2 Best Sights in Boulder and North Central Colorado, Colorado

With steep canyon walls, a rushing creek, verdant pine forests, 10 picnic sites with multiple tables, and 12 miles of trails, this park attracts thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. Rock climbers scale the sandstone walls, kayakers charge the rapids of South Boulder Creek (if stream flow allows), and anglers cast lines for brown and rainbow trout. The Streamside Trail parallels South Boulder Creek for ½ mile (wheelchair accessible for 300 feet). The 1-mile (one-way) Fowler Trail is wheelchair accessible, with interpretive signs and great views for climbers. For Continental Divide views, take the 3½-mile (round-trip) Rattlesnake Gulch Trail, which climbs 800 feet. Snowshoeing is popular here in winter. Mountain bikers crank on Rattlesnake Gulch Trail and the Walker Ranch Loop (accessed from the Crescent Meadows trailhead off Gross Dam Road). Hikers can climb the 3½-mile (one-way) Eldorado Canyon Trail to Crescent Meadows. The park is frequently at capacity on weekends and holidays, so weekday and evening visits are recommended.

Rugged peaks, thick forests, and burbling streams make up this 71,000-acre park nestled in the Medicine Bow Mountains with views of the Never Summer Range. Fish for trout, ride horseback, hike or mountain bike, explore four-wheel-drive roads, or ski, snowmobile, or snowshoe along miles of trails. Boating is allowed in the central reservoir only. Camping, cabins, and backcountry yurts are available year-round.