staunton state park

Every state park I've been to offers great views and a relaxing experience, so I hoped for something more from the newest one. The trail is well marked and safe, but we didn't think this was nearly as cool as others in region including Aldefer Three Sistes or even Meyer Ranch. There are some fishing options here and I would expect it to be stocked again in the spring. One highlight was the large number of elk bones and skulls along the trail. Please leave them.

Mrs Brainiac and I were clued in to Staunton State Park by a friend associated with Great Outdoors Colorado soon after it opened and we were looking for an afternoon hiking destination so decided to take a look. It's about what you'd expect in a Colorado State Park: a good variety of trails and it's family friendly. Our first trip up was within a couple of weeks of the park's opening and there was a lot of work remaining to get the trails into shape and the ponds filled with water. That's been taken care of and the park is shaping up nicely. Staunton is ideal for a fair weather picnic or a hike and it has trails to appeal to a variety of hikers.Tip: the signage from US 285 is pretty lame: if you are heading southbound on 285 from Denver you are liable to miss the turn off at US 83 if you wait to see the sign.

This is a new CO state park, so they are still working on creating their trail system. It is a beautiful park, maintained by an amazing staff and group of volunteers. The first 1.3 miles is easy, and after that you do have choices. Old Mill trail is .9 miles of steady climbing. Borderline is a pretty moderate trail that is worthwhile on so many levels, especially as it takes you by the Staunton Overlook which is breathtaking. I've also done Scout Line which also has amazing views and will get you breathing hard. I have two issues with this park. To get to some of the more interesting/strenuous trails you have to hike 1.3 miles out over pretty but very easy terrain and to get to the western most part of the park where the falls are and where I have never been, you need to have 4-5 hours plus to reach it. The Falls is an 11 mile hike and while I'm a pretty strong hiker, I don't always have that kind of time. The Park Manager is aware of this and is working on trying to make the more remote parts of the park more accessible. But the solution may be a while out. It is a new park, so I think we have to give them the time to evolve. In summary, it is a beautiful park, very worth visiting. I am a repeat customer.

Had a beautiful fall hike to the Elk falls lookout. Great new state park, very clean and wonderfully kept. Four not five stars because it was pretty crowded on the trails. But, what do you expect--nice aspen, close to Denver, great trails equals a lot of folks out enjoying themselves.

This new (2013) Colorado State Park is about 15 miles from my home, a straight shot on US Hwy 285. One quick turn onto South Elk Creek Road and you are there. Being a new park, it is not highly developed. in 3,000+ acres there are some great trails, there is a group picnic shelter, a couple of parking lots and a scattering of individual picnic tables (with charcoal grates) near the parking lots. There is no camping permitted. (Hopefully a shortcoming that will be alleviated when budgets permit.) Beautiful views abound.Depending on which trails, they are open to hiking, biking and horseback. Dogs must be on leash 6' or less. When we visited we noticed mountain-bikers predominated. There is water available at the outhouse.It is pristine-clean. Our bottom line is we are likely to return with some frequency.

I hiked it from front to back, took all day, about 16 miles. I've been back but since you have to stay on the groomed trails there really isn't anything new to see. Would live to just hike it cross country, but they frown on it so haven't been back. Relatively easy hiking.

We feel so fortunate to live only a few miles from this wonderful state park. The views are terrific and the paths are well marked and maintained. My husband, who is handicapped, is able to ride his little scooter around the Davis Ponds trail, which is a little over a mile. It's very serene and lovely on a weekday evening.

Holy buckets batman ! I did the 10.8 mile round trip to elk falls overlook. It is almost an incline the whole way there. Beautiful park, with a trout pond 3/4 th of the way to the end of the trail. You can fish in it if your a fisherman. I caught a glimpse of a snow capped peak in August. Just a great park with a waterfall view at the end of the trail. If you are a flat lander you better be in good shape. If you wanna try to see the falls.

Had read about this new park last year and put it on my "want to go there" list. Went early in the morning, about an hours drive from my home. Trails are well marked. Tried the Staunton Trail (wildflowers, moderate) to Old Mill Trail (quite the incline, shaded, along a creek). The Old Mill itself was collapsed but interesting. Then went to the scenic overlook, beautiful view! The granite outcroppings are impressive, too. Well worth it.

I went to Staunton State Park on Memorial Day. It was busy and there were long lines. However, the staff kept us informed, asked for our patience, and everything was fine. After parking, the staff also helped with information and directions -- and there were some great volunteers along the way as well. It's a great park and a new place to get away from the crowds. I thought of my family who have served our country so that we could visit such a place on this holiday. I really appreciated the staff and volunteers making this a pleasant and heart warming experience for myself, my family and out-of-town guests. Kudos to Staunton on a very busy holiday weekend!

The Pine/Conifer area is stunning whether you are in a park or not. However, Staunton State Park gets you up close and personal with some of the areas natural beauty. The trails are well-marked and well-groomed which helps keep the park in pristine condition - avoiding erosion. The park is really a haven for a variety of activities which coexist in a more peaceful way that many other places. Mountain bikers politely share certain trails with hikers (or in my case, joggers). The place is very dog-friendly and well-visited by people with dogs on leashes. In my two visits to the park so far, I haven't seen anyone doing the normal leash rule violations though I imagine that it must happen. This is a very family-friendly place that really warrants a visit.Though do keep in mind that it is at fairly high elevation. Beyond just staying hydrated, it's very important to remember to apply sunscreen regularly. Enjoy!!

When you are in the Conifer/Pine area, this state park is a must see. It's beautiful, with excellent (although not easy) hiking trails. The hike to the waterfall overlook is 11 miles round trip; worth the effort, but if you're not in good shape, its a long haul. There is a great rock climbing area, although again, a bit of a walk. You can hike to nl old saw mill as well. Great views, history and hiking trails.

We hike a lot around the country this park had to be one of the best if not the best we have hiked over the years. There is a LONG hike to Elk Falls waterfall . The trails are well groomed and both easy and difficult. The elevation is between 8-10,000. I would suggest to take a lot of water and snacks to stay hydrated. Love love loved the hike. I have a fitbit stepper bracelet and it clocked over 30,000 steps. For us it was a 5 hour hike from start to finish. We are seasoned hikers but this one def kicked our butts! But we loved the work out!

Park opened in May 2013. The park is very easy to navigate, Facilities are clean and easy to locate. Nice outcropping for climbing. We hiked Staunton ranch trail(3.3 miles) which I feel is a pretty easy hike with some elevation gain and great views. After a few miles we hopped on scout line trail(1.5 miles) which is a more technical trail. Lots of rocks and switchbacks the first half of the trail but well worth the climb. We didnt make it to Elk Falls due to the weather, one piece of advice is please bring lots of water and a rain jacket. When we first got there it was 80 and sunny but 2hrs later a storm rolled in and dropped some heavy rain and lighting. Luckily we had our rain gear so the trip back to the car wasnt horrible.

Just 40 minutes west of Denver, Staunton State Park opened to the public in May 2013. Colorado's 42nd state park has a little bit of everything to offer those who visit.Simply head south from Denver on four lane US 285 and within minutes you will be in a mountain wonderland. Ranging in elevation from 8000-10,000' in elevation, the park's main feature is 20 plus miles of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails. The park features a beautiful viewing point for Elk Falls as it flows past Lions Head and Chimney Rock formations. Technical rock climbers will love the designated climbing area featuring over 60 routes ranging from beginner to extreme. In addition,the park features ponds and small streams for anglers. A reminder that the visit will cost $7 per vehicle and one should arrive close to opening time on weekends, to beat the crowds and summer monsoon rains.