Hiking at Colorado State Parks
Nature Trails: More than a Walk in the Park Take your family outdoors and learn a little about Colorado's natural world while you are out and about. Our parks offer a number of family-friendly and interpretive nature trails equipped with educational signs and brochures. Take advantage of these trails next time you are at a state park and discover the plants and animals that call Colorado and our parks home. Here are just a few of the many interpretive nature trails our parks have to offer.
Steamboat Lake State Park The Tombstone Nature Trail is listed in national publications as one of the best short trails in Colorado. This easy 1.1-mile loop trail at Placer Cove Day Use Area provides impressive views of Steamboat Lake and interpretive signs that highlight the area's natural features and cultural history.
Castlewood Canyon State Park The 1.2-mile Canyon View Nature Trail is a wonderful self-guided trail, complete with interpretive panels, brochures, audiotape and stunning views of the canyon.
Trinidad Lake State Park The information-rich Visitor Center Trail connects interpretive features along a 0.75-mile path, including a Native American archeological site, watchable wildlife kiosk, scenic overlook and wayside exhibit on the Santa Fe Trail. The 1-mile Levsa Canyon Trail is slightly more difficult but offers numerous views of mountains, lakes and wooded coves.
Ridgway State Park There are three self-guided and educational nature paths among the many hiking trails at Ridgway State Park. Make sure to pick up the brochure for the 0.5-mile Forest Discovery Nature Trail to learn more about plant life, animals, local history and geological features of the park.
Mueller State Park The Wapiti Self-Guided Nature Trail is a short, self-guided 0.8-mile long trail that takes you through diverse habitats displaying a variety of plant and animal life through three life zones on Pikes Peak. Your scenic journey conveniently starts and ends at the Visitor Center.