Free day coming up at Colorado state parks

Colorado's birthday comes with a gift for nature-loving residents.

As per tradition for Colorado Day — the day marking statehood granted in 1876 — state parks will waive admission fees. That will be on Aug. 5, the Monday following Colorado Day on Aug. 1.

For those without a Keep Colorado Wild Pass or any other season pass, the Monday will mean saving $10 for vehicle admission to most state parks. Those include some of the most popular cool-off waters around the Front Range, such as Lake Pueblo, Chatfield and Cherry Creek state parks.

Also in the Denver area is Roxborough State Park, the red rock wonderland where crowds are typically thinner on Mondays. Farther west, near Conifer, is Staunton State Park, home to Elk Falls tucked deep in the forest — said to be the tallest waterfall nearest the Mile High City.

Castlewood Canyon might be another option between the state's two largest cities. The canyon surprises on the plains near Franktown.

Despite being backdropped by Colorado Springs' second-most famous peak, Cheyenne Mountain State Park is often overlooked. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has pointed to another "hidden gem" in the region: Mueller State Park, with 50-plus miles of trails roaming meadows, aspen and pine in the shadow of Pikes Peak.

At Colorado's southern-most state park, a long-awaited summit trail is making its summer debut. That's the trail to the top of Fishers Peak — a long-distance trip not for everyone.

Plenty of other hiking and mountain biking options are available at Fishers Peak State Park, which is across Interstate 25 from a beloved fishery, Trinidad Lake State Park.

All other state park fees, including camping reservations and fishing licenses, remain required Aug. 5.