Eldorado Canyon State Park

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Eldorado Canyon State Park
Type Public park
Location Eldorado Springs, Colorado
Coordinates N39.93 W-105.28
Size 885 acres (3.6 km²)

Eldorado Canyon State Park is part of the Colorado State Park system. It is located in Boulder County near the city of Boulder. The park consists of two areas, the Inner Canyon (developed area) and Crescent Meadows (undeveloped area). The park encompasses 885 acres (3.6 km²) with a variety of recreation opportunities available. This state park is a day-use area, open sunrise to sunset, that supports 42 developed picnic sites. The staff at the visitor center can help answer any questions you may have about the surrounding terrain and recreation facilities. [1]

Contents

[edit] History

Ute Indians were the first inhabitants into this area that is nestled against the foothills near Boulder. The Indians lived within the walls of the canyon because they provided protection from the harsh Colorado winters. Settlers soon followed in search of gold and agriculture. [2] Eldorado Canyon is famous for its amazing geologic history dating back billions of years ago. Near the park’s entrance at the visitors center, there are rocks calculated to be over 1.5 billion years old. [2]

[edit] Geography

The park entrance lies immediately west of Eldorado Springs on State Highway 170. To the west of Eldorado State Park is the Roosevelt National Forest and Colorado's Front Range. East of the site you'll find the heavily populated areas of Boulder and Denver on the High Plains. [1]

[edit] Climate

Climate conditions in Colorado should be taken seriously throughout the state. Snow and ice are common on roads and trails from mid-October through late April. In the summer months, snow is still possible but less common. Varying conditions throughout a given day can be expected throughout the year. Summer days can typically have beautiful sunny mornings and short sudden thunderstorms in the afternoon. [1]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c Eldorado Canyon State Park. Windernet.com. Retrieved on 2007-04-27.
  2. ^ a b Eldorado Canyon State Park History. parks.state.co.us. Retrieved on 2007-05-07.

[edit] External links