Staunton State Park
Near the town of Pine, Staunton is Colorado’s newest state park, which opened to the public in 2013. Situated southeast of Mount Evans, elevations in the park range from 8,000 to 10,000 feet. Large granitic domes, such as the Lion’s Head, visually dominate the park, and wetland habitats along the park’s many streams divide the montane forests below. Forested areas provide excellent opportunities to view Williamson’s and Red-naped Sapsucker, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Hammond’s Flycatcher, and Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Look for singing Vesper and Savannah Sparrows, along with other grassland species, in the montane grasslands across the park. Rocky outcrops and cliffs are habitat for White-throated Swift, falcons, and hawks. Several wetland birds such as Great Blue Heron and Belted Kingfisher can be seen at the park, and Lincoln’s Sparrow and Olive-sided Flycatcher are found along the stream corridors. Celebrate the park’s mascot, the yellow-bellied marmot, at the annual Marmot Fest in June. You might even catch a glimpse of these chubby critters sunning themselves on rock outcroppings from spring to fall. A State Parks pass is required for entry.
Restrictions: Please obey all rules and regulations
County: Jefferson and Park
Directions: From US 285 and C-470: take US 285 south to Shaffers Crossing, about 6 miles west of Conifer. Turn north on Elk Creek Rd. and follow the signs 1.5 miles to the park entrance.
Alternate Directions: From US 285 and C-470: take US 285 south to Shaffers Crossing, about 6 miles west of Conifer. Turn north on Elk Creek Rd. and follow the signs 1.5 miles to the park entrance.
Dates of Access: Open year round
Hours: Fall/Winter Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM; Spring/Summer Hours: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Admission or Fees: State Parks Pass. Additional fee for camping .
Parking: Paved parking area
Lodging: Tent camping facilities. Lodging in Morrison and Littleton
Handicapped: Yes
Handicapped Access: A track chair program allows wheelchair users backcountry access from May-October.
Latitude: 39.49675
Longitude: -105.382