Article Summary: National Parks Near Denver
National Parks near Denver! There’s so much more to the Centennial State than the Denver Broncos and Mile High Stadium.
I’ve been to so many of these amazing places since retiring from teaching in 2018. Did I mention that I taught history? I spent a lifetime teaching about the history behind these momentous sites. Then I got to see them firsthand. And now I’m sharing the stories of these incredible places with you. It doesn’t get any better than that!
Denver is famous for its collection of world-class museums, first-rate breweries, and historical landmarks. The city gets its ‘Mile High City’ nickname through its location on top of a mountain range, though this is not all it’s known for.
And two of my absolute favorite national parks are within a short drive of the city.
In this article, we’ll familiarize you with the incredible national parks that are within a day’s drive of Denver.
So, What Is A National Park?
We get asked that question a lot because there’s a difference between a “national park” and a “national park site.” To help you understand that difference you might want to check out our article titled: What Is A National Park Really?
If you’re planning a trip to Denver then one book that I highly recommend is: Walking Denver: 32 Tours of the Mile High City’s Best Urban Trails, Historic Architecture, and Cultural Highlights by Mindy Sink.
So let’s go ahead with 6 reasons why you’ll want to hop into your car and make a day’s drive from Denver to one of these truly amazing places.
Table Of Contents: National Parks Near Denver
National Parks Near Denver
- National Parks Near Denver
- 1. Arches National Park
- 2. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
- 3. Canyonlands National Park
- More National Parks Near Denver
- Still More National Parks Near Denver
- Check Out Our Rocky Mountain Film
- National Parks Near Denver FAQ
- Meet The Parks Brothers
- Map Of National Parks Near Denver
- We Hope You’ll Follow Our Journey
National Parks Near Denver
1. Arches National Park
Distance From Denver: 5 hours and 44 minutes (350 miles) via I-70 W.
My Favorite Resources: Things to Do / Map / Guidebook / Where to Stay
Arches National Park is known for its stunning red rock formations and towering sandstone arches. The park covers over 76,000 acres and is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, as well as a variety of other unique geological features, such as towering spires, balanced rocks, and eroded fins.
Visitors to Arches National Park can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, wildlife watching, and scenic drives. Some of the most popular destinations in the park include Delicate Arch, the Windows section, and Landscape Arch.
In addition to its natural beauty, Arches National Park also has a rich cultural history, with evidence of Native American habitation dating back thousands of years. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including pronghorn antelope, rattlesnakes, and a variety of bird species.
Overall, Arches National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the beauty and diversity of the American Southwest. Whether you’re a nature lover, a hiker, or simply someone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, you’ll find something to enjoy in this unique and breathtaking park.
RELATED: 5 EPIC NATIONAL PARKS NEAR MOAB YOU’LL LOVE
Arches Highlights
Delicate Arch (featured in the first image above) is the iconic arch featured on the Utah license plate and the arch everyone plans their trip around. The hike up to Delicate Arch isn’t a walk in the park as it involves a solid incline and a bit of navigating the sandstone, but is more than doable for most visitors.
Landscape Arch is the largest arch on earth spanning some 306 feet of weathered sandstone. This one is an easy 1.5 miles round trip and a must on your Arches trip.
Double O Arch featured in the image above is a very unique arch on top of an arch. This 4.1 mile out and back hike is a bit more strenuous, especially in the summer heat, so plan accordingly and bring plenty of water.
RELATED: 11 AMAZING Facts About Arches National Park
2. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
Distance From Denver: 5 hours and 4 minutes (262 miles) US HWY-285 S & US-50 W.
Resources: Where to Stay
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its narrow, steep-walled canyon that was carved over millions of years by the Gunnison River. The park covers over 30,000 acres and is home to some of the most dramatic and breathtaking canyon scenery in the country.
The history of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park can be traced back to the ancestral Pueblo people, who lived in the area thousands of years ago and used the canyon for hunting and spiritual ceremonies. The first non-Native American to visit the canyon was probably Spanish explorer Juan de Oñate in the 16th century.
