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PARKS
Colorado State Parks
Central Colorado & Ski Country

Arkansas Headwaters

Stretching out for 148 miles along the Arkansas River, this recreational area is primarily for water lovers. Endless Canyons, broad valleys, and enormous mountains are the perfect backdrop for endless fishing, rafting, kayaking, picnicking, wildlife watching, hiking, camping, and mountain climbing.

Castlewood Canyon State Park

The ruins of the Castlewood Dam are the centerpieces for this recreational area. Awesome rock formations and deep trails provided unparalleled hiking and rock-climbing experiences.

Directions: Take Colorado Highway 83 south approximately 5 miles past the intersection with Colorado Highway 86. The entrance is on the right (west).

Crawford State Park

Awe-inspiring sights of the Black Canyon set a peaceful tone for this park. Fishing, hiking, and water recreation are the popular activities at this unique park.

Directions: From Delta, take Colorado Highway 92 east to Hotchkiss. Stay right on 92 where it intersects Colorado Highway 133 and drive 10 miles to Crawford. The park is one mile south of town.

Eleven Mile Lake State Park

Spectacular fishing opportunities are the prime boon for this park. With the view of the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop and the fresh mountain air, the fishing is easy and relaxing.

Directions: 38 miles west of Colorado Springs on U.S. 24 to one mile west of the town of Lake George, then turn left (south) on County Road 90 and drive for six miles to County Road 92. Continue south on 92 for five miles to the park.

Harvey Gap State Park

Harvey Gap State Park offers a secluded fishery with good size pike, trout, bass and catfish. It's also known for its windsurfing. In the winter thoughts turn to snowmobilimg, cross-country skiing and ice fishing. The park is beautiful cedar and sagebrush habitat, with a grand hogback - a mountain ridge that runs along the backside of the park.

Directions: Take I-70 to the Silt interchange west of Glenwood Springs. Turn north on County Road 237 and follow the signs for a few miles to the park entrance.

Paonia State Park

With views of the Rugged Mountains, this mountain reservoir provides a scenic smorgasbord nature lovers will enjoy. Water-skiing and camping along the lake are the major activities at this recreational area.

Directions: From Glenwood Springs, take Colorado Highway 82 south to Carbondale, then south and southwest on Colorado Highway 133 for 46 miles to the park. From Delta, take Highway 92 east to Hotchkiss, then go north on Highway 133 through Paonia and 16 miles farther to the park.

Spinney Moutain State Park

The Collegiate Mountains provide the view for fishing in this reservoir. Full of trophy sized fish; bring your camera with you to remember your catch.

Directions: From Colorado Springs, take U.S. 24 west for 55 miles over Wilkerson Pass. Turn south on Park County Road 23 and drive 2.8 miles to County Road 59. Turn right and continue another 1.1 miles to the park entrance.

Sylvan Lake State Park

Absorbed within the scenic confines of the Rocky Mountains this is a lake you will want to keep all to yourself. Enjoy camping, fishing, and the scenic views in this alpine atmosphere.

Directions: Exit I-70 at Eagle and head south. Take Hwy 6 west. Turn left on Broadway (second left). Turn left on 5th Street and right on Capitol. At the next stop sign, turn left. Travel south on Brush Creek Road (CR 307) for 10 miles. Veer right at the fork in the road and travel an additional five miles on West Brush Creek Road to the park.

Vega State Park

This high mountain lake sits in an alpine meadow. Boating, water-skiing, fishing, and camping are popular activities of this park.

Directions: Drive 55 miles east of Grand Junction and turn south off I-70 onto Colorado Highway 65. Drive 10 miles to Colorado 330 east through Collbran and drive the final 12 miles to the park entrance.


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[from Outside magazine]