Eldorado Canyon State Park
About
Sandstone Canyon Walls 15 Minutes From Boulder
Eldorado Canyon State Park protects 850 acres of red-and-tan sandstone canyon along South Boulder Creek. World-class trad climbing draws climbers from across the country - and family-friendly hikes give kids dramatic canyon views right from the parking lot.
What Kids Can Do
The Fowler Trail is the family-favorite - wheelchair and stroller accessible with the best canyon-wall views in the park. Older kids enjoy Rattlesnake Gulch Trail (3 miles, 725-foot gain) to ruins of the historic Crags Hotel. Junior Ranger Program runs Saturdays June-August for ages 6-12 with rock climbing, fishing, archery, and photography clinics. South Boulder Creek runs through the park - kids splash on hot summer days [marked: timed-entry reservations required Sat/Sun and summer holidays May 1-Oct 1].
What's Included
$10 per vehicle entry (cash only at gate, or CPW annual pass). Junior Ranger Program free for ages 6-12. Day-use only - no camping.
Experience
Plan 2-4 hours. Almost entirely outdoor canyon hiking - bring water, sun protection, sturdy shoes. About 9 miles south of Boulder via CO-93 then County Road 67. Free shuttle from Boulder summer weekends.