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13 Best National Parks & Monuments in Colorado

September 13, 2023

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Colorado, with its stunning landscapes and natural wonders, is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. From snow-capped peaks to rugged canyons, this state boasts some of the most breathtaking national parks and monuments in the United States.

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

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Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, Rocky Mountain National Park is a haven for hikers, campers, and wildlife enthusiasts.

2. Mesa Verde National Park

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History and nature converge at Mesa Verde National Park, home to well-preserved ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings.

3. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

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Imagine a surreal landscape of towering sand dunes set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. That's the spectacle you'll find at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

4. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

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For those seeking dramatic landscapes, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a must-visit. Carved by the Gunnison River, this narrow and steep-walled canyon offers jaw-dropping vistas and challenging hiking trails.

5. Garden of the Gods

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With its towering red rock formations and easy accessibility, Garden of the Gods is a popular destination for both novice and experienced hikers.

6. Dinosaur National Monument

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Travel back in time at Dinosaur National Monument, where you can view well-preserved dinosaur fossils and explore the rugged canyons of the Yampa and Green Rivers.

7. Great Basin National Park

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Located in the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Great Basin National Park is a stargazer's paradise.

8. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

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Unearth the secrets of prehistoric life at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. Marvel at the exquisitely preserved fossils of ancient plants and insects, providing a window into Earth's distant past.

9. Curecanti National Recreation Area

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For water enthusiasts, Curecanti National Recreation Area offers boating, fishing, and camping opportunities along the picturesque Blue Mesa Reservoir.

10. Chimney Rock National Monument

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Delve into Native American history at Chimney Rock National Monument, where you can explore ancient Puebloan archaeological sites

11. Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

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Step into the 19th century at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site. This reconstructed trading post offers a glimpse into the past, complete with costumed interpreters

12. Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site

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Pay homage to Native American history at Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site. This somber but important site commemorates the tragic events of the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864.

13. Colorado National Monument

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Last but certainly not least, Colorado National Monument showcases stunning red rock canyons, towering monoliths, and panoramic overlooks.

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