Colorado's 'Little Rocky Mountain National Park' Offers 70,000 Acres of Outdoor Adventure

State Forest State Park is one of Colorado's largest and most overlooked state parks, known for its stunning landscapes and abundant moose population.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 4:55am

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Colorado's State Forest State Park, sometimes referred to as the 'Little Rocky Mountain National Park,' spans an impressive 70,932 acres, making it the largest state park in Colorado. Despite its size and natural beauty, the park is often overlooked by tourists, receiving only about 1.8% of the state's 18 million annual state park visitors. The park features 136 miles of trails, 228 campsites, and is home to around 600 moose year-round, offering visitors a unique outdoor experience.

Why it matters

State Forest State Park's massive size and diverse landscapes make it a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a more secluded and less crowded alternative to the popular Rocky Mountain National Park. As one of Colorado's largest state parks, it provides an opportunity for visitors to explore stunning natural scenery and spot abundant wildlife, including the highly coveted moose, without the crowds found at more well-known destinations.

The details

Established in 1972, State Forest State Park is located just northwest of Rocky Mountain National Park and east of the town of Walden. The park features a variety of landscapes, including lakes, peaks, and forests of pine, fir, spruce, and aspen. In addition to its extensive trail system, the park also offers rentable cabins and yurts, as well as opportunities for boating, paddling, and fishing on the North Michigan Reservoir, Ranger Lakes, and Alpine Lakes.

  • State Forest State Park was established in 1972, after efforts to create a Colorado State Forest began in the 1960s.
  • In 2024, Colorado's state parks saw a total of 18 million visitors, with State Forest State Park accounting for around 330,000 of those, or 1.8% of the total.

The players

State Forest State Park

Colorado's largest state park, spanning 70,932 acres and featuring 136 miles of trails, 228 campsites, and a population of around 600 moose.

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What’s next

Visitors to Colorado can explore the natural beauty and abundant wildlife of State Forest State Park, which offers a more secluded and less crowded alternative to the popular Rocky Mountain National Park.

The takeaway

Despite its massive size and stunning landscapes, State Forest State Park remains one of Colorado's most overlooked state parks, offering outdoor enthusiasts a unique opportunity to experience the state's natural wonders without the crowds found at more well-known destinations.