Rocky Mountain National


Park, less than an hour’s drive


north-west of Denver, features some of America’s highest mountains, topped by 14,240ft (4,340m) Mount Evans, plus Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in the USA. T e park also encompasses alpine lakes and hiking and biking trails, and is home to elk, bighorn sheep, bald eagles, moose and even black bears. You can stay in a variety of excellent lodging at Estes Park, its eastern gateway.


To the south-west, the dramatic Black


Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is often less than 1,100ft (335m) wide but up to 2,700ft (822m) deep. Accommodation is available in Montrose to the west and Gunnison to the east.


Also in the south-west, Mesa Verde National Park is a World Heritage Site encompassing 4,000 archaeological treasures, including cliff side dwellings which are accessible only via ladders. If you’re visiting between April and October, you can stay at the on-site Far View Lodge, known for its award-winning cuisine.


The dramatic Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park


Mesa Verde National Park


10 » www.colorado.com


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28