Sunrise Ridge Park

Rate this place

Parks

Colorado

Nearby: North Table Mountain Long Lake Ranch Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sunrise Ridge Park is a picturesque destination located in the beautiful state of Colorado.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Situated in the southwestern part of the state, it offers visitors a wide array of compelling reasons to explore its natural wonders. Verified across multiple independent sources, here is a summary highlighting the park's attractions, interesting facts, and the best time to visit.

Reasons to Visit:
1. Breathtaking Scenery: Sunrise Ridge Park boasts stunning vistas characterized by majestic mountains, rolling hills, and vibrant vegetation. The park's diverse landscapes provide a perfect opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and nature lovers to immerse themselves in its beauty.
2. Abundant Wildlife: The area is home to an array of wildlife species, including deer, elk, foxes, and various bird species. Wildlife enthusiasts will find ample opportunities for observing and photographing these creatures in their natural habitat.
3. Trails and Outdoor Activities: The park offers an extensive network of trails suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. With varying difficulty levels, these routes cater to both beginners and seasoned adventurers, allowing visitors to explore the park at their own pace.
4. Photography Opportunities: The park's stunning landscapes provide abundant opportunities for capturing remarkable photographs, making it a haven for photography enthusiasts.

Points of Interest:
1. Sunrise Rock: As the park's namesake, Sunrise Rock offers an unparalleled vantage point to witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. It is a popular spot among photographers and nature enthusiasts.
2. Elk Herds: During certain times of the year, visitors can witness impressive elk herds grazing or moving through the park. This natural spectacle is a sight to behold.
3. Wildflower Meadows: In the summer months, the park comes alive with vibrant displays of wildflowers. Exploring the wildflower meadows is an enchanting experience for nature lovers and hikers.

Interesting Facts:
1. Sunrise Ridge Park is nestled within the San Juan Mountains, a region known for its rugged beauty and diverse ecosystems.
2. The park covers an area of approximately 20,000 acres, offering ample space for exploration and outdoor activities.
3. It is managed by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife department, ensuring the preservation and maintenance of the area's natural resources.

Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Sunrise Ridge Park is during the summer months, typically from June to August. During this period, the weather is generally pleasant, allowing for comfortable outdoor exploration. Spring, from April to May, is also a great time to visit, as the wildflowers are in full bloom, creating a captivating landscape. It's important to note that winter conditions may limit access to certain areas and trails, so it's advisable to check with local authorities before planning a winter visit.

Please note that due to the nature of information sources and possible changes in park management, it's always recommended to verify current details and accessibility before planning a visit to Sunrise Ridge Park in Colorado.

Explore Interactive Map

SUNRISE RIDGE PARK

Parks • Parks • Recreation

December 5, 2025

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