Best Time to Visit Colorado National Parks
Colorado has 12 National Park Service units that report visitation. Below, each is ranked by annual visits, with the month our data recommends for the best balance of light crowds, comfortable weather and daylight. Crowds peak in summer almost everywhere — the recommended months show where the quieter shoulder seasons fall.
| Park | Annual visits | Best time | Busiest | Quietest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky MountainNational Park | 4,171,431 | April | Jul | Feb |
| CurecantiNational Recreation Area | 807,117 | May | Jul | Jan |
| ColoradoNational Monument | 483,436 | February | May | Feb |
| Mesa VerdeNational Park | 463,130 | August | Jul | Jan |
| Great Sand DunesNational Park & Preserve | 432,498 | September | Jun | Jan |
| DinosaurNational Monument | 315,725 | May | Jul | Feb |
| Black Canyon Of The GunnisonNational Park | 250,086 | April | Jul | Dec |
| Florissant Fossil BedsNational Monument | 63,680 | August | Jul | Jan |
| HovenweepNational Monument | 26,616 | August | May | Jan |
| Bent's Old FortNational Historic Site | 16,102 | October | May | Jan |
| AmacheNational Historic Site | 8,113 | October | May | Jan |
| Sand Creek MassacreNational Historic Site | 6,401 | September | Jul | Jan |