· Flatirons

Eldorado Canyon State Park

Driving into Eldorado Canyon, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of enormous cliffs where Canyon Wrens, White-throated Swifts, and Violet-green Swallows nest. World-renowned as a premier rock climbing destination, it’s hard not to spend a little time also watching the brave climbers scaling Eldo’s dramatic sandstone cliffs!

South Boulder Creek carves a path through the canyon, providing potential for seeing American Dipper in the rushing stream. Farther inside the park, the landscape flattens and an extensive trail system begins, providing access to mixed conifer forest with typical foothills species ranging from Western Tanager to the striking Abert’s squirrel. Other birds of interest you could possibly spot here include: Lewis’s Woodpecker, Prairie Falcon, Golden Eagle, Virginia Warbler, and Chestnut-sided Warbler. A State Parks pass is required for entry. Hunting occurs at the Crescent Meadows portion of the park, so be sure to check for seasonal restrictions before visiting that section.

County: Boulder

Directions: From Denver: head west toward Boulder on US Hwy 36. Exit at Louisville/Superior/McCaslin Blvd. and go south to Marshall Rd./CO 170. Go west on CO 170 and at CO 93, cross CO 93 to continue on CO 170; after about 3 miles, the road dead-ends at the town of Eldorado Springs. The road continues as a dirt road that dead-ends at the park, on the left.

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Daylight hours
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Admission: State Parks Pass.

Restrictions: Please obey all rules and regulations. No camping or overnight use allowed. Dogs must be under control and on a leash at all times.

Parking: Gravel parking areas
Lodging: Hotels in Boulder

Handicapped: Yes
Handicapped Access: The Fowler and Streamside Trails are ADA accessible.

Latitude: 39.932092
Longitude: -105.280651

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