Happy 5th Anniversary to Staunton State Park - May 18th!

Five years ago on May 18th, to much fanfare, Staunton State Park opened to the public and became Colorado's newest state park. Since opening, miles of highly-rated, popular new trails, facilities, climbing routes, activities, and the first (and only) state Track Chair Program for visitors with disabilities have been implemented! Later this year will be rough-in camping and our long-awaited Visitor Center to better serve our park users. It's been a fantastic 5 years and we look forward to many more enjoying and serving our beautiful park. Come out and hike, ride, or picnic to help us celebrate this magnificent land preserved for generations to come!
-The Friends of Staunton State Park
Dedicated to Preserving, Promoting, and Protecting Staunton State Park. Established 2012.

"From high grassy meadows at 8,100 feet to soaring granite cliffs over 10,000 feet, Staunton State Park's varied geology, soils, water features, and climate support rare and unexpected plant communities and a rich diversity of wildlife and provide a myriad of outdoor recreation opportunities.

The first 1,720-acre parcel was donated to Colorado State Parks in 1986 by Frances H. Staunton. Subsequent parcels, including a portion of the Davis Ranch and Elk Falls property, were acquired in the late 1990s. In 2006, a small key parcel, called the Chase property, was added to the Park to reach its current land base of approximately 3,828 acres. The properties that make up the Park are rich in human history, having supported a variety of uses, including:

• Homesteading and a family retreat in the middle of the site
• Ranching on the southern portions of the site.
• Logging and a turn-of-the-20th century saw mill in the northern part of the site.
• A sportsman's club on the western side of the site.

Staunton State Park is the legacy of Frances H. Staunton. As her beneficiaries, present and future generations are entrusted with this land--to enjoy, protect and treasure as she did."

cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Staunton/Pages/History.aspx
cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Staunton

Our abundant, protected wildlife in the park

Fishing in a Track Chair

Impressive rock work built for Chimney Rock Trail to allow hikers to get down to the base of Elk Falls

Eagle Scout Project: Bridge built on Davis Ponds Trail to allow for easier crossing by strollers and wheelchairs, funded by Friends of Staunton

From the archives:

After 27 years, Staunton State Park, in the foothills northwest of Colorado Springs, opened to the public May 18. It's the first new Colorado state park since Cheyenne Mountain State Park opened in 2006.

Forget what you know about most state parks.

RV generators humming in crowded campgrounds. Amphitheaters packed with children. Convention centers. You'll find none of these things at Staunton State Park.

A physician whose family homesteaded here in 1905, Frances Staunton expanded the ranch from 160 to 1,720 acres. She kept it primitive, a privately owned wilderness less than 25 miles from the Denver suburbs. Her will donated it to the state on the condition it be kept "as a natural wilderness-type park."

Park manager Jennifer Anderson said planners were required by Staunton's will to keep the area 90 percent undisturbed. If they build any roads, an equal stretch of old road in the park has to be returned to nature.

Better late than never: After 27 years, Staunton State Park is open and beautiful
By: R. Scott Rappold This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | August 1, 2013

Staunton State Park finally open, a wilderness oasis near Denver
By Bruce Finley | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | The Denver Post | PUBLISHED: May 17, 2013 at 3:28 pm

Two-Day Grand Opening for Colorado's Newest State Park
Posted by The Smoky Mountain Hiker | Friday, May 10, 2013

Our first Park Manager, Jen Andersen, giving her speech at the Opening Day Celebration. Photo by Keith Festag

Five years open to the public, but many, many years of additional land acquisition and behind-the-scenes preparation to get us there. Our joy comes from seeing all of you come out and enjoy the park, bringing your little ones to build a love of the outdoors, and your furry ones to stay healthy with you. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support and stewardship! Here's to many more years ahead of hiking, biking, climbing, riding, fishing, camping, picnic'ing, and enjoying the beautiful Great Outdoors Colorado - GOCO of the Rocky Mountains!

Happy Anniversary Staunton State Park - Colorado Parks and Wildlife!


Watching the Governor sign the proclamation to create Staunton State Park. Photo by Keith Festag