Escape summer heat at one of 35 state parks that provide opportunities to get out on the water boating, swimming, whitewater rafting, water skiing or fishing. Purchase a state fishing license and angle for more than 20 species of game fish, including bass, muskie, perch, grayling, Kokanee salmon and five species of trout. Some species grow to more than 4 feet long and can weigh as much as 50 pounds. Opportunities for waterskiing, powerboating, jetskiing and sailing can be found at the state's large reservoirs, such as Highline and Jackson lakes. State recreation areas for whitewater rafting can be found along the Colorado, Yampa and Arkansas rivers. Lake Pueblo is one of the few state parks where you can enjoy all five water activities, although swimming is limited to Rock Canyon Swim Beach.
Travel miles of trails on your horse, bike or feet, with backcountry camping allowed at some parks. Golden Gate Canyon near Denver offers 19 miles of trails open to mountain bikes and horses, with additional trails for year-round hiking. You can also obtain a permit to pitch a tent at one of 20 backcountry sites or cozy up for the night at one of four backcountry shelters. Fires are not allowed at the backcountry sites. Birders can enjoy 35 miles of multi-use trails at Cherry Creek through rolling terrain where you'll see raptors such as bald eagles and ferruginous hawks, as well as riparian species. Castlewood Canyon houses the state's largest population of turkey vultures, as well as numerous bluebirds. Trails in the park can be enjoyed on foot or bike, and a 1-mile portion of the trail allows horses.
Pitch a tent or park an RV and set out to pursue your favorite outdoor activity at more than three dozen state parks. Colorado's state park's provide modern conveniences such as flush restrooms, showers, water and dump stations, as well as hookups at many parks. More rugged experiences are also available, such as Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, which hosts six campgrounds near the river with no hookups or on-site water spigots. You can reserve a spot at most state campgrounds from April through September through the state's park reservation system. Many parks, such as Ridgway, provide year-round sites with nearby flush toilets, as well as yurts or cabins you can rent any time of year.
Colorado state parks can set the scene for an ideal wintertime getaway. With maintained trails for snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, you'll find plenty of winter activities as alternatives to busy ski resorts. Pearl Lake is one state park where you can cross-country ski or snowmobile to a yurt. State Forest State Park is a favorite winter getaway, with more than 50 miles of groomed snowmobile trails connecting to additional trails in the Routt National Forest. The park also features yurts and cabins to accommodate you overnight and gentle hills perfect for sledding and snow-tubing. You'll also find nearly two dozen parks where you can ice fish or ice skate when the lake freezes solid, usually during January and February.
