Kistler Park

Rate this place

Parks

Colorado

Nearby: Bear Canyon Diamond K Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kistler Park is a beautiful park located in Colorado that offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Some of the best reasons to visit the park include its stunning natural scenery, excellent hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. The park is also home to several unique rock formations and geological features, which make it a popular destination for geology enthusiasts.

One of the main points of interest in Kistler Park is the massive and impressive rock formation known as Owl Rock. This unique formation is a popular spot for rock climbing, and visitors can often see climbers scaling its sheer face. Another interesting feature at the park is the "Devil's Backbone," a long, narrow ridge of rock that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

In addition to its geological attractions, Kistler Park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and a wide range of bird species. Visitors can enjoy hiking and birdwatching in the park, and there are also several picnic areas and camping facilities available.

The best time of year to visit Kistler Park depends on the activities you are interested in. During the summer months, the park is a popular destination for hiking and camping, while the fall offers stunning foliage displays and excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Winter visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and springtime brings wildflowers and a renewed sense of life to the park.

Overall, Kistler Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Colorado's natural beauty and unique geological features. With its range of activities and attractions, there's something for everyone to enjoy at this beautiful park.

Weather Forecast

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.

Related References