Eldorado Canyon State Park

Eldorado Canyon State Park
View from the climbers access trail to the Redgarden Wall a portion of which can be seen on the left. The Bastille sits across South Boulder Creek to the right.
Location	Boulder County, Colorado, USA
Nearest city	Boulder, CO
Coordinates	39°55′50″N 105°17′30″W / 39.93056°N 105.29167°W / 39.93056; -105.29167Coordinates: 39°55′50″N 105°17′30″W / 39.93056°N 105.29167°W / 39.93056; -105.29167
Area	885 acres (3.58 km2)
Created	1978
Operated by	Colorado State Parks

Eldorado Canyon State Park is part of the Colorado State Park system. It is located in Boulder County near the city of Boulder. The park consists of two areas, the Inner Canyon (developed area) and Crescent Meadows (undeveloped area). The park encompasses 885 acres (3.6 km²) with a variety of recreation opportunities available. Eldorado Canyon is home to one of the world's most accessible and comprehensive rock climbing areas. This state park is open during daylight hours only, visitors are expected to leave before dusk. A fee is required for entry,^[1] except on Colorado Day (August 1) when all state parks are free.

History

Ute Indians were the first inhabitants into this area that is nestled against the foothills near Boulder. The Indians lived within the walls of the canyon because they provided protection from the harsh Colorado winters. Settlers soon followed in search of gold and agriculture.^[2] Eldorado Canyon is famous for its spectacular geologic history dating back billions of years. Near the park’s entrance at the visitors center, there are rocks calculated to be over 1.5 billion years old.^[2]

At the beginning of the twentieth century, the community of Eldorado Springs was established and became known as a resort for the elite. The town offered visitors warm artesian springs and lush hotels, including the Crags Hotel, the Eldorado and the Grand View. Numerous celebrities and Denver residents enjoyed the beautiful getaway until a fire burned all these hotels in 1912.^[2]

The town also received considerable attention between 1906 and 1949, when Ivy Baldwin performed tight rope acts across the canyon 580 feet (180 m). Like Ivy Baldwin, many visitors enjoy the spectacular views of the park from a higher perspective, but these visitors prefer rockclimbing to a tight rope.^[2]

Recreation

The biggest draw to Eldorado Canyon State Park is rock climbing.^[3] Eldorado Canyon offers over 1000 technical rock climbing routes. The beauty of this canyon also engages the non-climber. Park visitors may hike or mountain bike over some of 11 miles (18 km) of picturesque trails that vary from easy to difficult and reach out to adjoining public lands outside the park. Visitors may also picnic by or fish in scenic South Boulder Creek. In the winter, Eldorado offers hiking and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.^[4]

Geography

The park's ranger station and visitors' center, with Shirttail Peak in the background.

The park entrance lies immediately west of Eldorado Springs on State Highway 170. To the west of Eldorado State Park is the Roosevelt National Forest and Colorado's Front Range. East of the site you'll find the heavily populated areas of Boulder and Denver on the High Plains.^[3]

Climate

Snow and ice are common on roads and trails from mid-October through late April. In the summer months, snow is still possible but less common. Varying conditions throughout a given day can be expected throughout the year. Summer days can typically have beautiful sunny mornings and short sudden thunderstorms in the afternoon.^[3]

See also

• Boulder, Colorado
• Denver, Colorado
• Eldorado Springs, Colorado
• List of U.S. state parks
• List of Colorado state parks
• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Eldorado Mountain

References

External links

• Colorado State Parks: Eldorado Canyon (official site)