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Parks

Staunton State Park

4.8 · 2,140 reviews
Rugged, serene, and expansive.
Staunton State Park, 12102 S Elk Creek Rd, Pine, CO 80470, United States
Interesting facts
1

The park contains the historic 1880s Staunton family homestead, which includes a barn, granary, and cabin.

2

It is the only Colorado State Park located in two different counties: Park and Jefferson.

3

The park's creation was made possible by the donation of 1,720 acres of private land by Frances Hornbrook Staunton.

4

Stonemasonry on the original homestead buildings was performed by the Stauntons themselves using local granite.

5

The park features a high-altitude zip line course available through authorized concessionaires.

6

It sits at a transition zone where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, resulting in high biodiversity.

7

The Dines Meadow area is a prime site for viewing diverse wildflower species during the summer months.

Overview

Staunton State Park is a 3,909-acre landscape located on the Front Range of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The site features the historic Staunton Cabin and original homestead structures dating back to the late 19th century. Its elevation ranges from 6,500 to 10,000 feet, encompassing diverse ecosystems from grassland to alpine forest. The park serves as a hub for mountain biking, rock climbing, and hiking, with over 30 miles of designated trails. It was officially established as a state park in 2013 after the land was donated by the Staunton family. Geological features include prominent granite cliffs and outcroppings popular with technical climbers. The park maintains a specific management plan to protect wildlife corridors, including populations of elk, bear, and mountain lion.

Photo spot

The elevated view of the granite cliffs along the Mason Creek Trail or the historic Staunton Cabin facade.

Insider tips

Download offline maps before arrival, as cellular service is intermittent to non-existent within the park boundaries.

Acclimate to the elevation for a day or two if traveling from lower altitudes to prevent mountain sickness.

Check the park's live trail status board at the entrance, as certain trails close periodically for wildlife protection or maintenance.

What to avoid

Attempting high-altitude trails like the Mason Creek loop without adequate water or physical preparation; expecting cell phone reception for navigation.

Good to know

None.

Etiquette

Practice 'Leave No Trace' principles; stay on designated trails to protect sensitive alpine vegetation; dogs must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
4-6 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings in early autumn to avoid heavy weekend traffic and peak heat while enjoying fall foliage.
Address
Staunton State Park, 12102 S Elk Creek Rd, Pine, CO 80470, United States
39.510, -105.392
Get directions
Details
Shade & rest areasLimited to picnic shelters and tree-lined areas in lower elevations; alpine trails are largely exposed.
Trail difficultyRanges from flat, accessible meadow paths to strenuous, steep mountain climbs.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 4-6 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings in early autumn to avoid heavy weekend traffic and peak heat while enjoying fall foliage..

The elevated view of the granite cliffs along the Mason Creek Trail or the historic Staunton Cabin facade.

Close by you'll find Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, Maxwell Falls Lower Trail, Pine Valley Ranch Park.