Parmalee Gulch Park

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Parks

Colorado

Nearby: Mount Falcon Canyon Park Pence Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Parmalee Gulch Park is a beautiful recreational area located in the state of Colorado.

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Summary

It offers visitors several reasons to visit, including its stunning scenery, peaceful atmosphere, and a range of recreational activities.

One of the main attractions of Parmalee Gulch Park is its scenic hiking trails. Visitors can explore the beautiful natural surroundings while taking in views of the park's many waterfalls and rock formations. Other popular activities include fishing, picnicking, and birdwatching.

Some of the specific points of interest in the park include the historic Parmalee Ranch House, which dates back to the 1800s and offers a glimpse into the area's rich history. Visitors can also explore the park's several picnic areas, which offer plenty of space for families and groups to relax and enjoy a meal in the great outdoors.

Interesting facts about Parmalee Gulch Park include its designation as a National Historic Landmark, as well as its popularity among local hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and a range of bird species.

The best time of year to visit Parmalee Gulch Park depends on personal preferences and the specific activities visitors plan to engage in. Summer is a popular time for hiking, picnicking, and fishing, while fall offers beautiful fall foliage and cooler temperatures. Winter visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and spring brings wildflowers and new growth to the area.

Overall, Parmalee Gulch Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Colorado's great outdoors.

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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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