Colorado has many state parks, and they are incredibly diverse. The parks include everything Colorado’s great outdoors has to offer, from hiking and rafting to incredible scenery and wildlife viewing.

Here are some of Colorado’s most unique state parks:

1. State Forest State Park

This is Colorado’s biggest state park, and according to Colorado Parks & Wildlife, it offers 71,000 acres of forest, jagged peaks, alpine lakes, wildlife, and miles of trails. As well as its sheer size, this state park is known for its moose. Dubbed as the “moose viewing capital of Colorado” the park has over 600 moose to be observed year-round.

2. Eleven Mile State Park

Eleven Mile’s large reservoir is known for its outstanding fishing. Anglers can reel in rainbow, brown, cutthroat trout, kokanee, or pike. Guests can fish from the shoreline or troll from a boat and admire the scenic vistas. The park also has nearly five miles of scenic hiking and biking trails and campsites.

3. Roxborough State Park

Made up of natural, unique scenery this state park features geological masterpieces. The millions of years old red-rock formations jut dramatically skyward. Located just a short drive southwest of Denver, Roxborough also includes distinct plant communities and a variety of wildlife ranging from black bears to mule deer.

4. Rifle Falls State Park

Home to a 70-foot triple waterfall, mysterious limestone caves, and lush vegetation, this state park has attracted photographers and movie crews from across the country. Guests can hike along East Rifle Creek to reach the top of the falls, or even picnic under the waterfalls.

5. Cheyenne Mountain State Park

This former ranch is tucked beneath the eastern flank of Cheyenne Mountain. Visitors can enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, or biking on the park’s 28 miles of trails. The area’s campground includes 51 full-service campsites and 10 walk-in tent sites, as well as an archery range.

Visitors will also be able to find the ruins of a T-33 plane that crashed in 1957 in what is now Cheyenne Mountain State Park.

6. Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

This state park is recognized as one of the most popular whitewater rafting and kayaking locations in the U.S. According to CPW, the Arkansas River is the most commercially rafted in the U.S. and is noted for its world-class fishery. Anglers can fish for brown and rainbow trout.

7. Barr Lake State Park

More than 350 species of birds have been spotted in this park including bald eagles. Numerous bald eagles spend winters at Barr Lake. There are several wildlife viewing stations throughout the park. Bicyclists, hikers, and horseback riders can enjoy the trail that circles the lake and passes by the park’s wildlife refuge. The park also has an archery range and a new 3-D target course.

8. Eldorado Canyon State Park

Eldorado Canyon is famous for its rock climbing. With over five hundred technical rock climbing routes, the park attracts climbers from around the world to climb the golden cliffs. Visitors can also hike, mountain bike, fish, or just enjoy a picnic the South Boulder Creek.

9. Castlewood Canyon State Park

This park includes a unique piece of Colorado history – the Castlewood Canyon Dam. According to the Colorado Virtual Library, the dam broke during a torrential rainstorm in 1933, leading to one of the worst floods in Denver history. Castlewood Canyon also features the ruins of the Lucas Homestead.

10. Chatfield State Park

Not only does this park include four campgrounds, a marina, and boat rentals, but it also features a floating restaurant. The marina houses Seagull’s Restaurant, which will open for the season on April 1. Guests can eat in the air-conditioned sunroom or on the sun deck. Camping and horseback riding are also available at Chatfield.

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