Eldorado Canyon State Park
Type … Drive-up, Woods Wanter
Highlights … Canyon, River, Views
Seasons … Spring, Summer + Fall
Closest Town … Boulder
Shade … Some
Parking Situation … Limited on the weekends between 9am-3pm during busy season, state park entry fee required
Potty Situation … Pit Toilets near Picnic Area or Flush Toilets in Visitor’s Center
Map/Location… Google Map to Visitor’s Center HERE
If your crew isn’t looking to explore too much of Eldorado Canyon by foot, there is an awesome day use area tucked right beside the Visitor’s Center in the middle of the park.
There are several sites to choose from (all first come, first serve) or you can hop from site to site if it’s not busy. Many of the sites have great little beaches too making it a great low-effort day trip!
If you do want to hike, I have a few photos below and a post on Eldorado Canyon under Hikes!
DRIVE-UP TIPS
Spot the climbers. This is a popular climbing location so watch out your windows as you’re driving to the Visitor’s Center.
Bring a picnic and water toys! There are great riverside picnic sites near the Visitor’s Center if you want to bring lunch, water shoes + toys.
Be mindful of when you go. The park fills up on the weekend (and they turn cars away or do a 1-in-1-out situation) - go early or late afternoon if headed there on the weekend, especially on a warm day. You can always call the ranger’s office to see how things are looking that day. Park website HERE.
Start of the Fowler Trail
Great views of the canyons where you can often watch rock climbers
Education placards along the way are fun to read with the kids
River picnic site
Awesome place to hang and splash around
