10 EPIC National Parks near Denver Colorado (inc. Map!)

All located within an 8-hour drive, these 10 Stunning National Parks near Denver Colorado will help you discover the Great American Outdoors.

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Map of the National Parks Closest To Dever Colorado

Click the map itself or this link to open in Google Maps where you can get A-to-B driving directions and more.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado – 66 miles | 1hr 30mins

Year Established: 1915 
Annual Visitors: 4.7 million 
Best Time to Visit: June to September 
Rocky Mountain National Park Highlights: Hike Sprague Lake, Emerald Lake and Sky Pond Lake, Drive Trail Ridge Road & Fall River Road.

Rocky Mountain National Park is located close to Denver, spans over 415 square miles of rugged mountain terrain and is one of the most popular national parks to visit in the USA.

The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and moose, as well as over 300 miles of hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the park’s peaks, valleys, and alpine lakes.

The park’s highest peak, Longs Peak, stands at 14,259 feet and is a popular destination for experienced hikers and climbers.

The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park depends on what type of activities you plan on doing. The park is open year-round, but certain seasons offer different experiences.

Summer is the most popular time to visit, with mild temperatures and wildflowers in bloom. This is also the best time for hiking and camping.

Winter offers the opportunity to see the park’s wildlife and enjoy winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Spring and fall are also great times to visit, as the park’s colors change with the changing of the seasons.

Visitors should be prepared for variable weather and bring appropriate clothing and gear. It is also important to be aware of altitude sickness and take necessary precautions when planning your trip.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado – 236 miles | 4hr 7mins

Year Established: 2004 
Annual Visitors: 530,000 
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November 
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Highlights: Go Sandboarding, Go Stargazing, and Hike Dunes Overlook, High Dune, Star Dune and Medano Creek.

Great Sand Dunes National Park is located in southern Colorado, just a 4-hour drive from Denver. 

It is home to the tallest dunes in North America, was established in 1932 and covers an area of over 150,000 acres.

The dunes were formed by the erosion of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which caused the wind to blow sand onto the valley floor.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities within the park such as sandboarding, hiking, and horseback riding.

The best time to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park is in the summer months, when temperatures are warm and the park’s facilities are open.

However, visitors should be aware that the park can get very hot during the day, so it’s best to plan outdoor activities for early in the morning or later in the evening.

Additionally, visitors should come prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes as the sand can be quite hot to walk on.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado – 262 miles | 5hr 20mins

Year Established: 1999 
Annual Visitors: 430,000 
Best Time to Visit: May to October 
Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP Highlights: Hike to Warner Point, See Gunnison Point and Exclamation Point, Drive East Portal Road & South Rim Road

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in western Colorado and is known for its steep and dramatic canyon walls.

The park’s main feature is the Black Canyon, which was carved by the Gunnison River over millions of years.

The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall when the temperatures are mild and the crowds are smaller.

The park offers a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. Visitors can hike down to the river on the North Rim Road and take in the breathtaking views of the canyon, although it is important to note that some of the park’s trails are strenuous and not suitable for all hikers.

The park also offers ranger-led programs, including guided canyon floor hikes and stargazing programs. 

Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota – 342 miles | 5hr 36mins

Year Established: 1903 
Annual Visitors: 615,000 
Best Time to Visit: March to September 
Wind Cave National Park Highlights: Tour Wind Cave, Hike Rankin Ridge

Wind Cave National Park is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota and is home to one of the longest and most complex caves systems in the world.

The cave is known for its unique formations, including boxwork, a rare honeycomb-like pattern found in only a few other caves worldwide. Visitors can take guided cave tours to explore the underground tunnels and learn about the geology and history of the cave.

The park also offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, from the mixed-grass prairie to the ponderosa pine forests.

The best time to visit Wind Cave National Park is during the late spring and summer when the weather is mild and the cave tours are in full operation.

Fall is also a great time to visit, as the changing colors of the trees make for a beautiful landscape.

Arches National Park, Utah – 351 miles | 6hrs

Year Established: 1971 
Annual Visitors: 1.7 million 
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November 
Arches National Park Highlights: Hike Delicate Arch for sunset, visit the Double Arch, see Balanced Rock and the Fiery Furnace & Hike Windows Loop (Read all about the best Hikes in Arches NP here!)

Arches National Park is located in northeastern Utah, six hours from Denver, and is known for its over 2,000 natural sandstone arches that are spread throughout the park.

The park’s red rock formations, canyons, and arches offer visitors a glimpse into the natural beauty of the American Southwest.

The park’s most famous arch, Delicate Arch, is a must-see. The arch is visible from a viewpoint accessible by a moderate 3-mile round-trip hike.

The Park Avenue area, which features a 2-mile round-trip hike, is also a popular spot, offering visitors a chance to see towering red rock fins and other unique rock formations.

The best time to visit Arches National Park is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the park is less crowded. During the summer, the park can get very hot, and the park’s trails can be quite strenuous in the heat.

In the winter, the park is open but some of the roads and trails may be closed due to snow and ice.

Overall, the park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall.

