Public Hunting Land In Colorado Map

If you’re an avid hunter or nature enthusiast, Colorado’s public hunting lands are a must-visit destination. With over 23 million acres of public land, the state boasts a diverse range of landscapes, from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Plains. In this travel guide, we’ll explore the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports that Colorado’s public hunting lands have to offer.

Top Attractions

One of the most popular public hunting lands in Colorado is the White River National Forest. This 2.3 million-acre forest is home to the Maroon Bells, two of the most photographed peaks in North America. Other top attractions include the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and the Mesa Verde National Park.

Hidden Gems

If you’re looking for a hidden gem, head to the Curecanti National Recreation Area. This remote area is home to three reservoirs and the stunning Morrow Point Reservoir Boat Tour. Another hidden gem is the Pawnee National Grassland, where you can find unique rock formations and a variety of wildlife.

Food Scene

Colorado’s food scene is known for its farm-to-table restaurants and craft breweries. Some popular restaurants to try include Mercantile Dining & Provision, Fruition Restaurant, and Rioja. If you’re a beer enthusiast, check out the Great Divide Brewing Company or the Avery Brewing Company.

Budget-Friendly Tips

If you’re on a budget, camping is a great option. Colorado offers a variety of campgrounds, from rustic to luxurious. Another budget-friendly option is to explore the state’s public lands on foot or by bike. Many of the trails are free and offer stunning views.

Outdoor Adventures

Colorado’s public lands offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Hiking, fishing, hunting, and skiing are popular activities. If you’re looking for a unique adventure, try hot air ballooning over the Rocky Mountains or whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River.

Historical Landmarks

Colorado is rich in history, and its public lands offer a glimpse into the state’s past. Visit the Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site, a reconstructed 1840s adobe fort that served as a trading post on the Santa Fe Trail. Another historical landmark is the Mesa Verde National Park, where you can explore the ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo people.

Family-Friendly Activities

Colorado’s public lands offer plenty of activities for families. Take a scenic drive on the Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, or explore the sand dunes at the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Other family-friendly activities include horseback riding, fishing, and camping.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, head to the Colorado National Monument. This stunning landscape of red rock formations and canyons is often overlooked by visitors. Another off-the-beaten-path experience is the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Here, you can hike to the top of the sand dunes and take in the stunning views.

Natural Wonders

Colorado’s public lands are home to some of the most stunning natural wonders in the country. Visit the Garden of the Gods, a rock formation in Colorado Springs that offers breathtaking views. Another natural wonder is the Maroon Bells, two peaks in the White River National Forest that are surrounded by fields of wildflowers.

Vibrant Nightlife

Colorado’s cities offer a vibrant nightlife scene. Check out the bars and clubs in Denver’s LoDo (Lower Downtown) neighborhood, or head to Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall for live music and street performers. If you’re in Colorado Springs, visit the Ivywild School, a former elementary school that has been turned into a brewery and community center.

Local Markets

Colorado’s farmers’ markets offer a variety of fresh produce and handmade goods. Visit the Boulder Farmers’ Market, which is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, or the Denver Union Station Farmers’ Market, which is open on Saturdays. You can also visit the Colorado Farm and Art Market in Colorado Springs.

Beaches and Mountains

While Colorado is known for its mountains, it also has some great beaches. Visit the Blue Mesa Reservoir in the Curecanti National Recreation Area for a day of swimming and boating. Another great beach destination is the Cherry Creek Reservoir in Denver.

Cultural Immersion

Colorado’s public lands offer plenty of opportunities for cultural immersion. Visit the Ute Indian Museum in Montrose to learn about the history and culture of the Ute people. You can also visit the Four Corners Monument, where Colorado meets Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah.

Art and Music Scene

Colorado’s cities offer a thriving art and music scene. Visit the Denver Art Museum, which has a collection of over 70,000 works of art, or head to the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, a natural rock formation that hosts concerts and events. If you’re in Colorado Springs, visit the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center or the Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts.

Walking Tours

Walking tours are a great way to explore Colorado’s cities. Take a ghost tour of Denver’s haunted buildings, or explore the historic neighborhoods of Colorado Springs on foot. You can also take a guided tour of the Mesa Verde National Park to learn about the ancient cliff dwellings.

Architectural Marvels

Colorado’s public lands are home to some stunning architecture. Visit the Denver Union Station, a Beaux-Arts train station that has been restored and turned into a hotel and restaurant. Another architectural marvel is the Cliff Palace, a cliff dwelling in the Mesa Verde National Park that was built by the Ancestral Pueblo people.

Historical Sites

Colorado’s public lands offer plenty of historical sites to explore. Visit the Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center, a former military fort that was used during the Civil War. You can also visit the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, where you can see fossils of ancient trees and insects.

Biking Routes

Colorado’s public lands offer some of the best biking routes in the country. Visit the Vail Pass Bike Path, which offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. Another great biking route is the Kokopelli Trail, a 142-mile trail that starts in Colorado and ends in Utah.

Wellness Retreats

If you’re looking for a wellness retreat, Colorado’s public lands offer plenty of options. Visit the Dunton Hot Springs, a restored ghost town that offers hot springs and spa services. Another option is the Shambhala Mountain Center, a Buddhist retreat in the Rocky Mountains.

Adventure Sports

Colorado’s public lands offer plenty of opportunities for adventure sports. Try rock climbing in the Garden of the Gods, or go snowmobiling in the White River National Forest. If you’re looking for a unique adventure, try ice climbing in Ouray or paragliding in Telluride.

With so much to see and do, Colorado’s public hunting lands are a must-visit destination for any nature enthusiast. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly vacation or an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Colorado has something for everyone.