5 Best State and National Parks Near Telluride
Top 5 State and National Parks Near Telluride
The scenery around Telluride, Colorado is unbeatable. Surrounded by verdant forests of pine and sky-touching mountains with spines covered in snow, you can truly lose yourself in the wilderness that’s found around this beautiful box canyon. If your goal is to see nature while you’re visiting Telluride, there’s no better way to do it than by visiting nearby state and national parks, all located within a drive of about an hour or two. From the scenic vistas at Mesa Verde to the reservoir at Mancos State Park, there’s an outdoor activity available to everyone.
Ready to see all of nature’s wonders available to you near Telluride? Join us as we explore five state and national parks in the area.
#1: Mesa Verde National Park
Telluride might have some of the most picturesque mountain views around, but the stark beauty of the mesas at Mesa Verde National Park gives this ski town a run for its money. Trek about an hour and a half south down CO-145 to reach this destination, which is full to the brim with Native American history, trails, and artifacts that will give you incredible insight into the way that the Ancestral Pueblo people lived their lives for nearly 700 years. Mesa Verde is not only home to the cliff dwellings that give it its fame, but also to other Native American sites of interest, such as the Sun Temple, a ceremonial structure that sits at the top of a mesa and was likely built as a marker of the changing of the seasons.
There’s plenty to do at Mesa Verde National Park, even if the cliff dwellings aren’t your main focus. Hiking is perhaps the most popular activity here, with trails that trek up and down the canyon walls. If you’re looking for the hike of a lifetime, be sure to check out the Petroglyph Point Trail, a 2.4 mile trail that will lead you down into the canyon to see petroglyphs that were painted by Ancestral Pueblo people centuries ago. Or, if you want to see all of what the cliff dwellings have to offer, hop in the car for a tour of the whole park, which will take around 5-6 hours. There’s truly no end to the sights and scenery that await you in this underrated national park.
#2: Ridgway State Park
Want to get out into the wilderness for a day of hiking, biking, or boating on the reservoir? Check out Ridgway State Park, located about an hour north of Telluride.
This scenic state park is home to the Ridgway Reservoir, whose shoreline stretches five miles through the park, and is a popular area for fishing, boating, and kayaking during the warm summer months. There’s even a beach for swimming, a rarity at most reservoirs in Colorado, so you can soak up the sunshine while you enjoy the water. If you’re hoping to extend your outing with a little bit of camping, you can find primitive camping, RV hookups, and even yurts to stay in at this beautiful state park as well.
#3: Canyon of the Ancients National Monument
For those who have any kind of interest in archaeology, you’ll find a hotbed of archaeological sites just 12 miles down the road from Mesa Verde National Park at Canyon of the Ancients National Monument. Although it will take you almost two hours to travel to this site from Telluride, it’s more than worth the drive (which is beautiful in its own right) to set your sights on untouched archaeological sites that give insight into the history of the area. It is estimated that there are around 30,000 archaeological sites across the 174,000 acres of land, with some areas having more than 100 sites per square mile.
While you’re there, be sure to pay a visit to the Canyon of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum. There, you’ll find tons of permanent exhibits on archaeology, local history, and Native American cultures, along with two sites located just outside of the building itself. This spot also hosts tons of events, such as a wildflower hike on Colorado Public Lands Day or the Four Corners Indigenous Art Market that happens each summer.
#4: Mancos State Park
If you’re looking for a spot that’s a haven for outdoor recreation, there’s no better state park around than Mancos State Park. Although it will take you almost two hours to drive from Telluride to this secluded nature spot, it’s more than worth the drive (which is beautiful on its own, following CO-145 for most of the way).
Situated on the shores of Jackson Gulf Reservoir, this fantastic park is a recreational playground, with opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, boating, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and ice fishing throughout the seasons of the year. And for those of you who want a break from your short-term rental in town to sleep out under the stars, there are plenty of camping spots in this park, with two yurts available to rent for those who want a truly unique camping experience.
#5: Lone Mesa State Park
Are you a fan of hunting and want to score some elk or deer while you’re staying in Telluride? Head over to Lone Mesa State Park, located just north of Dolores, for some of the best big game hunting you’ll find around. Elk and deer are popular game in this area, and each year, the park allows those with a special use permit to be able to hunt these gorgeous creatures.
Other than hunting, you’ll find plenty more to do at Lone Mesa, such as horseback riding and OHV riding. This beautiful natural area is well-preserved, and exploring it on horseback or from the back of an ATV is the perfect way to take in the scenic landscapes and mountain vistas.
Discover Even More Telluride Travel Guides on the LocalVR Blog
Telluride is not far from some of the most beautiful places in Colorado (not to mention that it’s one of the most beautiful places in Colorado itself) and the state parks and national parks around are worth visiting on your next trip there.
For more travel guides to Telluride, check out the LocalVR blog, where you’ll find helpful recommendations like the best day trips or where to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Telluride.
