Crawford State Park - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Crawford State Park is located in Montrose County, Colorado. The park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, camping, fishing, and picnicking. The park also has a large playground for children, as well as a basketball court and a volleyball court. Visitors can also rent paddle boats and kayaks to explore the park's lakes. In addition, the park provides access to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Visitors can also enjoy views of the San Juans from the top of Blue Mesa Reservoir.

Crawford State Park is located in the Montrose County of Colorado. The area was first inhabited by Native Americans who used the site for hunting and gathering. In the 1800s, settlers began to move into the area, attracted by the fertile soil and abundance of natural resources. Agriculture quickly took root, and the region soon became known for its productive farms and ranches. In the early 1900s, the state of Colorado began to develop a system of state parks, and Crawford State Park was established in 1921.

Crawford State Park is a beautiful place to visit all year round, but the best time to go is in the summer. The days are longer, so you have more time to hike, bike, and explore. The weather is usually warm and sunny, perfect for spending time outdoors. And the scenery is simply gorgeous, with wildflowers blooming everywhere you look.

1. Hiking is the most popular activity at Crawford State Park, so be sure to bring your hiking shoes and map.
2. Wildflowers bloom throughout the spring and summer, so keep an eye out for these colorful additions to the landscape.
3. Picnicking is allowed in certain areas of the park, so pack a lunch to enjoy in nature.
4.  Bring plenty of water with you, as there are no potable water sources within the park boundaries.
5. camp only in designated areas - Camping outside of designated areas is not only unsafe, but it's also against the law. Make sure to find a safe campsite before setting up camp for the night.
6. respect private property - There are some areas of the park that are privately owned, so make sure to respect those boundaries and refrain from trespassing.
    

1. The park encompasses more than 7,000 acres of land. 
2.  The park includes the 5,000-acre Blue Mesa Reservoir, which is the largest body of water in Colorado.
3. The park is named for George Washington Crawford, who was a pioneer settler in the area. 
4. The park is known for its abundant bird life, including eagles and ospreys.

A full day is probably the minimum time required to explore the park properly. However, if you are short on time, there are a few key areas that you can focus on. 

The best way to reach the park is by car. From Denver, take I-70 west to exit 45. Then follow Highway 550 north for about 36 miles. The park will be on your left. If you're coming from Grand Junction, take Highway 50 east to Montrose. Then follow Highway 550 south for about 19 miles. The park will be on your right. 

Admission to the park is $7 per vehicle for Colorado residents and $9 for non-residents. Annual passes are also available for $80 (residents) and $100 (non-residents).

Crawford State Park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset.