Eldorado Canyon State Park
Located nine miles south of Boulder, Eldorado Canyon is one of the top US climbing destinations with over 500 routes. The park also features scenic trails for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Anglers can fish in South Boulder Creek.
Nature and Wildlife
Mule deer, elk, black bear, bobcat, red fox, coyote and mountain lion inhabit the foothills in and around Eldorado Canyon. The park's areas near water, called riparian habitats, act as corridors for animals to move through. Large populations of bats breed in the caves in the inner canyon.
Over 80 species of migratory and resident birds have been recorded for this area, including raptors, songbirds and waterfowl. Golden eagles, red-tailed hawks and prairie falcons nest within and around the park. Seasonal closures of some climbing routes are enforced to protect raptor nesting sites.
Anyone accessing the park in their vehicle must have a Timed Vehicle Reservation to enter the park on Saturdays, Sundays, and summer holidays (Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day) from May 1 through October 1 annually.
Timed Entry Reservations
Anyone accessing the park in their vehicle must have a Timed Entry Reservation to enter the park on Saturdays, Sundays, and summer holidays (Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day) from May 1 through October 1 annually. Timed Entry Reservations are only required for the inner canyon. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead when visiting during peak user days.
Entering the Park
Reservations are not required for those using the shuttle, walking, biking, or riding a horse. However, there is NO public parking in the town of Eldorado Springs, and a valid Colorado State Parks pass is still required for entry. To enter the park during this time will require two things:
**A Timed Entry Reservation **
Visitors must make a reservation in advance through CPWShop.com or by calling the Reservation Line: 1-800-244-5613. Reservations cannot be made at the state park, including the entrance station or visitor center/park office.
Visitors must print or save the reservation confirmation(e.g., print, download, or screenshot) and present it at their time of arrival at the park. Cell phone connectivity is very poor, and you will be turned away if you cannot provide proof of reservation. If you arrive at the first timed entry window between 5:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., you MUST have the reservation confirmation printed and displayed on your dashboard.
A Colorado State Park Pass
You must make a Timed Entry Reservation to enter the park, even if you have an Annual Colorado State Park Pass. Qualifying Colorado State Park Passes include 1-day pass, Keep Colorado Wild Pass, Annual Pass, Family Annual Pass, Aspen Leaf
Leaving and Returning to the Park
There is no length-of-stay requirement. Once you enter the park, you may leave at any time. Entry and re-entry must be within your reserved 2-hour window.
Volunteer Opportunities
Trail, Stewardship, Maintenance Volunteers
Questions? Contact Mike McHugh (303) 494-0659
Description: If you want to help take care of Eldorado Canyon, stewardship volunteering is the place for you. We monitor and control invasive weeds, improve forest health, build and maintain trails, and help keep facilities clean and safe for visitors. All ability and fitness levels are welcome.
Time Commitment:
The time commitment varies. For trail projects, you can help for a day, or a week, or a month, ... For ongoing projects like invasive weed mapping and removal, we'll train you and then you can volunteer as you have time. For opportunities like facilities maintenance or volunteer wrangling, we're looking for a steady commitment in order to make the best use of your time and ours.
Volunteer Benefits:
The main benefit of stewardship volunteering at Eldorado Canyon is seeing long-lasting, positive impacts on the land and the park's visitors. It's an amazing feeling to build a trail and know that thousands of people will have a safer, happier day in the park; see native species bloom after invasive weeds are removed, or know that the park's forests are healthier and more resilient. There is a lot of hands-on training available for those ready to learn.
Interests:
Habitat and Trail Work - Trail Building/Maintenance, Special Projects - Volunteer Program Assistance, Maintenance and Construction - Grounds/Facility Maintenance, Habitat and Trail Work - Clean-Up Projects, Maintenance and Construction - Maintenance and Construction, Habitat and Trail Work - Weed Management, Maintenance and Construction - Equipment Repairs