We are the official nonprofit partner of Staunton State Park.
Our Mission
“Working in partnership with others to preserve, promote and protect the wildlife, natural beauty and historic legacy of Staunton State Park for present and future generations.”
Friends of Staunton State Park is newer on the scene in the effort to preserve, promote, and protect state land. The 1,720 acres that were to one day become Staunton State Park was donated to the state of Colorado in 1986 by Frances H. Staunton, daughter of Drs. Rachel and Archibald Staunton, homesteaders who settled in the area around the turn of the 20th century and provided medical care for area residents and Native Americans. In the intervening years, the additional surrounding land was acquired bringing it to the nearly 4,000 acres it is today.
It is “a mosaic of grassy meadows, rocky foothills, lush stream corridors, and soaring granite cliffs, going from an elevation of 8,100 feet to over 10,000 feet, with two well-known features: the Elk Falls waterfall and Lions Head rock outcropping. The park’s geology, soils, water features, and climate create a rich variety of habitats with abundant flora and fauna that include elk, mule deer, black bears, moose, and mountain lions. Depending on the season, visitors may see yellow-bellied marmots, tufted-ear Abert squirrels, beavers, coyotes, foxes, wild turkeys, and a great diversity of birds.”
In developing their goals for Staunton State Park, Colorado Parks & Wildlife gathered feedback from, and worked with, neighbors around what would become the park. Some of those neighbors recognized what a special place Staunton was destined to become and decided to get more deeply involved; thus, was born the Friends of Staunton State Park in 2012, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated solely to the preservation, promotion, and protection of this one Colorado state park. The founding members were integral in building and measuring trails, installing boundary fencing, raising funds for the Grand Opening in 2013, and much more.
Despite being a small, dedicated group serving one of the “crown jewels” of Colorado’s 42 state parks, we have raised tens of thousands of dollars each year, impacting the lives of the hundreds of thousands of visitors to Staunton. We helped create the groundbreaking Track-Chair accessibility program at Staunton that has garnered national attention and are looking next to preserve and restore the Staunton cabin which is at extreme risk of environmental damage and to eventually open it as a museum.
If you haven’t yet visited Staunton State Park and explored its rich history of ranching, homesteading, logging, nearly 4,000 acres of forest and open meadows, 30+ miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, 80+ climbing routes, 25 campsites, incredible views of Pikes Peak over 60 miles away, and beautiful 70’ Elk Falls waterfall to which you can hike right to the base, you should treat yourself and come for a visit (or ten)! Throughout the summer, the park staff and volunteers host guided hikes, educational workshops, and kids activities plus fishing and archery days. Each year the park adds new mountain bike and running races, and Staunton’s Annual Marmot Fest in June and Living History Days in September are extra special weekends with scavenger hunts, live music, food trucks, and more!
The brand new, state-of-the-art Visitors Center opened in 2019 featuring a kids play area and educational materials, displays handmade by volunteers, two interactive video displays where you can view photos and more information about the flora, fauna, and history of the park, a fireplace, a small gift shop, and an outdoor patio with picnic tables and a fire pit.
Staunton State Park isn’t just a park. It’s the amazing volunteers, the staff, the visitors, and the glorious Rocky Mountains of Colorado. It’s the legacy of Frances H. Staunton who wanted it preserved in its natural glory for generations to come and to her parents who provided healing for others. It’s a place you can nourish your soul, relax your mind, exercise your body, and ease your stress.
Find out more by exploring our website, follow us on Facebook, and we’ll see you on the trails!
