El Dorado Canyon State Park in Colorado

http://www.parks.state.co.us/parks/eldoradocanyon/Pages/EldoradoCanyonHome.aspx

We were on our way to Boulder and found this gem!  The website states:

Eldorado Canyon is a hidden treasure right in Boulder’s backyard!  Whether it’s hiking amidst the towering sandstone cliffs, picnicking along scenic South Boulder Creek or climbing Eldo’s sheer golden walls, Eldorado Canyon State Park truly has something for everyone!  Discover this hidden jewel and take home memories that will last a lifetime.

The drive through El Dorado Canyon State Park was absolutely beautiful.  We actually stumbled upon the park accidentally.  That is the best kind of discovery.  I had no idea that this beautiful state park was nestled in the sandstone cliffs along Highway 93.  The website gives directions to the state park from Boulder, Denver, and Golden, Colorado (http://www.parks.state.co.us/Parks/EldoradoCanyon/MapsandDirections/Pages/EldoradoCanyonMapsandDirections2.aspx).  There is a fee for entering the state park.  Fee information–

http://www.parks.state.co.us/Parks/EldoradoCanyon/Fees/Pages/Fees%20at%20Eldorado%20State%20Park.aspxDefinitely a must see in Colorado!  This state park is quintessential (I love that word) Colorado!

Before we stumbled upon the state park we had lunch at Woody’s  in Golden, Colorado (https://lovelivingincolorado.wordpress.com/2012/05/17/woodys-wood-fired-pizza-golden-colorado/).

Have you visited a state park?  We need to make an effort to visit more state parks here in colorful Colorado!  El Dorado Canyon State Park is gorgeous!