Colorado National Parks and Monuments

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site - Near La Junta. From 1833 to 1849, it was the only major white settlement on the Santa Fe Trail from the Mississippi River to Mexico. Settlers stopped for supplies, wagon repairs and trade; today, visitors stop for interactive tours with living history guides.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park - Between Gunnison and Montrose. This steep canyon, formed over two million years of erosion, plunges up to 2,722 feet to the raging Gunnison River below. Activities range from easy - hiking, scenic overlooks and an interactive visitor's center - to extreme - rock climbing, white water rafting and kayaking.

Blue Mesa Reservoir/Curecanti National Recreation Area - Between Gunnison and Montrose. The largest body of water in Colorado is perfect for water sports. Land lovers can enjoy hiking, tours of the old Narrow Gauge Railroad of Gunnison and a 5,000-acre archaeological site. Best parts - huge marina, no entrance fee.

Canyon of the Ancients National Monument - Along the Colorado-Utah border near Dolores. Home to tribes of people from the Anasazi to the Ute, this site is now populated by more than 20,000 archaeological sites. Visitors can check out ancient dwellings, rock art, artifacts and stunning natural formations.

Chimney Rock Archaeological Site - Near Pagosa Springs. Once home to ancestral Puebloan Indians, this village is now a major archaeological site. Visitors can explore many of the structures that have been unearthed, including a grand Kiva and several residential structures.

Colorado National Monument - Near Grand Junction. This gorgeous park full of red rock formations and canyons is perfect for hiking, sightseeing, biking and wildlife-watching. Plenty of scenic drives offer breathtaking overlooks and chances to learn about the various formations.

Comanche National Grassland - In south-eastern Colorado near along Highway 160. From dino tracks to Comanche Indian rock art to Santa Fe Trail markers, this park contains several historic mementos marking the area's important role in Colorado's past. Visitors have their choice of recreational activities, such as hiking, biking and horseback riding.

Dinosaur National Monument - Along the Colorado-Utah border near Dinosaur. This 210,000-acre park is home to thousands of dinosaur bones and several archaeological dig sites. Visitors will also find interesting rock art, historic homestead sites and countless recreation opportunities, including hiking trails and white water rafting tours.

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument - Between Cripple Creek and Woodland Park. This prehistoric lake was wiped out by a volcanic eruption millions of years ago. Now, it's home to layers of sediment featuring the fossils of more than 60,000 plants and animals. Hiking trails through park are a great way to explore.

Great Sand Dunes National Park - 32 miles northeast of Alamosa. This 30-square-mile park is home to the nation's tallest sand dunes, towering as high as 750 feet. Visitors can hike the dunes or venture to nearby Zapata Falls. Kids and adults love splashing in Medano Creek and building sand castles.

Hovenweep National Monument - Along the Colorado-Utah border near Dolores. Visitors can explore five Puebloan-era villages last inhabited during the 13th century, including Kivas and spectacular towers. Check out the many trails that criss-cross the park or one of the many interactive programs offered by park rangers.

Mesa Verde National Park - Between Cortez and Mancos. Native Americans inhabited this site from 400 to 1300 before they disappeared, leaving behind breathtaking dwellings built into the sides of steep cliffs. Visitors can tour the many sites, hike the park's trails and visit its artifacts-filled museum.

Pawnee National Grassland - Near Sterling off Highway 14. Chalky bluffs and rock formations punctuate this prairie grassland, the setting for James Michener's "Centennial." Home to many birds of prey and diversity of plant life; popular activities include hiking, horseback riding and trout fishing.

Rocky Mountain National Park - Book-ended by the towns of Grand Lake and Estes Park, this 265,828-acre, wildlife-filled park offers dozens of trails for hiking, snowshoeing, biking and cross-country skiing. The park's Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the world.

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