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Eldorado Canyon State Park is part of the Colorado State Park system. It is located in Boulder County near the city of Boulder. The park consists of two areas, the Inner Canyon (developed area) and Crescent Meadows (undeveloped area). The park encompasses 885acre with a variety of recreation opportunities available. Eldorado Canyon is home to one of the world's most accessible and comprehensive rock climbing areas. This state park is open during daylight hours only, visitors are expected to leave before dusk. A fee is required for entry, except on Colorado Day (August 1) when all state parks are free.Make Eldorado Canyon State Park a part of your Eldorado Springs vacation plans using our Eldorado Springs tour itinerary builder tool.
Ute Indians were the first inhabitants into this area that is nestled against the foothills near Boulder. The Indians lived within the walls of the canyon because they provided protection from the harsh Colorado winters. Settlers soon followed in search of gold and agriculture. Eldorado Canyon is famous for its spectacular geologic history dating back billions of years. Near the park’s entrance at the visitors center, there are rocks calculated to be over 1.5 billion years old.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, the community of Eldorado Springs was established and became known as a resort for the elite. The town offered visitors warm artesian springs and lush hotels, including the Crags Hotel, the Eldorado and the Grand View. Numerous celebrities and Denver residents enjoyed the beautiful getaway until a fire burned all these hotels in 1912. Crags Hotel operated from 1908 to 1912.
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Eldorado Canyon State Park reviews
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This is a very scenic State park, which is very popular. There is no parking allowed outside the park entrance, and you have to pay to enter the park (even if you are walking into the park!). A...
This is a very scenic State park, which is very popular. There is no parking allowed outside the park entrance, and you have to pay to enter the park (even if you are walking into the park!). A... more »
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The drive in alone is worth the price of admission. Once in, the hiking is fantastic, especially if you've got the legs to take the steep grades and altitude. The place is understandably busy.... to..... more
The drive in alone is worth the price of admission. Once in, the hiking is fantastic, especially if you've got the legs to take the steep grades and altitude. The place is understandably busy.... to..... more »
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BEAUTIFUL state park that you won’t regret visiting! I go here several times a year since I live only 10 min away in Boulder. As a local, this is one of my all-time favorite parks to hike, picnic with friends, or watch rock climbers while just enjoying the views! Parking can sometimes be an issue on weekends or holidays, but I always find a spot on weekdays, which I prefer since I don’t love crowded times. All the hikes are amazing, and there’s something for all levels of skill. We even love filling up our water bottles at the local Eldorado Canyon spring water station literally right outside the entrance. It’s the best water and very clean! You can’t go wrong with a trip to this gorgeous canyon!
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El Dorado Canyon State Park is an amazing get away close to the front range. It's a climbers haven and has an amazing river that runs right through the middle of it. The park can get packed very quickly so you should be prepared to show up early as the parking spaces are dispersed and it can be hard to find a spot at your exact desired location at times. My favorite hike is the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail. It takes you through the forest and up to the continental divide outlook which has amazing views towards the mountains and great views towards the front range as well. You can also see the train that runs up on the ridge from this trail which is pretty neat to see in person! One word of caution, there was one visit we had where 4 cars were broken into so just as with all parks, don't leave your valuables in your car! Enjoy this beautiful park and all it has to offer... especially after a fresh snow where the snowflakes cling to the forest and mountains!
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