Staunton State Park wilderness guide
State Park · CO

Staunton State Park

Staunton State Park in Colorado offers a mix of rugged terrain, stunning rock formations, and panoramic mountain views, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

State Park3,9524+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

3,952

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Staunton State Park

Staunton State Park in Colorado offers a mix of rugged terrain, stunning rock formations, and panoramic mountain views, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Staunton State Park is located in the foothills of Colorado's Front Range, approximately 40 miles southwest of Denver. Spanning across a diverse landscape, it features granite cliffs, flowing meadows, and dense forests. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, elk, and a myriad of bird species. Historically, the land that now forms the park was a working ranch, with early 20th-century homesteads still present within its boundaries. Recreationally, the park offers over 30 miles of trails suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Anglers can enjoy fly-fishing in the park's numerous ponds and creeks, while rock climbers find adventure on the various climbing routes. Notable landmarks include Elk Falls, a striking waterfall that is a must-see for visitors, and the Staunton Ranch, which offers a glimpse into the park's past. The park's serene environment and recreational options make it a favorite getaway for city dwellers and tourists alike.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Staunton State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Elk Falls Overlook offers breathtaking views of the cascading waterfall.✦ Home to unique stone formations ideal for rock climbing enthusiasts.✦ Historic Staunton Ranch buildings offer insight into early 20th-century life.✦ Scout Line Trail offers secluded hiking through lush forests and meadows.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Staunton State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Staunton State Park
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Staunton State Park
Park Recreation

Rock Climbing

Available in Staunton State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Staunton State Park
Park Recreation

Horseback Riding

Available in Staunton State Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Staunton State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Staunton State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Staunton State Park
Park Recreation

Winter Sports

Available in Staunton State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Staunton State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

A Colorado Parks & Wildlife pass is required for entry.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Staunton State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Pine, Colorado
⌖ 2.22 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Pine, Colorado

Pine, Colorado, is a quiet mountain town perfect for outdoor lovers seeking hiking, fishing, biking, and winter snow adventures in Arapaho National Forest's peaceful surroundings.

Late Spring to Early Fall for hiking and biking; Winter for skiing and snowshoeing
Explore Town
Silver Springs, Colorado
⌖ 2.59 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Silver Springs, Colorado

Silver Springs, Colorado, offers outdoor lovers a quiet base near Colorado Springs with easy access to hiking, biking, fishing, and bird watching along Fountain Creek and surrounding parks.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Conifer, Colorado
⌖ 4.97 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Conifer, Colorado

Conifer, CO offers quiet mountain adventures with hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and winter snowshoeing amid tall pines and peaceful lakes. It’s a convenient base for exploring Staunton State Park and the Front Range outdoors year-round.

Late Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Evergreen, Colorado
⌖ 10.14 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Evergreen, Colorado

Evergreen, CO is a cozy mountain town ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Known for hiking, biking, and paddling, it's your gateway to the Rockies' adventures, from serene lakes to rugged wilderness.

Summer and Fall
Explore Town
Morrison, Colorado
⌖ 15.30 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Morrison, Colorado

Morrison, CO welcomes outdoor lovers with iconic red rock trails, rugged climbs, and vibrant wildlife. Just west of Denver, it’s a perfect base for hiking, biking, climbing, and soaking in Colorado’s foothill beauty year-round.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Golden, CO
⌖ 20.08 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Golden, CO

Golden, CO offers easy access to mountain hiking, biking, climbing, and paddling along Clear Creek. With close proximity to Denver, it’s a vibrant basecamp for outdoor lovers seeking foothills and Rockies adventures year-round.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Staunton State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Behind the Boat: Short, Sharply Focused Watersports off Morrison
ADVEXPEDITION
Morrison, Colorado
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Behind the Boat: Short, Sharply Focused Watersports off Morrison

A concise, operator-run offering in Morrison that lets you choose 15 minutes or a full hour of waterskiing, wakeboarding, wakesurfing or tubing—ideal for a single adrenaline hit or a longer practice session.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip