Eldorado Canyon State Park

Infobox park
park= Eldorado Canyon State Park


image size=
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type= Public park
location= Eldorado Springs, Colorado
coordinates= N39.93 W-105.28
size= convert|885|acre|km2|1
opened=
operator=
annual visitors=
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Eldorado Canyon State Park is You Must Be A Redneck If
* You recycle your own toilet paper

* Your mom has to shave more times a month than your dad

* You see a bill board that says "Don't do crack" and it reminds you to pull up your pants comprehensive rock climbing areas. This state park is a open during daylight hours only, visitors are expected to leave before dusk. A fee is required for entry 365 days a year. cite web|title="Eldorado Canyon State Park"|work=Windernet.com|url=http://www.wildernet.com/pages/area.cfm?areaname=Eldorado%20State%20Park|accessdate=2007-04-27]

History

Ute Indians were the first inhabitants into this area that is nestled against the foothills near Boulder. The Indians lived within the walls of the canyon because they provided protection from the harsh Colorado winters. Settlers soon followed in search of gold and agriculture. cite web|title="Eldorado Canyon State Park History"|work=parks.state.co.us|url=http://parks.state.co.us/Parks/EldoradoCanyon/ParkActivities/History/|accessdate=2007-05-07] Eldorado Canyon is famous for its amazing geologic history dating back billions of years ago. Near the park’s entrance at the visitors center, there are rocks calculated to be over 1.5 billion years old.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, the town of Eldorado Springs was established and was known as a resort for the elite. The town offered visitors warm artesian springs and lush hotels including the Crags Hotel, the Eldorado and the Grand View. Numerous celebrities and Denver residents enjoyed the beautiful getaway until a fire burned all these hotels in 1912.

The town also received considerable attention between 1906-1949 when Ivy Baldwin performed tight rope acts across the canyon convert|580|ft|m|0 in mid-air. Like Ivy Baldwin, many visitors enjoy the spectacular views of the park from a higher perspective, but these visitors prefer rockclimbing to a tight rope.

Recreation

The biggest draw to Eldorado Canyon State Park is rock climbing. Eldorado Canyon offers over 500 technical rock climbing routes luring climbers from around the world to challenge their skills on “Eldo’s” sheer, golden cliffs. The beauty of this canyon also engages the non-climber. Hike or mountain bike some of convert|11|mi|km|0 of picturesque trails that vary from easy to difficult and reach out to adjoining public lands outside the park. Enjoy a picnic by or fish in scenic South Boulder Creek. In the winter, Eldorado offers hiking and limited cross-country skiing and snowshoeing (depending on snow conditions). cite web|title="Eldorado Canyon State Park"|work=Windernet.com|url=http://parks.state.co.us/Parks/eldoradocanyon|accessdate=2007-04-27]

Geography

The park entrance lies immediately west of Eldorado Springs on State Highway 170. To the west of Eldorado State Park is the Roosevelt National Forest and Colorado's Front Range. East of the site you'll find the heavily populated areas of Boulder and Denver on the High Plains.

Climate

Climate conditions in Colorado should be taken seriously throughout the state. Snow and ice are common on roads and trails from mid-October through late April. In the summer months, snow is still possible but less common. Varying conditions throughout a given day can be expected throughout the year. Summer days can typically have beautiful sunny mornings and short sudden thunderstorms in the afternoon.

ee also

*Boulder, Colorado
*Denver, Colorado
*Eldorado Springs, Colorado
*List of U.S. state parks
*List of Colorado state parks
*Rocky Mountain National Park
*Eldorado Mountain

References

External links

* [http://parks.state.co.us/Parks/eldoradocanyon Colorado State Parks: Eldorado Canyon] (official site)