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| Several trails explore Rocky Mountain National Park's geology. |
Day hikers can explore the complex geology of Rocky Mountain National Park via several excellent trails. The park’s geology began about a billion years ago when molten lava formed large amounts of granite in what is now Colorado.
High Dunes Trail
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Day hikers can traipse across North America’s highest sand dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park. Mountains of sand rise out of a dune field covering nearly 30 square miles. One of the dunes – Star Dune – at 750-feet high would reach half-way up the Empire State Building. The best day hike through the sand dune is the 2.5-mile round trip High Dune Trail.
Warner Point Nature Trail
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Day hikers can walk along the rim of a canyon so deep that its bottom almost never sees sunlight, via the Warner Point Nature Trail in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The 1.5-mile round trip trail allows hikers to see The Painted Wall, Colorado’s tallest sheer cliff at nearly half a mile high.
Best trails for seeing Mesa Verde’s wonders
Among the best ways to see Mesa Verde National Park’s top sights is via a day hike. Just four short trails will allow you to enjoy each of the park’s highlights – a cliff palace, a panoramic view of four states, six centuries of Anasazi ruins, and a cuesta wilderness.
Great day hiking trails in Colorado for children
With the spine of the Rocky Mountains running through most of Colorado, the state is chock full of great day hiking trails that kids will love. Here are five to add to your to-do list.
Learn more about national park day hiking trails in my Best Sights to See at America’s National Parks series.
