Eldorado Canyon State Park

Located just outside Boulder on South Boulder Creek, Eldorado Canyon State Park is one of those places known world-wide for its rock climbing opportunities: there are more than 500 established technical rock climbing routes inching their ways up these beautiful, sheer, golden sandstone cliffs. As enticing as those rock walls are, there are also some 11 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails here, many of which connect directly with the trails of the City of Boulder system. There are several good picnic spots and the fishing in South Boulder Creek is excellent. In winter this is a favorite spot for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. From May to September, Eldorado Canyon State Park sees full capacity crowds on weekends and holidays, so: fair warning!

A town named Eldorado Springs was established near the entrance to Eldorado Canyon around 1900. The town was primarily a resort for the elite and in addition to warm artesian springs, visitors were offered lush hotels with names like The Eldorado, The Grand View and The Crags Hotel. Many well-to-do Denver residents and other celebrities enjoyed the environs until a fire in 1912 wiped out everything. There was also a fellow named Ivy Baldwin who, between 1906 and 1949, regularly performed tight rope acts on a line stretched across the canyon 580' in the air.

To visit Eldorado Canyon State Park you'll need a valid Parks pass every day except Colorado Day. The daily vehicle pass will cost you $8. Daily walk-in passes are available for $3. Or you can buy the annual Colorado State Parks pass for $70.

Eldorado Canyon State Park also offers a Conference Room for group events. That room costs $100 per weekday plus a $10 reservation fee, with additional fees if you want to rent the grill, patio and canopy. Your guests will still have to pay the daily vehicle fee to get in. Call 303-494-3943x10 for reservations and more information.

Eldorado Canyon State Park Rules & Regs:

1. Stay on designated trails and help reduce erosion.
2. Keep all pets under control and on a 6 foot or shorter leash at all times.
3. Collecting or rocks, flowers, dead or downed wood or any other natural materials is not allowed.
4. This is a day-use only park, open from dawn to dusk all year round.
5. Neither camping nor swimming are allowed.
6. Open fires are allowed only in the grills or fire rings provided.
7. Mountain biking and horseback riding are allowed only on the park roadway and certain selected (marked) trails.
8. Carrying or use of firearms is allowed only when legally hunting in designated areas during established seasons.