A Popular Destination For Tourists
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the canyon became a popular destination for tourists and hikers, who were drawn to its rugged beauty and scenic views. The canyon was first protected as a national monument in 1933, and then as a national park in 1999.
Today, visitors to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, wildlife watching, and scenic drives. Some of the most popular destinations in the park include the Gunnison River, the South Rim Road, and the North Rim Road.
Overall, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a unique and breathtaking natural area that should not be missed. Its rich history, stunning scenery, and diverse recreational opportunities make it one of the most popular parks in the country and a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to western Colorado.
CHECK OUT: 10 FASCINATING Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Facts
3. Canyonlands National Park
Distance From Denver: Six hours (363 miles) via I-70 W.
Resources: Map | Guidebook | Where to Stay
Canyonlands National Park is known for its diverse and stunning landscapes, which include towering mesas, deep canyons, and colorful rock formations. The park covers over 337,000 acres and is divided into four distinct districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the rivers (the Green and Colorado).
The history of Canyonlands National Park dates back thousands of years, with evidence of Native American habitation in the area dating back to the Archaic period. The first non-Native American to visit the area was probably Spanish explorer Juan de Oñate in the 16th century.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the area became a popular destination for tourists and hikers, who were drawn to its rugged beauty and scenic views. The area was first protected as a national park in 1964.
Today, visitors to Canyonlands National Park can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, wildlife watching, and scenic drives. Some of the most popular destinations in the park include the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the rivers (the Green and Colorado).
Overall, Canyonlands National Park is a unique and breathtaking natural area that should not be missed. Its rich history, stunning scenery, and diverse recreational opportunities make it one of the most popular parks in the country and a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to southeastern Utah.
CHECK OUT: 14 AMAZING Facts About Canyonlands National Park
Highlights At Canyonlands
The Needles makes up the southeastern corner of the park and is named after the multi-colored spires of sandstone that dominate the area. The Needles area offers a multitude of hiking opportunities as well as 4WD roads leading to fascinating ruins.
Mesa Arch is the most photographed feature in the park and is where you’ll find the bulk of tourists looking to snag their very own photo of this arch with a view. Sunrise is the best time to head over and see the sun makes its way up through the arch while illuminating the vast landscape.
Shafer Trail is perhaps the pinnacle of 4WD trails in the United States. Here you can put your high clearance four-wheel-drive SUV through the wringer on this challenging, unpaved, and downright scary road.
More National Parks Near Denver
4. Great Sand Dunes National Park
Distance From Denver: 3 hours and 52 minutes (236 miles) via I-25 S.
My Favorite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Where to Stay
Imagine the Sahara Desert with a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains – you’re looking at one of the most underrated national parks in America, Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Great Sand Dunes National Park is known for its towering sand dunes, which are the tallest in North America. The park covers over 44,000 acres and is home to a diverse landscape that includes forests, wetlands, and alpine tundra in addition to the sand dunes.
The Park’s History Stretches Back Thousands Of Years
The history of Great Sand Dunes National Park dates back thousands of years, with evidence of Native American habitation in the area. The first non-Native American to visit the area was probably Spanish explorer Juan de Oñate in the 16th century.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the area became a popular destination for tourists and hikers, who were drawn to its unique and dramatic sand dunes. The area was first protected as a national monument in 1932, and then as a national park and preserve in 2004.
Today, visitors to Great Sand Dunes National Park can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, sandboarding, camping, and wildlife watching. Some of the most popular destinations in the park include the sand dunes, Medano Creek, and the surrounding mountains.
CHECK OUT: 11 FASCINATING Facts About Great Sand Dunes National Park
5. Mesa Verde National Park
Distance From Denver: 7 hours and 45 minutes (389 miles)
Resources: Map | Where to Stay
Mesa Verde National Park is known for its ancient Native American ruins and cultural history. The park covers over 52,000 acres and is home to thousands of archeological sites, including cliff dwellings that were built by the ancestral Pueblo people over 700 years ago.
