Eldorado Canyon State Park

Eldorado Canyon cuts into the foothills nine miles south of Boulder. Tilted red and gold sandstone walls, streaked with lichen and up to 700 feet high, rise above South Boulder Creek and ponderosa pine forest. Trails reach views of the eastern plains.

The park is day use only, sunrise to sunset. State Highway 170 dead-ends at Eldorado Springs and a dirt road continues to the park; the visitor center is one mile west of the entrance. Vehicles need a timed entry reservation on weekends and summer holidays, May 1 through October 1. Cell coverage is very poor, and the creek and high winds can make communication difficult.

The cliffs carry over 500 technical climbing routes. The state bought the canyon in 1978 after its owner threatened to sell it for a quarry.

Commercial photo and film shoots need a Colorado Parks and Wildlife Special Activity permit, submitted 90 days ahead; late requests risk an expedite fee or denial. Weekend and holiday shoots from April through September need the park manager’s advance written approval. Personal-use photography and news coverage of current events are exempt. Drones are prohibited. Park office: 303-494-3943.