With four major national parks and over 40 state parks, Colorado is known for outdoor recreation. However, I’ve found that, outside of the locals, many people don’t know about one of my favorite places to visit — Eldorado Canyon State Park.
Just 9 miles outside Boulder, the park is known for its dramatic canyon views, rock climbing, and scenic hiking trails. Its towering golden sandstone cliffs make it one of the top climbing destinations in the US, with over 500 routes.
Visitors can also choose to cross-country ski or snowshoe in the winter months.
This story was originally published on May 5, 2025, and most recently updated on October 13, 2026.