A look at Roxborough State Park near Castle Rock:

Description: Those famed red rock formations at Garden of the Gods? The like can be found outside of Denver, rising majestically from the meadows across this park’s 3,300 acres. Hiker-only trails lead to a variety of picture-demanding overlooks. Roughly 14 miles of paths can be traversed, the most challenging and scenic of which is the 6.4-mile venture up the 7,160-foot Carpenter Peak. Birders come for the array of species found at this Important Bird Area, as named by the Audubon Society.

Activities: Hiking, wildlife/bird viewing.

Wildlife: Mule deer, mountain lions, bobcats, black bears, red foxes; birds include eagles, Swainson’s hawk, Cooper’s hawk, prairie and peregrine falcon, northern harrier, western tanager, canyon wren.

Fun fact: No pets and no camping allowed at the park, a designated National Natural Landmark. More than 40 archaeologically significant sites have been pinpointed on the property.

Address: 4751 E. Roxborough Drive, Roxborough, 80125

Contact: 303-973-3959, [email protected]

Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Directions: Off Interstate 25 north, exit for Castle Rock Parkway and follow to merge onto U.S. 85 north. After about 10 miles, exit for Titan Parkway and continue north onto Rampart Range Road. Go almost 4 miles to Roxborough Drive and follow to park.

SETH BOSTER, THE GAZETTE