Canyonlands National Park, Utah – 363 miles | 6hr 15mins

Year Established: 1964 
Annual Visitors: 735,000 
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November 
Canyonlands National Park Highlights Hike Mesa Arch for sunrise, Hike Grand Viewpoint Overlook and the Needles, See Green River Overlook and Shafer Point Overlook, explore The Maze

Canyonlands National Park is a natural wonder located in southern Utah.

The park is known for its stunning canyons, mesas, and unique rock formations.

One of the highlights of the park is the Island in the Sky, a large mesa that offers panoramic views of the surrounding canyons and the Colorado River.

Visitors can also explore the Needles district, where they can find towering spires, and the Maze district, which is known for its challenging backcountry hiking.

The best time to visit Canyonlands National Park is during the fall or spring, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. The park can get very hot during the summer, so it is best to plan your visit during the cooler months.

The park also offers many great hiking trails, so make sure to wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water.

Badlands National Park, South Dakota – 374 miles | 6hr 15mins

Year Established: 1978 
Annual Visitors: 970,000 
Best Time to Visit: April to May, September to October 
Badlands National Park Highlights: Hike Notch Trail, Hike Saddle Pass Trail, Drive Badlands Loop Road & Sage Creek Rim Road.

Badlands National Park is located in South Dakota, and is known for its unique geological formations and diverse wildlife.

The park’s history is rooted in the Lakota Sioux tribe, who used the area for hunting and spiritual practices. The park was officially established in 1978 and covers 244,000 acres of land.

The park’s highlights include the Badlands Loop Road, which offers scenic views of the park’s colorful rock formations, as well as the Pinnacles Overlook, which provides a panoramic view of the park. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn.

The best time to visit is during the spring and fall months, when the weather is mild and the crowds are fewer. During these months, the park’s wildflowers and wildlife are also at their peak.

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado – 371 miles | 7hrs

Year Established: 1906 
Annual Visitors: 550,000 
Best Time to Visit: June to September 
Mesa Verde National Park Highlights: Hike Petroglyph Point, drive Mesa Top Loop, Tour Cliff Palace and the Balcony House.

Mesa Verde National Park is located in the south west of Denver Colorado.

The park was established in 1906 in order to preserve the ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings, which are believed to have been built by the ancestral Pueblo people between 600 and 1300 AD.

These dwellings are one of the most important archeological sites in the USA because they are some of the best-preserved examples of ancient architecture in the country.

The national historical sites’ main highlights include the Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in the park and one of the most famous in the world, and Balcony House, a smaller dwelling that requires visitors to climb a series of ladders and crawl through a tunnel to reach it.

Other highlights include the Long House, Spruce Tree House and the Sun Temple.

The best time to visit Mesa Verde National Park is during the spring and fall when the temperatures are mild and the crowds are smaller. Visitors should also note that some of the park’s dwellings are only accessible via guided tours, so it is recommended to book ahead of time.

Hiking is also a great way to explore the park and take in the natural beauty of the area.

Capitol Reef National Park, Utah – 428 miles | 7hrs 10mins

Year Established: 1971 
Annual Visitors: 1.2 million 
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November 
Capitol Reef National Park Highlights: Hike Cohab Canyon and Cassidy Arch, Drive Capitol Gorge Road & The Scenic Drive

Capitol Reef National Park is located in south-central Utah and was established as a national park in 1971.

The park is known for its colorful sandstone cliffs and rugged landscape, as well as its historic orchards and pioneer settlements. The park’s main feature is the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the Earth’s crust that has created a unique landscape of cliffs, canyons, and domes.

The park offers a variety of activities for visitors including hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing.

The park’s scenic drive, the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, offers visitors a chance to see the park’s main features, and the park has many hiking trails for visitors to explore.

The best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the crowds are smaller. Summer can be quite hot and the park can be quite crowded during the peak tourist season.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming – 482 miles | 8hrs

Year Established: 1929 
Annual Visitors: 3.4 million 
Best Time to Visit: June to September 
Grand Teton National Park Highlights: Visit Mormon Row and Schwabacher Landing, Hike Inspiration Trail and Hidden Falls, Backpack to Lake Solitude.

Grand Teton National Park is known for its stunning mountain landscapes and diverse array of outdoor activities. The park is named after Grand Teton, the highest peak in the Teton Range, which stands at 13,770 feet.

The park offers a variety of highlights for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can take a scenic drive along the Teton Park Road to take in the views of the Teton Range, or hike to the summit of Grand Teton for a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.

Other popular activities include fishing in Jenny Lake and exploring the park’s diverse wildlife, including bison, elk, moose, and bears.

The best time to visit Grand Teton National Park is during the summer months of June to September, when the weather is warm and the snow has melted, making it easier to access the park’s many trails.

With so many incredible National Parks near Denver Colorado, it can be a little overwhelming, but we hope our complete guide to the National Parks nearby to Denver has helped you narrow down which ones you want to tick off your National Park Bucket List first!

We hope our National Parks near Denver Map had been a huge help in planning your adventures, and if you know of anyone else who needs a little bit of inspiration or assistance in planning their National Parks trip, please be sure to share on social media: Facebook, Flipboard, Twitter or grab an image from below for Pinterest.

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