Spectacular Natural Assets and Settings
Millions of acres of public lands combined with spectacular natural assets and settings, wise stewardship and western traditions of hospitality have combined to make our region’s national and state parks some of the most visited and beloved destinations in the nation. Immersive and life-affirming experiences await!
National Parks
The stunning scale of the national parks of Northwest Colorado is matched by the breathtaking beauty of the vistas and the wide range of deeply rewarding recreational opportunities.
Spanning nearly 2.9 million acres across northern Colorado and eastern Wyoming, this national forest and grassland offers inspiring views and experiences in dramatically diverse settings, from majestic mountain ranges to vast open country. Hike, bike, fish, hunt, camp (dispersed camping only) or take to the trails horseback riding or OHV riding. Explore more here.
The vistas are awe-inspiring—secluded canyons, flowing rivers, windswept peaks—and so is the history at this 2,100-acre national monument. A rich trove of dinosaur fossils, petroglyphs and pictographs transport visitors all the way back to prehistoric times, while homesteader cabins and early 20th century ranches tell a more modern, colorful story. Fun includes rafting on the Yampa and Green Rivers, hiking, and camping under the stars. Explore more here.
Remote, primitive but also historically significant, this NWR offers a truly natural experience and setting for hunting, fishing, cross-country hiking, and wildlife observation. While an eight-mile automobile tour provides an educational and interpretive experience, recreation off the established roads requires non-motorized or non-mechanical transport. Explore more here.
Lakes, ski resorts, peaks that rise above 14,000 feet and eight massive wilderness areas make the 2.3 million-acre White River National Forest the ideal recreational destination for all ages and preferences. The 82-mile Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway, connecting the towns of Yampa and Meeker, provides access to the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, where visitors enjoy hunting, fishing and cross-country skiing. Only half of the Byway is paved, but during the summer months the drive is accessible with any vehicle. Explore more about White River here and learn more about the Flat Top Scenic Byway here.
This 160,000-acre Wilderness Area is home to the headwaters of the Elk, Encampment and North Platte Rivers, as well as a portion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Mount Zirkel is truly a peak experience. In addition to 70 lakes, visitors can view mountain peaks (including the Area’s namesake) across the Sawtooth, Park and Sierra Madre ranges. Developed campgrounds are located around the lakes, while dispersed camping is also permitted. Explore more here.
Bureau Of Land Management
Explore the breathtaking expanses of Northwest Colorado's public lands, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). From the rugged canyons to the serene rivers and majestic plateaus, BLM lands offer endless opportunities for hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and exploring historic sites. Each visit fuels local economies through sustainable tourism, ensuring these cherished landscapes remain vibrant and accessible for generations to come. Join us in experiencing the unique splendor and profound heritage of America's public lands.
Home to one of the nation’s last herds of wild horses, Sand Wash allows visitors to view magnificent horses of diverse colors and genetic breeds as well as wildlife like elk, mule deer, pronghorn, prairie dogs and sage grouse. Explore more here.
The Little Snake Field Office administers 1.3 million acres of public and 1.1 million acres of subsurface minerals in Moffat, Routt, and Rio Blanco counties. Learn more here.
The BLM's White River Field Office administers more than one million BLM surface acres in Rio Blanco, Moffat, and Garfield Counties.
State Parks
Nestled between scenic lakes and dramatic mountain vistas, the region’s state parks are a world apart. The menu of activities, endless and endlessly fun, includes hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and camping during the summer months. Cabins, campsites and even yurts make for ideal getaways.
A full-service marina and a swim beach offer summer fun, while ice fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing or snowshoeing are popular in the winter. See more here.
The camping is excellent here, and the nature trail is also popular. Running through the Park, a 134-mile stretch of Yampa River offers 13 access points, including one at the Dinosaur National Monument. Explore more here.
A delightful attraction on the Colorado birding trail, this small wildlife area outside Steamboat Springs provides access to the Yampa River and is a great birding location. Look for ducks, swallows, the Western Tanager, Bullock’s Oriole and the American Dipper.
Views are beautiful here overlooking Farewell Mountain north of Steamboat Springs. Visitors can camp along the shoreline of the lake. (Yurts are also available.) Cast a line fly and lure fishing in the summer. Savor the ice fishing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing in the winter. Trails here go deep into Routt National Forest. Explore more here.
Around this 820-acre reservoir visitors enjoy boating, fishing, hiking and camping. Available with reservations, free rentals include fat tire bikes, backpacks and fishing supplies. Explore more here.