Colorado State Bucket List

We enjoy going to parks so much we have a Colorado State Park Bucket List.  Our goal is to visit each park at least once.  There are 42 state parks and 16 fish hatcheries.  

We want to visit them all!

Why We Love Colorado State Parks

Range Of Experiences – Each Colorado State Park offers a unique feature and experience.  We have visited parks with a campground, playground, marina, reservoir, and beach.  Each state park is so different that we never really have the same experience twice.

Educational – Learning should be fun and interactive!  Colorado State Parks help make that possible.  Each park has a visitor center with knowledgeable park rangers, exhibits, and resources.  Many parks also have signs along the way explaining what wildlife and fauna you may see.

Distance – We live in Colorado.  Many of these parks are a short drive.  We are local tourists.  The distance also makes it easy to learn about the wildlife that is native to Colorado.

Cost – We have an annual park pass.  The $83 pass allows us access to 100s of hours of adventure, fun, exercise, and fresh air.  The only other cost associated is gasoline for the car.  We typically bring snacks, water, and everything we need for a fun day out.

Our Colorado State Park and Hatchery Visits

We update the list as we visit a new parks.  

Barr Lake State Park - Brighton

Barr Lake State Park

Barr Lake State Park in Brighton, Colorado is about 30 miles from our home.  The nature center was impressive.  We enjoyed the lake, boardwalk and all of the beautiful flowers.

Learn more about Barr Lake State Park.

Bellvue-Watson State Fish Hatchery - Bellvue

Bellvue-Watson State Fish Hatchery

Bellvue-Watson State Fish Hatchery in Bellvue, Colorado is about 90 miles from our home.  We enjoyed learning more about the hatchery, feeding the fish, and the scenic surrounding area.  

Learn more about Bellvue-Watson State Fish Hatchery.

Boyd Lake State Park - Loveland

Boyd Lake State Park

Boyd Lake State Park in Loveland, Colorado is about 70 miles from our home.  We enjoyed passing the cornfield on the trail and walking along the beach area.  

Learn more about Boyd Lake State Park.

Castlewood Canyon State Park - Franktown

Photograph of Bridge To Nowhere At Castlewood Canyon State Park in Franktown, Colorado

Castlewood Canyon State Park in Franktown, Colorado is about 20 miles from our home.  We have taken multiple trips to walk on trails that offer amazing views of a waterfall, canyon, dam, and gigantic rocks.

Learn more about Castlewood Canyon State Park.

Cherry Creek State Park - Aurora

Cherry Creek State Park Wetland Preserve Trail

Cherry Creek State Park in Aurora, Colorado is about four miles from our home.  We visit often since it is so close and has so many features.  We enjoy walking on the different trails, watching the boats in the reservoir, and camping there. 

Learn more about Cherry Creek State Park.

Chatfield State Park - Littleton

Chatfield State Park

Cheyenne Mountain State Park - Colorado Springs

Lory State Park

Mule Deer at Lory State Park

Lory State Park in Bellvue, Colorado is about 95 miles from our home.  This was our first visit to the Town of Bellvue, which is part of the Fort Collins-Loveland area.  We were excited about seeing a mule deer right at the visitor center and the temporarily waterless waterfall. 

Learn more about Lory State Park.

Jackson Lake State Park - Orchard

St. Vrain State Park - Firestone

St. Vrain State Park

Roxborough State Park - Littleton

Staunton State Park - Pine

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