Blue Mesa Reservoir

While Rocky Mountain National Park is certainly the most well-known and visited national park in Colorado, that does not mean you should skip the other parks the state has to offer. This budget-friendly guide will walk you through visiting Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Mesa Verde National Parks, as well as Curecanti National Recreation Area and the Million Dollar Highway. Total trip time: 5-7 days Nearest major city: Denver Note: I have a separate guide dedicated entirely to Rocky Mountain National Park