Eldorado Canyon State Park
Overview
Eldorado Canyon State Park is a renowned day-use state park known worldwide for its dramatic 1.6-billion-year-old sandstone and quartzite cliffs, making it a premier destination for rock climbers. Located along South Boulder Creek, the park offers hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, fishing, and bird watching. Popular trails include the Fowler Trail, Streamside Trail, Rattlesnake Gulch Trail (leading to the historical Crags Hotel ruins and views of the Continental Divide), and the Eldorado Canyon Trail, which connects to the Walker Ranch Loop. The park is strict day-use only with no camping, and timed vehicle entry reservations are enforced during summer weekends and holidays to manage traffic.
- Trails
- 6
- Viewpoints
- 7
- Activities
- 0
- POIs
- 23
Opening Hours
09:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Emergency SOS
Amenities Available
- Paved Parking Lots
Designated vehicle parking areas with clearly marked spaces and ADA-accessible spots mandated by federal law. Most parks offer free or low-cost daily parking passes.
- Restrooms / Flush Toilets
Modern restroom facilities with running water and proper sanitation. Subject to seasonal closures in northern states during winter months.
- Drinking Water Fountains
Potable water stations distributed throughout the park, tested regularly for safety to ensure clean water access for all visitors.
- Picnic Areas & Shelters
Covered pavilions equipped with tables and built-in grills. Shelters are often reservable for group events and birthday parties.
- Visitor / Ranger Station
Information hub staffed by rangers or volunteers offering maps, wildlife briefings, and educational programs for school groups and families.
- Hiking & Nature Trails
Marked paths ranging from easy, paved walks to rugged backcountry routes, blazed with color-coded markers and difficulty ratings.
- Campgrounds
Tent and RV sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Some include full electric hookups, reservable through Recreation.gov.
- Overlook
- Historic Site
Required Permits
Colorado State Park Pass & Eldorado Canyon Timed Entry ReservationRequired
A valid Colorado State Parks pass or entry fee is required for all vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians entering Eldorado Canyon State Park. In addition, a timed vehicle entry reservation is required for motor vehicles on Saturdays, Sundays, and summer holidays (May 15 to September 15).
Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Safety Tips
Safety Advisory
- Keep pets on a hand-held leash, clean up pet waste, and stay on established trails to prevent erosion and avoid hazardous climbing areas.
- Swimming in South Boulder Creek, operating drones, consuming marijuana, and collecting rocks or natural materials are all strictly prohibited.
Popular/Nearby Trails
Fowler W Trail (Wheelchair Access)
RattleSnake Gulch Trail (Multi use - Foot/Bicycle)
Fowler Trail (Foot Only)
Streamside Trail (Foot Only)
Eldorado Canyon Trail (Foot Only)
Goshawk Ridge Trail (Foot Only)
Nearby Viewpoints
Picnic Area
0.1 mi
Picnic Area
0.1 mi
Picnic Area
0.1 mi
Historic Site (Crags Hotel Ruins)
Monument / Memorial
0.2 mi
Scenic Overlook (Contintental Divide)
Scenic Overlook
0.3 mi
Scenic Overlook
0.3 mi
Scenic Overlook
0.5 mi
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Eldorado Canyon State Park?
Eldorado Canyon State Park is open every day from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
What is Eldorado Canyon State Park?
Eldorado Canyon State Park is a renowned day-use state park known worldwide for its dramatic 1.6-billion-year-old sandstone and quartzite cliffs, making it a premier destination for rock climbers.
Where is Eldorado Canyon State Park located?
Eldorado Canyon State Park is located in Eldorado Springs, Colorado, United States.
How many trails are there at Eldorado Canyon State Park?
Eldorado Canyon State Park has 6 mapped trails covering 5.9 miles in total. The longest is RattleSnake Gulch Trail (Multi use - Foot/Bicycle) at 2.5 miles.
What is there to see at Eldorado Canyon State Park?
Places to see at Eldorado Canyon State Park include Historic Site (Crags Hotel Ruins), Scenic Overlook (Contintental Divide) and Bicycling/foot Trail.
What facilities are available at Eldorado Canyon State Park?
Facilities at Eldorado Canyon State Park include Campgrounds, Drinking Water Fountains, Hiking & Nature Trails, Historic Site, Overlook, Paved Parking Lots, Picnic Areas & Shelters, Restrooms / Flush Toilets and 1 more.
Is there parking at Eldorado Canyon State Park?
Yes, Eldorado Canyon State Park has parking (Paved Parking Lots).
Can I camp at Eldorado Canyon State Park?
Yes, Eldorado Canyon State Park has camping (Campgrounds).
How can I contact Eldorado Canyon State Park?
You can contact Eldorado Canyon State Park by email at Eldorado.Park@state.co.us or by phone at +13034943943.
What safety tips should visitors to Eldorado Canyon State Park know?
Keep pets on a hand-held leash, clean up pet waste, and stay on established trails to prevent erosion and avoid hazardous climbing areas. Swimming in South Boulder Creek, operating drones, consuming marijuana, and collecting rocks or natural materials are all strictly prohibited. Be aware that select cliff faces and trails close annually from February through July to protect nesting raptors.
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