Gary Mcdonnell Park

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Parks

Colorado

Nearby: Bellows Park Daniels Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gary McDonnell Park is a popular outdoor recreational area located in the state of Colorado.

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Summary

Some of the main reasons to visit the park include its natural beauty, hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and scenic picnic areas. The park also offers a variety of sports facilities including basketball courts, soccer fields, and volleyball courts.

One of the main points of interest within the park is the McDonnell Reservoir, which is a popular spot for fishing and boating. The reservoir is stocked with a variety of fish species including trout, bass, and catfish. The park also features several hiking trails, including the scenic Coyote Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Interesting facts about the area include that it was named after Gary McDonnell, a local resident and outdoor enthusiast who was instrumental in developing the park. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife including deer, elk, and mountain lions.

The best time of year to visit Gary McDonnell Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and dry. However, visitors should be aware that the park can be crowded during peak season, so it is recommended to plan ahead and arrive early to secure a good spot. Overall, Gary McDonnell Park is a great destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and families looking for a fun and relaxing day out in the Colorado wilderness.

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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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