Denver Mountain - Stain Gulch Park

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Parks

Colorado

Nearby: Denver Mountain Park Mt Lindo Park

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Staunton State Park, also known as Denver Mountain, is a beautiful park located in the state of Colorado.

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Summary

There are many good reasons to visit the park, such as its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and variety of recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, fishing, picnicking, and camping.

Some of the specific points of interest to see at Denver Mountain include Elk Falls, Staunton Rocks, and Lion's Head. Elk Falls is a beautiful waterfall that is easily accessible and provides a stunning view. Staunton Rocks is a popular destination for rock climbers, while Lion's Head offers an incredible panoramic view of the surrounding area.

Interesting facts about the area include the fact that the park was created through a partnership between the state of Colorado and the Staunton family, who donated the land. Additionally, the park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and elk.

The best time of year to visit Denver Mountain is during the summer months when the weather is warm and dry, and the wildflowers are in bloom. However, visitors should be aware that the park can get crowded during peak season, so it is a good idea to plan ahead and arrive early. Overall, Denver Mountain - Stain Gulch Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience the beauty of Colorado.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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