The color red is central to some of Colorado’s greatest natural beauty, and it’s central to this state’s name.

“Colorado” is derived from the Spanish phrase for “colored red,” as early explorers came to view the waterway we now call the Colorado River. The Spaniards then followed that river, which was tinted by silt that shed from the landscape ー a landscape decorated by sandstone. 

Yes, it’s the river that inspired the state’s name. And it’s the red rock that inspires us still. 

Fortunately, we don’t have to travel far to boost our appreciation of it. 

Garden of the Gods

It is the state’s most celebrated geologic showcase, Colorado Springs’ proud treasure that attracts annual visitation on par with Rocky Mountain National Park and the Grand Canyon (upward of 4.5 million people). The formations pose for the camera, from Kissing Camels and Siamese Twins to Balanced Rock and those vertical, angling slabs front and center: the Gateway rocks. 

The paved Perkins Trail runs between North and South Gateway. But locals take to the less-traveled dirt paths, such as Palmer, Scotsman and Buckskin Charlie trails.

Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Speaking of Colorado Springs locals, this is their preferred escape when the summertime crowds descend upon Garden of the Gods. The same sandstone that paints the Garden paints this open space to the south, right off U.S. 24.

It appears rather unremarkable from the highway, but then one ventures into the wonderland. Sidewalks and roads roam the Garden while Red Rock Canyon keeps it wild. Contemplative Trail is one way to get up close with the geology, while loops explore both sides of the open space.

Red Canyon Park

Cañon City residents have known this as their Garden of the Gods dating to the 1920s, when Congressman Guy Hardy made sure these monoliths, cliffs and canyons were protected as a city park. But for people outside the Royal Gorge region, the remote Red Canyon Park has been rather unknown. 

Now, the secret is getting out. That’s as the city late last year invested in the park’s first professional trail construction, including a gorgeous 4-mile loop. And funding is in place to improve and expand the park’s campgrounds.

Sandstone Ranch Open Space

Douglas County calls it the “crown jewel” of its open space system ー the largest in its system, sprawling more than 2,000 acres along the rural outskirts of Larkspur. While the open space is named for the rocks sprinkled throughout, they aren’t as dramatic here as they are elsewhere on this list. They are nonetheless unique, surprisingly set against hay meadows and Rampart Range.

They are commonly admired by bike and horseback. Runners might also appreciate the looping network totaling about 12 miles. Sandstone Meadow is marked on the trail map’s south side. 

Roxborough State Park

Hiding out toward the foothills southwest of Denver is this dreamscape of vibrant formations that run through wavy meadows and wildflowers. Check that ー Roxborough can’t hide from the masses who line the entrance road on summer weekends. Who can blame them? 

The good news: There’s room to spread out across the trail system of about 15 miles. One can stay low with the rocks along the Fountain Valley loop. Or one can venture high, taking the trail up Carpenter Peak.

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

So you’ve been to a show and marveled at Ship Rock and Creation Rock rising beside the stands and defining Denver’s postcard concert venue. But have you explored the park beyond the stage?

There is indeed much more to see outside the stands, which have become a popular fitness destination. From the upper north parking lot, opposite the amphitheater, is the enticing Geologic Overlook Trail. The longer Red Rocks and Mount Vernon Creek trails loop around the park, where some visitors start and chart a challenging course up Mount Morrison.

South Valley Park

One can quickly swap the hustle and bustle of Ken-Caryl Ranch and Colorado 470 for the peace and quiet of this colorful preserve. The area’s recognizable hogback rolls through here and meets more captivating red rocks.

Nearly 8 miles of trail wander north and south through the park that Jefferson County considers “well-suited for beginning mountain bikers and hikers who prefer more level terrain.” For the more adventurous, trails from the park’s south entrance connect to Deer Creek Canyon Park.

Road trip: Colorado National Monument

We’ve stayed along the Front Range, but we’d be remiss not to mention the national monument with “colored red” in its title. 

Because of its distance from major populations ー and because red rock seekers all too often continue through Grand Junction, on to Moab ー Colorado National Monument tends to get overlooked. But this place of pinnacles, spires, arches and canyons should not be missed. The 23-mile Rim Rock Drive is one way to take it in from above, while 14 trails offer other ways to marvel. Consider a night at Saddlehorn Campground, perched atop the scenic rim.