The history of Mesa Verde National Park dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human habitation in the area dating back to the Archaic period. The ancestral Pueblo people built their cliff dwellings in the area between 600 and 1300 A.D. and used them as their homes for several centuries.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the cliff dwellings became a popular destination for tourists and archaeologists, who were fascinated by their history and unique architecture. The area was first protected as a national park in 1906.
CHECK OUT: 11 AMAZING Facts About Mesa Verde National Park
Visitors To The Park Can See Some Truly Amazing Sights
Today, visitors to Mesa Verde National Park can explore the ancient cliff dwellings, hike in the surrounding wilderness, and learn about the ancestral Pueblo culture and history. Some of the most popular destinations in the park include Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Spruce Tree House.
Overall, Mesa Verde National Park is a unique and fascinating cultural and historical destination that should not be missed. Its rich history, breathtaking scenery, and abundance of archeological sites make it one of the most popular parks in the country and a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to southwestern Colorado.
CHECK OUT: 14 MIGHTY UTAH NATIONAL PARKS & MONUMENTS
Mesa Verde Highlights
Cliff Palace is the show-stopper and the main attraction at Mesa Verde. A guided tour is required and is highly enjoyable as a park ranger explains to you historians limited understanding of what went on at Mesa Verde so long ago.
Cedar Tree Tower is a great example of the many ruined towers that have been discovered along mesa tops in this area. It requires a very short hike and is self-guided so you can take your time exploring the area.
CHECK OUT: LIST OF 128 BEST US MONUMENTS RANKED
Still More National Parks Near Denver
6. Rocky Mountain National Park
Distance From Denver: 1 hour and 48 minutes (66 miles) via US-36 W/Denver Boulder Turnpike & CO-7 W.
My Favorite Resources: Guide / Map / Guidebook / Hikes / Things to Do / Where to Stay
Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its stunning mountain scenery and abundant wildlife. The park covers over 265,000 acres and is home to several peaks over 12,000 feet in elevation, as well as forests, lakes, and rivers.
The history of Rocky Mountain National Park dates back thousands of years, with evidence of Native American habitation in the area. The first non-Native American to explore the area was probably American explorer Stephen H. Long in the early 19th century.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the area became a popular destination for tourists and hikers, who were drawn to its rugged beauty and scenic views. The area was first protected as a national park in 1915.
Today, visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, wildlife watching, and scenic drives. Some of the most popular destinations in the park include Longs Peak, Trail Ridge Road, and the various lakes and valleys throughout the park.
Check Out Our Rocky Mountain Film
Rocky Mountain is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife including elk, moose, bighorn sheep, beaver, deer, black bear, eagles, marmots, mountain lions, and so much more.
However, in recent years visitation has increased dramatically at the expense of the visitor experience (not to mention the impact on the park itself).
What was once mostly an issue reserved for the bear lake area of the park has now spread to the rest of the park (especially around the Estes Park entrance).
Crowd sizes have swelled to the point that the National Park Service has instituted a timed entry program to control the crowds. With population centers soaring near the park, we expect this issue to become more exacerbated with each passing year.
READ: Epic Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park
National Parks Near Denver FAQ
Rocky Mountain National Park. At only an hour and a half drive from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park, the park is a memorable summer day trip.
Colorado’s four National Parks — Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes and Black Canyon of the Gunnison — are home to some of the world’s most wondrous and diverse scenery.
765 miles (1230 km) lie between these two sites. If you were driving straight through, with no stops for sightseeing and fun, this trip would take you about 12 hours. But if you’re making an event out of it, you should budget two to four days. It’s worth the time spent.
Why Trust Us About National Parks Near Denver?
We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.
You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.
We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, USDA, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.
Meet The Parks Brothers
Map Of National Parks Near Denver
List of National Parks Near Denver
- Arches National Park
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
We Hope You’ll Follow Our Journey
Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.
We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re interested in joining the adventure then please sign up below!
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I love national parks! I’m so glad I found this list!
I love national parks! I’m so glad I found this list!