Staunton State Park
Granite domes, a hidden waterfall and old homestead cabins, less than an hour up US 285 from Denver.
About Staunton State Park
Staunton State Park covers nearly 4,000 acres of granite outcrops, ponderosa forest and mountain meadows in Park and Jefferson counties, just off US 285 at Shaffers Crossing, about six miles west of Conifer. It is one of Colorado's newer state parks and one of the easiest true mountain landscapes to reach from the metro area.
Around 37 miles of trail climb from meadows near 8,100 feet up toward cliffs that top 10,000 feet. The headline hike is Elk Falls, a waterfall that drops close to 100 feet, but the park's real character is its rock: Lions Head, Chimney Rock, Staunton Rocks and the Elk Creek Spires rise above the forest and draw climbers as well as hikers.
For photographers, the park mixes big granite faces that catch warm low-angle light, historic ranch buildings, aspen pockets, and a waterfall worth the long walk.
Opened to the public in 2013, about 40 miles southwest of downtown Denver near Conifer, straddling the line between Park and Jefferson counties. It's newer than most of the state parks nearby, which means less crowding on trails that are otherwise just as scenic — Elk Falls, the park's centerpiece waterfall, is a solid slow-shutter subject if you're willing to add the extra mileage to reach it.
History
The park grew out of a homestead. Drs. Rachael and Archibald Staunton settled in Colorado around the turn of the 20th century, and Rachael homesteaded the first 160 acres around 1900, spending summers there and providing medical care to neighbors. A turn-of-the-century logging operation and sawmill worked the northern part of the land.
Their daughter, Frances Hornbrook Staunton, donated the first 1,720 acres to the state in 1986 on the condition that it be kept as a natural, wilderness-type park. The state later added neighboring parcels, including the Elk Falls property, and the Staunton Ranch was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. The park opened to the public on May 18, 2013.
Photographing Staunton State Park
Best light: The big granite formations face a mix of directions, so plan around the specific rock: early and late light warms the cliffs and pulls texture out of the domes. Late September brings gold aspen pockets, and Elk Falls is fullest in late spring and early summer snowmelt; shoot the falls in shade or overcast for even light on the water.
Shots to look for
- Elk Falls from the overlook area, using a 24-70mm and a slow shutter to soften the water as it drops into North Elk Creek.
- Telephoto details of Lions Head and the Elk Creek Spires catching warm light, framed by ponderosa trunks.
- The historic Staunton cabins and ranch buildings near the park's core, with the meadow and granite skyline behind.
- Wide meadow scenes near the trailheads with rock outcrops on the ridgeline, especially when wildflowers or fall grasses fill the foreground.
Photo tips
- Arrive early on weekends: the Lazy V lot can fill and parking isn't guaranteed.
- Elk Falls is a long day on foot; travel light and bring a compact tripod for the waterfall.
- Bring a polarizer to cut glare on wet rock and leaves at the falls.
- Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer at these elevations; plan to be off exposed rock by early afternoon.
Know before you go
- A daily vehicle pass (or valid state parks pass) is required; check CPW for current rates.
- The park is open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.; the visitor center keeps shorter daytime hours.
- Leashed dogs are welcome.
- Track-Chairs are available by reservation so visitors with mobility challenges can reach designated trails.
- From Denver, take US 285 to Shaffers Crossing and follow Elk Creek Road about 1.5 miles to the entrance.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the hike to Elk Falls?
CPW lists the Elk Falls hike at about 12 miles round trip, so plan a full day or use a bike for part of the approach where permitted.
Are dogs allowed at Staunton State Park?
Yes, leashed dogs are allowed.
Do you need a pass?
Yes. Every vehicle needs a daily or annual Colorado state parks pass; walk-in and bike visitors pay a smaller individual fee.
Featured in: Photography Spots Near Denver · Colorado Waterfall Hikes
Combine it with
Pine Valley Ranch Park · Kenosha Pass · Wellington Lake · Meyer Ranch Park
More Colorado spots
Sources & further reading: cpw.state.co.us · en.wikipedia.org · friendsofstauntonstatepark.org · cpw.state.co.us. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.