Rocky Mountain National Park remains one of the most famous national parks in the U.S. This sprawling park, with its towering peaks and about 150 lakes, attracted 4.2 million visitors in 2024 alone. The entire mountain range stretches from Canada to Mexico, but you'll find its highest peaks in the state of Colorado—58 fourteeners or peaks over 14,000 feet, including the deadly Longs Peak, which accounts for over 75 people who never returned .

However, since the Rockies just announced closures due to early snowfall , you might want to check out Colorado's largest state park with the same rugged alpine scenery, scenic hikes, vibrant autumn foliage, and abundant wildlife, but without the large crowds.

The State Forest State Park in Walden, CO , is an underrated wilderness spot th

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