Eldorado Canyon State Park

The basics

Set in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Eldorado Canyon State Park is the perfect day-trip destination for Boulder visitors looking to escape into nature. The park offers 17 miles (27 kilometers) of hiking trails, from the challenging Walker Ranch Loop to the wheelchair-accessible Fowler Trail. It’s also considered one of the top sites for rock climbers in the country, with an impressive 500 technical routes, while mountain bikers and horseback riders are welcome on select trails.

Though visitors coming during the summer season need to prebook a pass for vehicles on weekends and holidays, a free shuttle from Boulder is also available. It’s worth setting aside a full day to see the park, so you can enjoy its picnic areas, take photos, and look out for wildlife, from bobcats to elk.

Things to know before you go

• Visitors to the state park—locally known as “Eldo”—need to pay a small fee for a daily vehicle pass or individual pass.
• It’s worth coming prepared with a range of layers, water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes, as well as technical gear if you plan to climb.
• Leashed dogs are permitted in the park.
• Visitors should follow “leave no trace” principles, and stay on trails to avoid damaging the habitats.
• Potentially dangerous animals like rattlesnakes have been spotted in the park; be mindful as you go, and do not approach wildlife.
• A visitor center, picnic areas, and restrooms are all on-site.
• Swimming is prohibited, while hunting and fishing are only permitted in certain areas for those with licenses.

How to get there

Eldorado Canyon State Park is 9 miles (15 kilometers) south of Boulder, and trips take around 20 minutes. If you’re not driving there, the free Eldo Shuttle connects Boulder with the park, and runs every 20 minutes on the weekends, generally from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

When to get there

The park is open daily, from early in the morning to late in the evening; overnight camping is prohibited in the park. Weekends during the summer and on public holidays are busiest, and visitors who plan to drive to the park at those times must reserve vehicle passes in advance. For a calmer experience, visit on a weekday.

Coal Creek Canyon

Another worthy destination near Eldorado Canyon State Park, Coal Creek Canyon offers visitors unspoiled natural scenery. Comparatively less crowded than Eldo, the region is great for road-trippers looking for spectacular viewpoints, as well as off-trail hikers after some solitude in the outdoors.