Staunton State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Staunton State Park |
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A view of the Staunton Rocks
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 Staunton State Park
Location in Colorado
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| Location | Park & Jefferson counties, Colorado, USA |
| Nearest city | Conifer, CO |
| Area | 3,908 acres (1,582 ha) |
| Established | 2013 |
| Governing body | Colorado Parks and Wildlife |
Staunton State Park is a beautiful state park in Colorado, USA. It is located in Park and Jefferson counties, about 6 miles west of Conifer. This amazing park opened on May 18, 2013.
The park covers a large area of about 3,908 acres. It is known for its dramatic rock formations, several clear streams, and a beautiful waterfall. On December 4, 2012, the park was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as a special place with important history.
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How Staunton State Park Was Created
Staunton State Park exists thanks to a generous gift. A woman named Frances H. Staunton donated the first 1,720 acres of land. She wanted the land to be kept forever as a natural, wild park. Her wish was for it to show off Colorado's most beautiful mountain forests and meadows.
Growing the Park's Size
Since 1986, the State of Colorado has added more land to the park. They used money from the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) lottery. This helped them buy parts of Elk Falls Ranch and Davis Ranch. They also bought land that used to belong to a famous writer, Mary Coyle Chase.
In 2015, a former Colorado politician named Allen Dines donated his 80-acre ranch. This donation helped the park grow to its current size of 3,908 acres.
Why Staunton Ranch is Historic
The original Staunton Ranch is important for its history. It shows how people lived and worked in the past. It was used for homesteading, raising animals (ranching), and as a summer vacation spot. The ranch also has special buildings made in a rustic style. It even had the only sawmill in the area, which was used to cut wood.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
Staunton State Park offers many exciting activities for visitors. It's a great place to explore the outdoors.
- Rock Climbing: If you like adventure, you can go rock climbing on the park's tall rock formations.
- Trails for Everyone: There are many trails for different activities. You can go hiking, biking, or even horseback riding.
- Fishing: The park has streams and ponds where you can enjoy fishing.
- Picnicking: You can also find nice spots to have a picnic with your family and friends.
