National Park Trekkers

National Parks in Colorado

Colorado has 4 national parks: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain requires a reservation in season.

Fees and rules checked against NPS.gov · Updated October 6, 2026

The famous Painted Wall of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Gorge

Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Colorado

A sheer, narrow gorge of ancient dark rock plunging up to 2,700 feet to the Gunnison River

$30 per car
Great Sand Dunes Afternoon Mountains and Shadows. At Colorado's Great Sand Dunes National Park blue skies and mountains form a backdrop to d

Great Sand Dunes

Colorado

North America's tallest sand dunes, piled against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains

$25 per car
Fabulous Cliff Dwellings at Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde

Colorado

Ancestral Pueblo cliff dwellings tucked into canyon alcoves on a high, forested mesa

$30 per car
Hallett Peak glowing at sunset above Dream Lake

Rocky Mountain

Colorado

Alpine tundra, elk herds and the highest continuous paved road in the US.

$35 per carReservation needed

Compare the parks

ParkEntryReservationBest time to goHow long to stay
Black Canyon of the Gunnison$30 per carNot requiredMay, June, September and early October bring mild weather and open roads on both rims, with fall color in the oak brush in late September.One day covers the South Rim; add a second day for the North Rim or East Portal.
Great Sand Dunes$25 per carNot requiredLate May and early June bring Medano Creek at its peak (in wetter years), while September and October offer mild sand temperatures, golden aspens and fewer crowds.One full day covers the dunes and creek; two days lets you add a preserve hike or the Medano Pass road.
Mesa Verde$30 per carNot requiredMay, June and September through mid-October are best, when cliff dwelling tours run and days are mild.One full day covers Chapin Mesa and one tour; two days lets you add Wetherill Mesa and a second tour.
Rocky Mountain$35 per carRequired in seasonLate June to September, when Trail Ridge Road is open. Mid-September to early October brings golden aspens and the elk rut.2 to 3 days.

Nearby parks in other states

See the full list of U.S. national parks · Open the park map · Compare park passes