Colorado State Parks

Colorado State Parks blend tourism with outdoor recreation.

1937. The state legislature appointed a land board to creat the first State Parks Board. 1951. The State Parks Board leased Cherry Creek recreation area from the Army Corps of Engineers. 1963. State Parks was merged with the Division of Wildlife. 1971. The State Recreational Trails Program was created. 1972. State Parks and the Division of Wildlife were separated. 1977. State Parks was requested to manage the snowmobile program for the state. 1984. State Parks became responsible for licensing river outfitters. 1990. State parks began managing the off-highway vehicle program.

Currently there are forty-two State Parks open to the public. Staunton and Lone Mesa will open in the coming years.

The Colorado State Parks Board is a layman's group of five members who are appointed by the Governer with legislative approval. The Board is charged with representing various geographic regions of the state while providing oversight and setting agency policy in a democratic way to assure the agency is responsive to the citizens of Colorado. This board meets every other month to review and set policy.

Vision Statement: Colorado State Parks offer exceptional settings for renewal of the human spirit. Residents and visitors enjoy healthy, fun-filled interaction with the natural world, creating rich traditions with family and friends that promote stewardship of our natural resources. Parks employees and their partners work together to provide ongoing and outstanding customer service through recreational programs, amenities and services.