Where to start? I love a National Park and this is no exception. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a…read morefairly understated park, as in many folks don't know about it. It's further out west in Colorado so it takes a bit of effort to find yourself here but you will be rewarded if you venture out west. First of all this part of Colorado is gorgeous and a bit less traveled so you'll have more space to yourself which is lovely. The canyon itself is incredible. It reminded me a lot of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone if you've ever seen that. We did several smaller hikes around the rim as we had little kids in tow. Be sure to hold onto those small hands as I was pretty nervous about them falling in since it's just a big ol' drop around the edges. All that being said, this is a great park and I'd love to return sometimes without kids or when the kids are older to do one of the bigger hikes.

I didn't have the highest expectations going into our trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National…read morePark. I didn't know too much about the park and was a bit disappointed that we had to nix the plans to do our large hike in the North Rim of the park. That being said, BCGNP far surpassed all expectations on just our very first overlook - Tomichi Point - within minutes of driving into the South Rim. I was not prepared for the sheer beauty of the canyons. The South Rim is so very different from the North Rim, so if you only have time to go to one, make sure to do your research. The South Rim is much more developed, more popular, has plenty of tiny hikes and overlooks, and brings the easy, classic beauty. The South Rim drive is an easy 7 miles and features 12 overlooks with the longest hike to the overlook being about 0.5 of a mile. And most of the hikes are more like walks. Stunning views, perfect for sunset. You'll also find the BCGNP visitor center on the South Rim drive. The North Rim is much more underdeveloped and less visited. We visited in the late afternoon and only ran into one other group of people while driving their scenic North Rim drive. I believe it's about 4.5 miles, and it is unpaved - that being said, we drove it in a Toyota Corolla without any issues. These overlooks are equally gorgeous but give you a different perspective of the canyon. You'll find a lot of the bigger hikes in the North Rim. While we weren't able to fit one into our schedule, we did do part of the North Vista Trail to see Exclamation Point - wonderful hike, wish we had been able to do the full trail. Overall, I wasn't sure what I was expecting when I visited Black Canyon of the Gunnison, but it definitely wasn't how breathtakingly beautiful this park is. 100% worth a stop, and if all you do is stop at their overlooks, you will still get to experience so much beauty.

Handies peak is a beautiful and easy class 1 in the San Juan's. My group and I did this one the day…read moreafter Redcloud & Sunshine, so it was nice to have a shorter day. It's less than 3K elevation and I clocked 6 miles round trip, granted the elevation builds quickly during those 3 miles to the summit. It was so beautiful that my two friends declared it was one of their top three favorite 14ers that they've done! The view at the top is stunning, with gorgeous scenery and breathtaking vistas along the way. You can make a very short detour and even visit a lovely alpine lake. The hardest part of the hike is accessing it. We were already parked along cimaron pass at our campsite, but it took an additional 40 minutes or so to drive from Redcloud trailhead to Handies. I made it in my Crosstrek but there were a couple of truly sketchy spots and a very very bumpy ride. No bathrooms at the trailhead and not much coverage to duck into the woods so keep that in mind. A must do for every 14er fanatic or ambitious hiker!

Handies peak! I have dreamed about hiking this one for several years in the summer when…read morewildflowers are blooming but distance kept me away. Planned a 5 day stay up in the lake city/san juan area so we could knock it out. I finally did it and it did not disappoint. We took the Handies via grizzly gulch which is the non standard route and it is longer than the american basin route. The road getting to grizzly gulch from lake city was rough. lots of pot holes and jutting rocks. Also narrow stretches with drop offs on the side. ATVs and jeeps like to zip down the road at the speed of light and there are not a lot of pull offs along the way. I made it with my honda pilot but it was SLOW going. plan extra time for this road. (cimmaron pass) We were initially going to go to american basin but after the long drive to get to grizzly gulch i just didn't have it in me to do another 4-5 miles on even rougher road. There is a bathroom at the Trailhead. There are no trash cans or dog poop bags however so be sure to pack out whatever you pack in (including your dog poop)! This trail is a class 1. Though that does not mean it is "easy" by any means. However we did enjoy the first half or little more of the trail that had dirt trails and step ups. The trail was very well maintained. Currently in july there are fields of lovely wildflowers that are so abundant and in a variety of colors. Also there is a stream for a chunk of it that you will walk near. As you ascend further up, it begins to get rocky and there is scree near the top. As you merge on to the peak, you will meet up with all the hikers from american basin standard approach which is substantially more. So the peak may seem a little crowded. On our trek, we only saw maybe 6 other people. The flowers along the way and then the view at the top was all breathtaking! So thankful to have finally gotten to complete this peak!

I had an awesome time visiting box canyon waterfall while in Ouray! I came with my husband and…read moretoddler children. They absolutely loved it! Great for all ages. The waterfall was a lot bigger than I thought it would be. It was super loud inside of the canon which made it all the more exciting. Check out both the lower and upper box canon falls trails. The lower falls trail gets very close to the waterfall, we were getting wet from the spray we were so close. The upper trail has a great view of Ouray and a fun bridge to cross that leads into a tunnel. It is $7 for each adult, but super seniors, military, and children under 4 are free! No dogs allowed in the park. I don't think the dogs would want to come anyway with the metal bridges and aggressively loud waterfall. If you are in Ouray in the summertime this needs to be on your itinerary!

Truly magnificent. The lower trail is easy for all levels, it has stable footing and minimal…read moreelevation changes, yet still offers beautiful views of the creek, and waterfalls along steel walkways and short trail. There are also stairs to near bottom of the waterfall. The high bridge trail is much more challenging, although one can opt to only climb the stair portion for a better view of Ouray and a little cardio. At the top of the stairs there is a small shelter, if you're feeling the altitude at this point it's a good idea not to continue further, as the trail continues to climb and there are no stairs/structure. There is a cable above the trail in sections for stability, and cables below some sections for safety. I'd guess the top of the stairs is a little less than half way to the high bridge. The bridge is a very sturdy structure, over a steep narrow gorge, the views of Box Cañon, the creek, waterfall, and town below are breathtaking. There is a hallway-like tunnel on the far side of the bridge, which is part of the perimeter trail. It's low in some spots but walkable, and offers some shade and cooling after the climb. The trail was drub when we went, it would be significantly more challenging/difficult with any moisture or icy conditions.

Hermit's Rest is off of Highway 92 - approximately 17 miles west from its junction with Highway 50…read more There are restrooms here, some interpretive signage, and the trailhead for the Hermit's Rest Trail. From the NPS web site: Zigzagging through oak, pine, juniper, and fir, hikers descend to wooded camp and picnic sites on the shores of Morrow Point Reservoir. Campsites with picnic tables, fire grates, and toilets are provided at the end of the trail. Good shoes or boots are recommended. Carry at least 2 quarts of water per person. Check for ticks frequently during the hot summer months. * Length: 6 miles (round trip) * Difficulty: Very strenuous and little shade. Elevation change is 1,800 ft. Allow 3 hours for round trip. We stopped here to use the restrooms and to check out the scenic vista - we were far above the Morrow Point Reservoir (see the attached pix). Gorgeous area! NOTE: Hermit's Nest does not have a physical address - so I've entered the Headquarters address for the Curecanti National Recreation Area.

Very challenging but very fun hike. I'm a fairly experienced hiker and I struggled to ascend back…read moreup the mountain. It takes approx. 1 hour down and 2 hours up. Beautiful scenery that can't be beat.

"Enjoy this 7.8-mile out-and-back trail near Basalt, Colorado. Generally considered a moderately…read morechallenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 56 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash Thomas Lakes trail is one of the prettiest hikes in the area, and rewards hikers with some spectacular views and some gorgeous woodland. This hike isn't overly brutal, but does provide hikers with some steeper sections, so proper footwear is a must, and all visitors should expect a long day hike with some challenging distance." 1. there is a dirt lot at the trail head with multiple parking spots. 2. There is a bathroom at the trailhead. There is not however trash cans or dog poop bags. 3. Cows graze off the trail so if you hear something bigger it is possibly a cow. 4. If you are backpacking, it does say a bear canister is required. 5. The road up to the trail especially the last few miles is a little rough the trail i felt like was a gradual climb to get to the lakes. Wildflowers are popping right now! Many beautiful views along the way. The lakes are lovely! Great views of sopris.

This is a beautiful park. There are hiking trails up or around the hill, areas for picnics, a…read morereflection circle, or choose the pedestrian and biking trail along the river.

So this is a beautiful, off-the-beaten-path, nice place to make a quick stop while you are in the…read morearea. This is some simple, short hiking in the area. The real draw is the huge bronze Eagle statue in the middle of the rock-zen garden. This is a very serine and spiritual place. You can come here to stack your zen-rock pile and reflect on life's mysteries. On a nice day I recommend coming here to take in the zen garden/eagle and then spend sometime down by the river.

