Colorado Points of Interest

The Big Four


Welcome to The Big Four, a collection of four must-see points of interest in Colorado's national parks. Located in the heart of the Rockies, these sites offer visitors breathtaking natural beauty and unique experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

The first stop on the tour is Rocky Mountain National Park, where visitors can explore the stunning Trail Ridge Road. This scenic drive offers sweeping views of the park's awe-inspiring mountain landscapes, including impressive peaks such as Longs Peak. Hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities abound, making this a must-see destination for nature lovers.

Next, head to Mesa Verde National Park, where visitors can explore the fascinating cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo people. These ancient structures, built into the sides of cliffs, offer a unique glimpse into the lives of these early inhabitants. Guided tours and interpretive exhibits are available to help visitors better understand the history and cultural significance of this remarkable site.

Third on the tour is Great Sand Dunes National Park, home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. Visitors can hike on the dunes, sled down them, or simply admire their unique beauty. The park also offers opportunities for stargazing, as it is one of the darkest places in the United States.

Finally, the tour concludes with a visit to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. This dramatic canyon, carved by the Gunnison River over millions of years, offers impressive views and challenging hiking trails. Visitors can also enjoy birdwatching, fishing, and ranger-led programs.

Overall, The Big Four offers visitors a diverse array of natural beauty and cultural experiences. From towering peaks to ancient cliff dwellings to towering sand dunes, these national park sites are sure to leave visitors with memories that will last a lifetime. Get driving directions.
THE BIG FOUR

Points of Interest
Location
Birds
Buried Stumps
Charlotte Hill
Consequences of Collecting
Early Dinosaurs
Earth Cools
Fascination With Fossils
FFB-Gateway to the Gold Belt Tour
Fierce Competition
Florissant Formation
Florissant Fossil Beds Visitor Center
Hornbek Homestead
Jawless fish
Kenosha Wildlife Viewing Observation Site
Land Plants
Land Vertebrates
Learning from Tree Rings
Life in the Forest
Life Zones
Mammoth
No Smoking, Sawmill and Hans Loop, VC and Parking Lot
Paleontology Today
Pioneers, Prospectors, and Paleontologists
Present Touches Past
Preserve and Protect
relatives near and far
Resource Protection Area
Revegetation Area/ Wall Mountain Tuff
The Big Four
The Big Stump
The Colorado Petrified Forest Lodge
The Role of Fire
Visitors Arrive
Walk Through Time
Wall Mountain Tuff

Nearby Camping
Location Campsites Reservations Toilets Showers Elevation
Springer Gulch 15 8,324 ft
Goose Creek 10 7,701 ft
Happy Meadows 8 7,879 ft
Wildhorn 9 8,856 ft
Osprey 13 6,217 ft
Blue Mountain 21 8,079 ft
Ouzel 13 6,285 ft
Grape Creek - Temple Canyon Park Numerous 6,160 ft
Trail Creek Numerous 7,844 ft
Kelsey 17 8,035 ft
Molly Gulch 15 7,490 ft
Buffalo 41 7,321 ft
Riverside 18 8,052 ft
Platte River 10 6,333 ft
Wigwam 10 6,606 ft
Green Mountain 6 7,615 ft
Lone Rock 20 6,410 ft
Mueller State Park 90 9,313 ft