Best Picnic Spots in Colorado for a Day in Nature


Are you looking for the perfect place to enjoy a picnic while adventuring through Colorado? We welcome many students everywhere who come from out of state, or all over the state–so we thought why not give you some spots to pull over on the drive! Whether you’re coming into the area for Plant Camp IRLs or Forest to Field Festival from whatever direction, we have a little stop for you to picnic and take a moment to enjoy our beautiful state.

Look no further than the beautiful natural areas in your own backyard! Colorado is home to some of the most stunning picnic spots in the country, from scenic mountain vistas to peaceful lakeside retreats. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best picnic spots in your area, perfect for a day of fun and relaxation in nature.

Front Range of Colorado

1. City Park - Denver: City Park is one of the largest parks in Denver, featuring a beautiful lake, a rose garden, and plenty of open green spaces perfect for a picnic. There are several pavilions available for rent, as well as picnic tables and grills for public use.

2. Washington Park - Denver: Washington Park is a popular destination for picnicking, featuring two lakes, flower gardens, and plenty of shady trees. There are several picnic areas with tables and grills, as well as a playground, tennis courts, and a boathouse.

3. Cheesman Park - Denver: Cheesman Park is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, featuring a beautiful pavilion and plenty of open green spaces perfect for a picnic. There are also several benches and picnic tables throughout the park, as well as a playground and walking trails.

4. Chautauqua Park - Boulder: Chautauqua Park is a historic landmark in Boulder, featuring stunning views of the Flatirons and plenty of open space for picnicking. There are several picnic areas with tables and grills, as well as a playground and hiking trails.

5. Eldorado Canyon State Park - Eldorado Springs: Eldorado Canyon State Park is a beautiful natural area just outside of Boulder, featuring towering sandstone cliffs, a rushing river, and plenty of picnic spots with tables and grills. There are also hiking trails and rock climbing opportunities for the more adventurous picnickers.

Western Slope Colorado

Western Slope region of Colorado has plenty of picturesque picnic spots to choose from. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot by the river or a scenic vista with stunning mountain views, there's something for everyone. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best picnic spots in Western Slope Colorado, perfect for a day of fun and relaxation in nature.

1. Hanging Lake - Glenwood Springs: Hanging Lake is one of the most popular picnic spots in Colorado, located just a short hike from the trailhead. The lake is crystal clear and surrounded by lush greenery, making it a perfect spot for a picnic. There are several picnic tables available, as well as restrooms and parking.

2. Rifle Gap State Park - Rifle: Rifle Gap State Park is a beautiful natural area featuring a stunning lake and plenty of picnic spots with tables and grills. There are also several hiking trails, a playground, and a boat ramp for those who want to explore the lake.

3. James M. Robb - Colorado River State Park - Grand Junction: James M. Robb - Colorado River State Park is a beautiful natural area along the Colorado River, featuring several picnic spots with tables and grills. There are also several hiking and biking trails, as well as fishing opportunities for those who want to try their luck in the river.

4. Palisade Rim Trail - Palisade: The Palisade Rim Trail is a beautiful hiking trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. There are several picnic spots along the trail with tables and benches, perfect for a scenic lunch break.

5. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park - Montrose: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a stunning natural area featuring towering cliffs and deep canyons. There are several picnic spots throughout the park with tables and grills, as well as hiking trails and scenic overlooks.

Gunnison Valley Colorado

Nestled in the heart of the stunning Crested Butte Gunnison region of Colorado, there are plenty of iconic picnic spots to choose from. Find a spot with an epic view, or  near a crisp clear body of water. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best picnic spots in Crested Butte Gunnison, Colorado, perfect for a day of fun and relaxation in nature.

1. Kebler Pass: Kebler Pass is a scenic drive that takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Colorado. There are several pull-offs along the way that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, perfect for a picnic. There are also several hiking trails in the area if you want to stretch your legs after lunch.

2. Taylor Park Reservoir or Blue Mesa Reservoir: Both Reservoirs in Gunnison Country offer stunning natural areas featuring a beautiful lake and plenty of picnic spots with tables and grills. There are also several hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and water sports available for those who want to explore the lakes.

3. Hartman Rocks Recreation Area: Hartman Rocks Recreation Area is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring several picnic spots with tables and grills. There are also several hiking and biking trails, as well as rock climbing opportunities for the more adventurous picnickers.

4. Crested Butte Mountain Resort: Crested Butte Mountain Resort is a beautiful natural area featuring stunning mountain views and plenty of picnic spots with tables and grills. There are also several hiking and biking trails, as well as a playground and zip line for the kids.

5. Oh-Be-Joyful Recreation Area: Oh-Be-Joyful Recreation Area is a beautiful natural area featuring a rushing river and plenty of picnic spots with tables and grills. There are also several hiking trails in the area, including the popular Oh-Be-Joyful Trail.

Delta County Colorado

Located in the heart of Colorado's Western Slope, Hotchkiss and Paonia offer some of the most stunning natural scenery in the state. From the rolling hills to the flowing rivers, there are plenty of beautiful picnic spots to choose from. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best picnic spots in Hotchkiss and Paonia, Colorado, perfect for a day of fun and relaxation in nature.

1. Paonia River Park: Paonia River Park is a beautiful natural area featuring a rushing river and plenty of picnic spots with tables and grills. There are also several hiking trails in the area, including the popular Paonia River Trail. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the serene sounds of the water as you relax in the shade.

2. Crawford State Park: Crawford State Park is a beautiful natural area featuring a stunning lake and plenty of picnic spots with tables and grills. There are also several hiking trails and fishing opportunities available for those who want to explore the area. This is a perfect spot for a family picnic or a romantic lunch by the water.

3. Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery: The Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery is a unique and beautiful picnic spot featuring a peaceful pond and plenty of picnic tables. The hatchery also offers tours and educational programs, so you can learn more about the fish that call this area home.

4. Needle Rock Recreation Area: Needle Rock Recreation Area is a stunning natural area featuring a towering rock formation and plenty of picnic spots with tables and grills. There are also several hiking trails in the area, including the popular Needle Rock Trail. This is a great spot for a picnic with a view!

5. Delicious Orchards: Delicious Orchards is a beautiful farm and market offering fresh produce, baked goods, and plenty of picnic spots with tables and benches. This is a perfect spot for a family picnic or a romantic lunch surrounded by the beauty of the orchards.

No matter which picnic spot you choose, be sure to pack plenty of food, drinks, and games to keep everyone entertained. And don't forget to take in the beauty of nature around you – there's no better way to enjoy a day in the great outdoors!