Two Weeks at all 4 Colorado National Parks (Sept. 13–25, 2022)

After a whirlwind tour of all five National Parks and more in Utah within two weeks in 2021, I set my sights on Colorado as my next destination, aiming to maximize my park visits within a similar timeframe.

I visited Colorado from Tuesday, September 13, 2022, to Sunday, September 25, 2022. During my trip, I dedicated one day to Estes, three days to Rocky Mountain National Park, two days to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, a day and a half to Mesa Verde National Park, and one full day to Great Sand Dunes National Park.

I planned my trip to coincide with the new moon at Great Sand Dunes National Park, an International Dark Sky Park, maximizing the visibility of the Milky Way. I am beyond grateful there were clear skies the night I was there! It was a wonderful trip.

Shelby Hagstrom Shelby Hagstrom

Day 3: Rocky Mountain National Park

Sunrise at Sprague Lake, Deer Mountain Trail, horseback riding with National Park Gateway Stables, and Copeland Falls to Calypso Cascades hike

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Shelby Hagstrom Shelby Hagstrom

Day 8: Mesa Verde National Park

Drive from the Super 8 by Wyndham Montrose to the Retro Inn at Mesa Verde in Cortez, CO and hike Point Lookout Trail and Knife Edge Trail

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Shelby Hagstrom Shelby Hagstrom

Day 9: Mesa Verde National Park

Cliff Palace, Hemenway House Overlook and Soda Canyon Overlook Trail, Spruce Tree House, Step House, Long House, dinner at La Casita de Cortez

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Shelby Hagstrom Shelby Hagstrom

Day 11: Great Sand Dunes National Park

Sunrise at Medano Creek in Great Sand Dunes National Park, High Dune Trail, Montville Nature Trail and a portion of Mosca Pass Trail, sunset and night sky at Medano Creek

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