Mesa Verde
Climb ladders into 800-year-old cliff dwellings.
4 national parks in Colorado
National Parks in Colorado
Colorado has 4 national parks. Here's when each one is at its best, and the months that work for seeing several on one trip.
September is the best overall for Colorado's parks. Mesa Verde: May–Jun, Sep–Oct; Black Canyon of the Gunnison: May–Sep; Great Sand Dunes: May–Jun, Sep; Rocky Mountain: Jul–Sep.
Season calendar
The parks
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
A narrow, sheer canyon so deep that sunlight barely reaches the bottom.
Great Sand Dunes
North America's tallest sand dunes, with a seasonal creek that becomes a beach.
Rocky Mountain
Alpine tundra, elk herds and the highest continuous paved road in America.
Road trips through Colorado
Colorado's National Parks
Alpine tundra, North America's tallest dunes, a sheer black canyon and ancient cliff dwellings.
Nearby parks in other states
Arches
Utah · Best Apr–May, Oct
Canyonlands
Utah · Best Apr–May, Oct
Capitol Reef
Utah · Best Apr–May, Sep–Oct
Petrified Forest
Arizona · Best Apr–May, Oct
Questions
How many national parks are in Colorado?
Colorado has 4 national parks: Mesa Verde National Park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park.
When is the best time to visit national parks in Colorado?
September is the best overall for Colorado's parks. Mesa Verde: May–Jun, Sep–Oct; Black Canyon of the Gunnison: May–Sep; Great Sand Dunes: May–Jun, Sep; Rocky Mountain: Jul–Sep.
Last reviewed October 4, 2026. Ratings are editorial. Rules and road openings change each year, so confirm on the official NPS site before you go.