Denver is a near perfect jumping-off point for visiting some of America's most spectacular and rewarding national parks. While some states don't have any national parks to speak of within their borders, Colorado is home …
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National Lands Blog
Federally managed lands include national forests, national parks, national monuments and BLM land. Read our national lands guide.
National lands blog archives.
Save these Free Admission Days in Colorado
There are a lot of free things you can do in a state like Colorado. You can camp under the brightest stars or hike up the highest peak, without ever dropping a dime. And if you remember these dates, you can save some …
5 Reasons to Visit Mesa Verde this Winter
In the A.D. 1200s, the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde were home to ancestral Pueblo Indian people. Today, visitors come from all over the world to explore the archaeology preserved at Mesa Verde National Park. The park …
Tour Ancient Puebloan Ruins in Colorado
Evidence of Colorado's early Native American cultures exist at sites across the state, existing in various forms from ancient tools and pictographs, to stone-made dwellings. Some of the most spectacular and oldest ruins …
Colorado’s 15 Biggest Bodies of Water
Colorado boasts some pretty big lakes and reservoirs within its state lines. From the eastern plains to the western slope, you can fish, boat, or just admire these massive bodies of water. Imagine renting a cool boat …
Colorado’s Best Beaches
It’s true, Colorado is what people call a land-locked state, but if you look inside its borders you will find many lakes and reservoirs with miles of shoreline to enjoy. So, cool off this summer and discover some of …
20+ Best Colorado Lakes & Reservoirs
When most people think about nature in Colorado, their minds usually conjure vast mountain landscapes. Sure, the Centennial State is unrivaled in America when it comes to containing an astounding number of mountains …
Dino Tracks, Rock Art & Historic Ruins at Picketwire Canyonlands
If you have had the opportunity to visit the Picketwire Canyonlands, at least once, you would understand why hundreds of families come here to spend their holiday each year. Time spent in this historic place is always a …
Uncovering Colorado’s Past: The Alpine Tunnel
Colorado’s rich history of the railroad system is made evident throughout many parts of the state. One of the more impressive historical displays of Colorado’s old rail system is the Alpine Tunnel. Located near …
10 Surprising Facts About Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
If you haven’t yet experienced the wonder, awe, and slight dread of visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, it’s time to plan your late summer/fall trip. Black Canyon is that rare combination of abundant …
6 Popular Places to Visit in Colorado
Colorado is a popular place to visit that inspires travelers with stunning landscapes and natural glamour. The region is mesmerizing with a diversification that ranges from great peaks and rolling hills, to brooks, …
Snow-free Winter Hike on Sand Canyon Trail
When you need a break from snow and ice, try the red rock of McElmo Canyon and the Sand Canyon Trail in southwestern Colorado. The lower part of this trail in Canyons of the Ancients National Monument offers year round …
7 Exploratory Hikes At Mesa Verde National Park
[Cliff Palace, Mesa Verde National Park. Photo: Srikanth Jandhyala] Mesa Verde National Park is one of the most breathtaking national parks in the West, but unlike Zion and the Grand Canyon, it tends to be off the beaten …
Camping by Moffat Tunnel in Rollinsville
Tucked away in the Roosevelt National Forest, the Moffat Tunnel used to offer trips through the Continental Divide. Now it's widely popular for outdoor recreation, mainly camping, hiking, biking and …
Stargazing at Dinosaur National Monument | A Look Back in Time
Long before miners and railroad workers made a home for themselves in Colorado, dinosaurs roamed the land - hundreds of millions of years ago and evidence of this can be seen at Dinosaur National Monument. Here visitors …
Hiking into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison: The Gunnison Route
["Painted Wall". Photo: Mobilus In Mobili] For the intrepid adventurer, a weekend trip to The Black Canyon of the Gunnison offers some of the most enjoyable scrambling in the state. One of the lesser known National Parks …
Educational Field Trips in Colorado for All Ages
Field trips were always the best school days you could hope for. They're educational and got you out of the dull classroom and into the real world. Too bad most jobs don't have the pleasure of a field trip, though a …
6 Photogenic Places in Colorado to Take Your Kids
Families love Colorado because there are so many kid friendly activities in Denver and beyond. Many of these attractions provide the most photogenic landscapes for creating lasting memories. Family photos are more …
Natural High on Natural Arch
Seemingly, Colorado's got a breathtaking natural landmark around every turn in the Rockies. However, some are more unique than others, like the Natural Arch close to Del Norte in La Garita, a rural village in the San …