"Experience this 4.4-mile out-and-back trail near Carbondale, Colorado. Generally considered a…read morechallenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 41 min to complete. This trail is great for backpacking and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are July through October. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. This is a steep hike with spectacularly rewarding views of the Ragged Mountain Range. Start at Yule Creek trailhead. At about half mile at the Y, stay right until you reach a 4 way intersection (with Anthricite). Go straight and start climbing. Once you reach the ridge, follow the to the highest point; that is Marble Point. The ridge trail continues on to Raspberry Creek Loop at the second valley." 1. be sure to have the trail mapped before going. There is no service in marble. (there is no service from carbondale to paonia. So be sure to have all trails pulled up and also directions also pulled up or screen shotted. 2. There is not really a parking lot. Its more like road side parking and its not really obvious where the trailhead is. There are not any signs. Its only a handful of spots. 3. There are no bathrooms or dog poop bags or trash cans. Be sure to plan on packing out what you pack in (including trash, dog poop. human waste......) 4. The trail is remote. The weeds are tall in areas if you struggle with allergies you may want to wear long pants. 5. It is definitely steep! 6. There is a small sign on a tree where the trail forks. Watch for that or you will end up on the wrong trail. 7. The beginning of the trail is in rough shape. You might want some poles for it. Beautiful view at the top! Was a steep climb but worth it! Hung out at the top for a bit and just took it all in. this area is so lovely.

We randomly stopped into this state park and it was such an amazing experience and just so…read morebeautiful! If you park in the visitor parking lot for more than 15 minutes, the park fee is $10. Visitor center has really informative and friendly rangers and definitely stop in to pick up a gift from Colorado! Ranger also let me know a few trails had interpretative education so follow the numbers and he gave me a guide for what each number means. Cool learning experience. State parks in Colorado are self sufficient, so taxes don't support the parks and the state parks reliant on fees they charge. I'd gladly support any state park any day. The views here are mind-blowing and we got to stroll around a bit and our dog also enjoyed the park and trails. We will definitely be stopping in here again when passing through, well worth the stop!

Nice clean sites with lots of room between. Volunteer hosts are terrific! Namely Dick & Cindy…read more Thanks you. Fishing ponds are full of fish as well. Negative which sucks- Once you pay for your site you need to also buy a "park pass" for another $10 per day!!! Outrageous!! This is like son California sh*t.

I can't believe it's not a review of this place maybe it's called something different?…read more Montrose is a great town with a lot of activities, food, places of interest. This park would probably be number one in my book. Has Miles abroad paved walking trails which connect to a much longer bike path through the area, as well as smaller off-road walking trails. All of this runs along side the river Which is gold standard for flyfishing! So you can hike, bike, fish, walk your dog, picnic, and I'm not done yet There is a water park here where you can basically go white water rafting or tubing!!!!!!!! Never even heard of such a thing. Do yourself a favor and stop by on your way to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison national Forest. This is a really great town.

Did the entire Perimeter Trail the other day...clocked 6.2 miles in just under 4 hours…read more Started in the am at the trailhead located in the parking lot across from the Ouray Visitor's Center (which I highly recommend). You'll understand as you begin your final descent. As you start your initial ascent and climb the wood stairs into the hillside, enter the cliff path...a .8 mile slightly narrower trail than I'd prefer and a drop-off...but hey, the views are stunning! You can see the Ouray Hot Springs and more! As you keep on trekkin' on you'll start to "hear" before you make it to the gorgeous Cascade Falls!!! Chill, explore...even hike up behind the falls if that's your thing! I think I was pretty "ok" until we passed through the tunnel after the upper Box Canyon Bridge. We almost took a bail-out trail back into town along the way but persevered. There are actually a few bail-outs along the trail. Anyway, there were some sketchy narrow, steep, rocky-dusty-slidy, drop-off sections along the trail that gave me the heebie-jeebies. If you have a fear of heights, this may not be for you. For the majority of hikers out there I'm sure it's easy, but nonetheless make sure you go prepared. 1. Depending on what time you hike, be sure to eat a healthy meal before you go and bring some extra snacks just in case. 2. Signage isn't the best and is lacking "you are here", so I'd recommend taking a photo of the trail map before you head out. 3. Staying properly hydrated is key along the trail. If you've got a camelback that's great! 4. Take breaks when needed and don't feel pressured by any of your overzealous hiking buddies...it's supposed to be fun, safe and not a competition. 5. A walking stick or trekking poles can prove very helpful! Many people leave sticks at the trailhead(s). If you use one be sure to leave it behind for the next person. 6. Wear appropriate shoes for hiking. Yeah some peeps can hike in Croc's or Chaco's, but not highly recommended. Enjoy the trail, be safe, and take some pix! The views are beautiful! Be Happy Outside!

This is a must do hike, plan to take about 5 hours or more if you take side trips. You will have…read moregreat views of the city, mountain ranges on all sides, Canyon views, waterfalls, an aspen grove, a tunnel, various bridges, some narrow heart pumping areas on the west side, and views of the rock climbers along the via Ferrata