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 that’s literally a mirror image of the Rockies. It’s located on the west side of the Continental Divide in northern Colorado, just right across Rocky Mountain National Park, which sits on the east side. Known as the “Moose-viewing capital of Colorado,” State Forest State Park has over 600 moose roaming around its different landscapes, from lakes to forests, mountain valleys, and sand hills. These are just a few of the numerous outdoor adventures waiting for you in Colorado’s State Forest State Park.
Colorado’s Largest State Park Is A Rockies Lookalike
The Nokhu Crags in State Forest Sate Park, ColoradoCredit: Robert Waltman/Shutterstock
Spanning 70,838 acres, State Forest State Park is the largest state park in Colorado. It features diverse ecosystems, including pristine lakes, open meadows, densely wooded forests, jagged mountain peaks, and recreational sand dunes. If the Rockies’ most prominent peak is Longs Peak, the State Forests’ centerpiece is the Nokhu Crags. Soaring almost 12,500 feet, these crags are a dramatic focal point of the Never Summer Mountains, which are partly located in the state park, along with the Medicine Bow Mountains (a sub-range of the Rockies).
State Forest State Park Information
Entrance Fees
Daily Vehicle Pass: $​12
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Park Hours
Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Getting There
Via Highway 14, Walden, Jackson County, CO
Annual Visitors
330,000 (about 8% of Rocky Mountain’s)
Like the Rocky Mountain National Park, State Forest State Park is also rich in breathtaking alpine lakes, with Lake Agnes sitting at the base of the Nokhu Crags. Other notable lakes in the park include American Lakes, Ranger Lakes, Ruby Jewel Lake, and Northern Michigan Reservoir, all of which are great spots for fishing and hiking.
But what sets State Forest apart from the Rockies is its large moose population and dune areas. Moose sightings are common in the park, along with bighorn sheep, black bears, elk, and mule deer. State Forest State Park also has the only undisturbed cold-climate dune in Colorado, the East Sand Dunes National Area. The state park surely gives the Rockies a run for their money, with its national park-level variety of scenes and adventures.
Things To Do In State Forest State Park, Colorado
Lake Agnes in State Forest State Park, ColoradoCredit:Â Narrow Window Photography/Shutterstock
You’ll never run out of things to do in State Forest State Park, but its most popular activities include moose viewing, hiking, and camping. The park has approximately 187 developed campsites and 136 miles of trails, including four-wheeling routes and horseback riding paths. Visitors can also go boating and fishing in the park’s trout-stocked lakes.
Best Hikes In State Forest State Park
State Forest State Park is brimming with multi-level alpine hikes that take you through its serene lakes and rugged mountain areas. Below are the best hikes in the park depending on your preference and difficulty level.
Ranger Lakes Trail: The easiest hike in the park, just right around the Ranger Lakes
Lake Agnes Trail: A moderate lake hike with sweeping views at each turn
Diamond Peaks: A strenuous non-technical hike that’s also an icon of the Medicine Bow Range; runs at the northern edge of State Forest, near the boundary of Roosevelt National Forest
Clark Peak Summit: The highest peak of the Medicine Bow and deemed the most challenging hike in State Forest National Park; a mix of lakes, meadows, subalpine forests, tundra, and boulder-hopping across talus slopes along the way
From scenic trails and lookouts to free pet-friendly campsites, pristine waterholes, and popular tourist attractions, State Park is the perfect destination for any outdoor activity in Colorado.
Where To Stay In State Forest State Park
Overnight stays in State Forest State Park are guaranteed to be a memorable time, especially if you love stargazing. The park offers a wide range of camping and lodging options, which feel straight out of a Pinterest board. You have rustic cabins and the popular Yonder Yurts.
These yurts are not only aesthetically pleasing but also situated in picturesque spots throughout the park, offering views of Clark Peak, North Michigan Reservoir, the Never Summer Mountains, Diamond Peak, Nokhu Crags, Lake Agnes, and more. Yurt costs start at around $200 per night, but sharing them with a group can make it cheaper and truly worthwhile.
Best Time To Visit Colorado’s State Forest State Park
Fall sunrise over Upper Ranger Lake, State Forest State Park, ColoradoCredit:Â John Boland/Shutterstock
The best time to visit State Forest State Park depends on the atmosphere and activities you’re looking to experience. Summer and fall (July to October) offer the most pleasant weather and the best conditions for hiking high-altitude trails. These are considered the high seasons of the park, though crowds are not really an issue in this tranquil Rockies alternative.
During the winter, State Forest State Park transforms into a stunning winter wonderland, offering opportunities for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The cold temperatures also make for a nice cozy retreat in the park’s cabins or yurts. Spring is just as stunning, with peaks still capped with snow, the blooming of various flowers, longer daylight, and warmer temperatures. However, trails may still be muddy or wet during this time.
State Forest State Park is undeniably an amazing mirror image of the Rocky Mountain National Park. In many ways, the state park even exceeds it. It is Colorado’s moose-viewing capital, offering access to sand dunes and trails that connect to other natural recreational areas, including the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest and the Roosevelt National Forest. Consider trading the Rockies for the State Forest this fall or winter for a more peaceful escape and fewer seasonal closures.