Colorado State Parks Celebrate Colorado Day with Free Admission

7/28/2010

DENVER - Colorado State Parks will celebrate Colorado Day on Monday, Aug. 2 by offering free entrance at all 42 state parks. Colorado Day was created by the state legislature to mark the anniversary of statehood, granted in 1876 by President Ulysses S. Grant. Free entrance at the state parks is an annual Colorado Day tradition.

"We’re inviting Coloradans to get outdoors at the state parks, enjoy the natural beauty of these places and experience all the recreational activities that the parks have to offer,” said Dean Winstanley, Colorado State Parks Director. “Colorado Day is an annual thanks to all our visitors for their support and to give people who have never visited a chance to experience the great activities in state parks.”

All other fees, including camping and reservations will remain in effect on Aug. 2. The state parks, scattered throughout Colorado, showcase the state's diverse landscapes, including the prairies of the eastern plains at John Martin Reservoir State Park, the alpine beauty of the mountains at Sylvan Lake State Park near Eagle and the unique geological landscapes at Roxborough State Park. There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy Colorado's rivers at James M. Robb-Colorado River State Park near Grand Junction, the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area in Salida and Yampa River State Park near Craig, as well as the reservoirs at Lake Pueblo State Park, North Sterling State Park and Navajo State Park near Durango.

Chatfield State Park and Cherry Creek State Park are the most popular state parks, but Colorado Days is a chance to sample Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Castlewood Canyon State Park and Barr Lake State Park, which are all within an hour drive of Denver.

There is a huge variety of recreational opportunities at all Colorado State Parks. Float your boat, kayak or raft a river, or ride a jet-ski. View diverse wildlife and a multitude of bird species. Catch fish, hike, explore by geocaching, ride some of the best OHV trails in the state or go horseback riding. Teach your children to fish, camp or learn about nature. Climb a challenging rock face, fly a kite or ride your bike.

Come play all day, enjoy a picnic and stay for the sunset. This Colorado Day, be sure to get out to a state park for a fun-filled day that the whole family can enjoy.