Matthews Winters
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Matthews Winters is a state park located in Colorado, United States.
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Summary
It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and provides a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and fishing.
One of the main reasons to visit Matthews Winters is the breathtaking scenery. The park offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and the surrounding foothills. Visitors can enjoy miles of trails that wind through canyons and along the banks of clear streams.
Some of the specific points of interest in Matthews Winters include the Red Rocks Trail, the Dakota Ridge Trail, and the Dinosaur Ridge Trail. The park is also home to various wildlife species, including deer, elk, and coyotes.
Interesting facts about Matthews Winters include that it was once a working ranch and the park is named after two early homesteaders in the area. Additionally, the park is known for its unique geological features, including red sandstone formations and dinosaur tracks.
The best time of year to visit Matthews Winters is during the spring and fall months when temperatures are mild and the foliage is vibrant. Summer can be hot, and the park can be crowded, while winter can be cold and snowy, making it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities. It is always recommended to check weather conditions and trail closures before visiting.
In conclusion, Matthews Winters is a beautiful state park in Colorado that provides visitors with a variety of activities and stunning scenery. With its rich history, unique geological features, and diverse wildlife, it is a must-visit destination for any nature enthusiast.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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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