Why Colorado's State Forest Park Deserves National Recognition
By Sharon Kong Perring
VACATIONS
Tucked away in the shadow of the oft-visited Rocky Mountain National Park, State Forest State Park is an underrated natural marvel located near Colorado's northern border.
Despite its expansive landscape and variety of activities, this outdoor haven is one of Colorado's most under-visited spaces, only seeing about 320,000 visitors annually.
With its own set of impressive hikes, facilities for lakeside recreation, room for camping, and seasonal activities, State Forest State Park can rank among the best national parks.
Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the exhibits at the visitors center, while hikers will revel in the near 100 miles of non-motorized trails leading to and from gorgeous alpine lakes.
Many popular trails and loops are open during the winter months for activities like cross country skiing and snowshoeing. During summer, you can try biking and horseback riding.