Tag: Mesa Verde National Park
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Free day coming at Colorado’s national parks — just in time for fall colors
Planning a road trip for fall colors around Colorado? National parks might factor into the itinerary — especially in the case of free entry. That will be the case on Sept. 27, when the National Park Service is waiving fees in celebration of National Public Lands Day. It promises to be a busy Saturday at Rocky…
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The best Colorado campgrounds? We asked guidebook pros
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Gil Folsom views Colorado’s outdoor craze from his home near Golden. “I live on the side of a mountain. I see I-70 in the distance,” he says. “When you look at the traffic going up…
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Park Madness: We rank Colorado’s top outdoor destinations in this tournament- inspired bracket
As college basketball players vie for one shining moment, we imagine an impossible challenge between some of Colorado’s natural treasures. Colorado parks with towering peaks, hidden gems and amazing views go head-to-head in this March Madness-inspired bracket. We’ve split our field of 64 parks into four regions: South, West, North and Central. Which one came…
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National parks log record visitation amid cuts; some increases around Colorado, too
America’s national parks reported record visitation in 2024 as government cuts loom over federal lands in Colorado and beyond approaching the busy season. As part of a sweeping set of stated cost-saving measures under President Donald Trump, the latest reports suggest the administration is considering a 30% slash to the National Park Service’s payroll. Those…
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The presidents behind Colorado’s national parks and monuments: A timeline
Several presidents have their names attached to some of Colorado’s greatest natural treasures. After all, it takes a president’s pen to create national parks and monuments. This Presidents Day, we’re reflecting on the history of these designations. However distant these scenic wonders on the opposite side of the country, they are forever linked to momentous…
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Free day coming up at Colorado’s national parks and beyond
For one day coming up at Colorado’s national parks and monuments, no need to take out your wallet. The National Park Service is waiving admission for one of its “fee-free days” on the calendar: June 19. That’s in recognition of Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth was…
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Water’s scenic, surprising role at Colorado’s national parks
Across Colorado’s four national parks, water is both celebrated and overlooked. Water is not necessarily at the forefront of the parks’ popular postcards. The parks find themselves in a semi-desert state, after all. But if you venture far enough in some cases, if you visit at the right time and look closely in other cases,…
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Enjoy fall at these 10 spectacular sites in Colorado’s super scenic southwest region
As if Colorado’s southwest region could get any more beautiful, autumn swoops in. Gold is added to the palette, which also includes shades of purple and pink — the big sky blushing as the sun sets on another fulfilling day. How else to describe days spent in the San Juan Mountains? There is discovery and…
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Mark your calendar for free day at Colorado’s national parks
The opportunity comes around only so often to visit America’s national parks free of charge. Take advantage Friday. That’s the National Park Service’s next free entrance day, including for Colorado’s four national parks: Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Mesa Verde. If you’re eyeing Rocky Mountain, be advised timed entry…
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Increases along ‘road less traveled,’ but mostly visitation drops at national parks in Colorado
Visitation in 2022 dropped after a year of high traffic at Colorado’s four national parks, in line with what land managers say represents a return to pre-pandemic levels. Among all national parks — monuments and recreation areas are other examples of designations under the National Park Service — Rocky Mountain National Park maintained a high ranking,…