National parks near Denver

Closest first

The list shows up to 10 closest parks within 500 miles; if none are within that range, it shows the 3 nearest overall. Distances are straight-line miles from the city center to approximate park coordinates. Drive times are rough estimates based on distance, not live routing; ferry, traffic, road closures, and seasonal access can change a trip. Confirm routes and current conditions with the National Park Service before you go. Open the app for parks near wherever you are right now.

• 1 Rocky Mountain · Colorado · 355+ trails · $35 / vehicle55 mi · ~1 hr drive estimate
• 2 Great Sand Dunes · Colorado · 18+ trails · $25 / vehicle142 mi · ~3 hr drive estimate
• 3 Black Canyon of the Gunnison · Colorado · 8+ trails · $20 / vehicle167 mi · ~3.5 hr drive estimate
• 4 Arches · Utah · 12+ trails · $35 / vehicle256 mi · ~5.5 hr drive estimate
• 5 Mesa Verde · Colorado · 80+ trails · $35 / vehicle259 mi · ~5.5 hr drive estimate
• 6 Wind Cave · South Dakota · 30+ trails · Free276 mi · ~5.5 hr drive estimate
• 7 Canyonlands · Utah · 20+ trails · $35 / vehicle286 mi · ~6 hr drive estimate
• 8 Badlands · South Dakota · 11+ trails · $30 / vehicle315 mi · ~6.5 hr drive estimate
• 9 Capitol Reef · Utah · 14+ trails · $20 / vehicle350 mi · ~7.5 hr drive estimate
• 10 Grand Teton · Wyoming · 200+ trails · $35 / vehicle405 mi · ~8.5 hr drive estimate

Planning a trip from Denver

By our rough distance-based estimate, Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Arches, Mesa Verde, Wind Cave, Canyonlands are within about six hours by road. Actual travel times vary; check a current route and reserve campsites or lodging ahead in peak season.

Each park page covers popular trails, camping, entrance fees, and the best time to visit. In ParkAtlas, the home screen shows unvisited parks within reach of your current location and lets you log the one you pick.