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Free Colorado National Parks Travel Information on USATravelPal.com
USATravelPal.com, a comprehensive travel website in progress, provides comprehensive travel information on over 1500 exciting destinations throughout the United States, including nine in the national parks of Colorado. With four national parks, Colorado has the fourth most national parks of any state, beaten only by Alaska, California, and Utah. These four parks are Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde, and Rocky Mountain National Park. Each of these offers its own splendor and is worth a visit.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, located in western Colorado near Montrose, offers some spectacular steep, rugged terrain formed by the Gunnison River. Volcanic ash gives the walls of the canyon their distinct color. The canyon is called black because it is so steep that sunlight rarely shines on it. A good way to see the canyon is to drive down the 13-mile South Rim Road. A permit is required for camping within the park.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve offers some awesome views of its wind-swept dunes. This park is also home to a number of small creatures, including giant sand-treader camel cricket and the small kangaroo rat. Visitors who can brave the tiring climb up the dunes are sure to enjoy an unforgettable experience.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in southwest Colorado, is an archaeological wonder. Here you'll find Native American dwellings dating from 500 to 1300 AD. These amazing remains were not discovered until 1888. One can tour the many rooms, known as kivas, of the dwellings. The park also features an archaeological museum featuring many fascinating ancient artifacts unearthed from these dwellings.
Lastly, one should not miss the awesome splendor of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountain Range, this park features some of the tallest mountain peaks in the country. The park has a distinctly Swiss and Bavarian theme, making it resemble the European Alps. The Trail Ridge Road, ascending high into the Rockies, offers some spectacular views.
