All the Outdoors You Need

Catch fish or climb a pitch in Colorado state parks

Words and photos by Matt Maenpaa

The lure of the great outdoors is most certainly an all-year excursion in Colorado, with a bounty of adventure to be had across the seasons. Easy enough to sneak off through one of the many parks and open spaces around Boulder County to get in a hike or a bike ride, or take a drive through the mountains to catch the changing colors. 

Since the Keep Colorado Wild Pass was added to vehicle registrations in 2023, it’s even easier to get out and explore our state parks without worrying about entrance fees. Whether you’re looking for stunning vistas and rugged climbs or a lazy day of fishing and bird watching, you won’t need to drive more than an hour from Boulder. Check out these spots, and our favorite pit stops along the way.

St. Vrain State Park

With more than 600 hundred acres of ground, including 236 acres of stocked fishing ponds, St. Vrain State Park is a great place for sunset strolls and lazy days fishing. With campsites open year-round, the park is also a nice place to park an RV or camper for a weekend.

Situated off CO Highway 119 and U.S. Interstate 25, the wetlands offer up stunning views of the Front Range and the twin peaks of Mt. Meeker and Longs Peak. Dawn and dusk bring out the wildlife, and sunsets highlight the changing foliage of the cottonwoods in autumn. Once the ponds freeze for the winter, St. Vrain also hosts ice fishing when the right conditions are met.

As a pit stop, make sure you visit Left Hand Brewing to put away a few pints of beer, fill a growler or grab cans. After all, camping, fishing and beer are a classic combination. Check out the pilot beers only available in limited batches, stick around and catch some live music.

Barr Lake State Park

Roughly an hour east of Boulder outside the town of Brighton, Barr Lake makes for a perfect day trip. Half aquatic recreation, half wildlife refuge, the park is dominated by the 1,950-acre reservoir that gives it its name. Walk the boardwalks and scan the shoreline for stalking herons and circling eagles, and even pelicans in warmer weather. In the winter and early spring, bald eagles roost in the park by the dozens, so pack a good pair of binoculars or a telephoto lens.

Barr Lake allows boating on half the reservoir, but is limited to sailboats, paddles and very small engines. Fishing piers stud the northern shoreline, and the ponds are stocked with a variety of species to snare. Another unique draw is the archery range, featuring both standard targets and a 3D range that includes elk and dinosaur targets. Brush up on your aim before hunting season opens, then take in a dramatic sunset with sweeping views in every direction.

On your way into the park, stop at Berry Patch Farms and put the finishing touches on your picnic lunch or bird watching snacks. Visit the working organic farm to pick sunflowers and a variety of berries in season but be sure to make a reservation ahead of time to get the choice of the crop.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park

A quintessential backcountry park, Golden Gate Canyon is home to thick pine forest, rolling meadows and epic views of the Continental Divide. In autumn, join the leaf peepers as the mountainsides are lit up with aspens turning. With more than 35 miles of trails, there’s plenty to explore for hikers and snowshoers all year round.

Hunting is permitted as well, though only in designated portions of its 12,000-acre footprint. Fishing is also allowed in nearly all streams and ponds in the park, though they are only stocked in spring and summer. 

If you’re looking for an overnight adventure, Golden Gate Canyon boasts 156 campsites that range from rustic backcountry sites to electric RV hookups. Those wanting a little more comfort also have the option to reserve a yurt or a room at Harmsen Ranch Guest House.

While exploring the area, book a tour at Hidee Gold Mine, near Central City and Nevadaville. The working mine still has gold ore and gems inside, and it’s surrounded by mining claims that date back to the mid 1800s. After a trip down in the mine, learn how to pan for gold and keep the pieces you find.

Eldorado Canyon State Park

A very short drive south of Boulder along the rolling hills of CO Highway 93, follow the signs for the town Eldorado Springs and you won’t miss it. The park entrance is dwarfed by the massive rock formation called the Bastille. Sheer cliff walls above and the tumble of South Boulder Creek at the canyon floor make for a breathtaking experience. 

Hike up the cliff trails to explore beautiful meadows, take in views of the Continental Divide and discover the ruined foundation of a historic mountain hotel lost to fire over a hundred years ago. Trails running west out of the park even connect with Boulder County’s Walker Ranch trails. If you’d rather climb the cliffs than hike them, Eldorado Canyon has you covered, with more than 500 technical routes for traditional climbers. 

For more accessible and slower paced routes, there are plenty of trails and spurs to explore along the canyon floor. Picnic on the side of the creek or put on your waders and go fly fishing in the gentler sections.

On your way out of the park, take some time to visit Eldorado Springs Art Center, just across the road from the Eldorado Springs pool. Carved out of the remains of a Volvo repair shop by sculptor Giuseppe Palumbo, the art center hosts several resident creators. Galleries are only open by appointment, but the sculpture garden is open from mid-morning until mid-evening. Take in the unique creations and creatures that populate the space, and if you’re lucky, maybe you’ll chance on one of the artists.