Staunton State Park, Pine, CO
Pine, Colorado · 1 hour from Denver · $10 daily pass
📍 Local Notes from a Regular Hiker
Good to know: This guide was put together using public information and visitor reports. I’ve hiked these trails dozens of times over the years, so the tips here come from personal experience. But always double-check with the park office before driving out—conditions change, especially after storms.
⚠️ Before You Go (Critical Info)
Call ahead: +1 303-816-0912 (Colorado State Parks)
Check here: cpw.state.co.us/staunton
Weather matters: Thunderstorms are common in summer afternoons. Trails are exposed. Winter brings snow and ice.
Quick Park Details
📍 Getting There
Address: 12102 S Elk Creek Rd, Pine, CO 80470
From Denver: US-285 South to Pine Creek Rd, west 4 miles to park entrance
Look for the distinctive stone entrance building on the north side
🕒 Opening Hours
Standard Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM (daily)
Seasonal Notice: Winter hours may be shorter (7 AM – 5 PM). The park may close for hazardous conditions.
🚗 Parking
Lot size: ~200 spaces
Reality: Fills up by 10 AM on sunny weekends
Tip: Overflow parking available in designated areas. Arrive early for best trailhead access.
🎟️ Fees
Admission: $10 daily pass (Colorado resident)
Pass valid: Until noon the next day
Colorado State Parks Pass: $80 annual
Trail Guide (What I Actually Do)
Easy Staunton Ranch Trail (3 miles)
My take: The perfect introduction to the park. Gentle climb through meadows and forests with sweeping views. Great for families and beginners. Best in spring when wildflowers bloom.
Moderate Staunton Mine Trail (4.5 miles)
My take: Visit historic mine sites with granite cliff views. Moderate elevation gain. Less crowded than other trails. Best in fall when aspens turn yellow in the basin.
Hard Little Scraggy Trail (6.5 miles)
My take: The park’s premier hike. Challenging ascent to rocky outcrops with 360-degree views. Not for beginners. Start early to avoid afternoon storms. Bring plenty of water.
Local Trail Strategy (From Regular Use)
- Combine trails for a 5-8 mile loop (my usual)
- Water: Limited fill stations—bring 2+ liters per person
- Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots recommended (rocky, uneven terrain)
What to Watch For
🦊 Wildlife
Mule deer: Common throughout the park
Black bears: Present but rarely seen
Birds: Golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, Clark’s nutcrackers
Other: Mountain lions present but avoid humans
🌸 Seasons
Spring: Snow melts late at higher elevations
Summer: Wildflowers peak July-August. Thunderstorm risk.
Fall: Best time! Aspens turn gold September-October
Winter: Snow-covered trails. Cross-country skiing/snowshoeing.
Photos from Regular Visitors
Disclaimer: These are user-submitted photos used for illustrative purposes. Copyright belongs to the original photographers. Seasonal appearance may vary based on weather and time of year.
Visitor Reviews & Public Feedback
Based on 2,100+ public reviews
“Staunton is beautiful with well-maintained trails (thank you State Parks Staff), gorgeous views, panoramic vistas, good parking options and restrooms.”
— Bill Vanderlan
“This is my favorite hiking haven. It is challenging. But the sprawling vistas are WELL worth it (see video). Truly some of the best +180° views you can find.”
— Craig Malott
“This is a beautiful State park! Loved the creeks. Enjoyed my hike. The trees were so beautiful this time of the year (fall). I would definitely recommend.”
— Melinda Estrada
More Visitor Feedback
- Access: “Great for intermediate hikers. The challenging trails reward you with incredible views. Bring plenty of water.”
- Timing: “Visit in early fall for fewer crowds and spectacular colors. Avoid weekend afternoons in summer.”
- Preparation: “Trails are rocky and exposed. Bring sun protection, layers, and navigation tools. Cell service is poor.”
Common Questions
How much is the entrance fee?
It’s $10 for a day pass per vehicle. The pass is valid until noon the next day. Annual Colorado State Parks passes are $80.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on a 6-foot leash. Dogs must be under control at all times. Bring waste bags—none provided. Watch for hot pavement in summer.
Is there cell service?
Very limited. Verizon tends to work best at the visitor center but disappears on trails. AT&T and T-Mobile have no service. Download maps offline.
Are there facilities?
Restrooms and water at the visitor center and main trailhead. Limited facilities at remote trailheads. No food services in the park.
Is the park accessible?
The visitor center and some parking areas are accessible. Main trails have natural surface with rocks and roots. Contact park for specific accessibility needs.
Can I camp overnight?
No camping allowed. This is a day-use park only. Nearest camping is at Lost Creek Wilderness or private campgrounds in the area.
Are drones allowed?
No, drones are prohibited in Colorado State Parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience.
What about wildlife safety?
Keep distance from wildlife, especially during spring fawning season. Black bears are present—store food properly. Never feed animals.
What about altitude?
Elevations range from 8,100 to over 10,000 feet. Stay hydrated, take it slow, and recognize altitude sickness symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness).
Best time to visit?
Early September for fall colors and fewer crowds. June-July for wildflowers. Winter for snowshoeing. Summer weekends are very busy—arrive early.
Map & Location Notes
Address: 12102 S Elk Creek Rd, Pine, CO 80470
GPS Coordinates: 39.3052° N, 105.3289° W
Local tip: The entrance is 4 miles west of Pine on S Elk Creek Rd. Look for the stone entrance building. If you reach the historic Staunton community, you’ve gone too far.
About This Guide
How we know what we know: This isn’t an official park page. It’s a directory entry based on publicly available information, visitor reports, and regular visits. The details here come from Colorado State Parks’ public resources and our own field checks.
Our Commitment to Accuracy
- We update this guide quarterly
- We note when information changes
- We link to official sources first
- We welcome corrections from park staff
Important: Park conditions change. Always verify current information with Colorado State Parks before visiting. We’re a directory site—park management is handled by state officials.