The first 1,720-acre parcel was donated to Colorado State Parks in 1986 by Frances Hornbrook 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 sawmill in the northern part of the site.
- A sportsman’s club on the western side of the site.
The Staunton Ranch began as a homestead around the turn of the 20th century. Drs. Rachael and Archibald Staunton were on their way to California from West Virginia and a rest stop in the Denver area convinced them that Colorado should be their new home. The first 160 acres of the Staunton Ranch was homesteaded by Rachel Staunton who lived there in the warmer months and provided medical care to the people who lived in the area. Some of her clientele were Native American families who bartered beadwork, pottery, jewelry, and rugs to show their appreciation and pay for her services. The Staunton Ranch grew to 1,720 acres over the years.
Frances H. Staunton, daughter of Archibald and Rachael, preserved and protected the Staunton Ranch throughout her life and gifted the land to the state in 1986 with the understanding that the ranch would someday be developed into a state park.
Source: https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Staunton/Pages/History.aspx
Staunton State Park 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. The park’s geology, soils, water features, and climate create a rich variety of habitats. Two of our most well-known features include the Elk Falls waterfall and Lions Head rock outcropping.
Dramatic Elk Falls drops nearly 100 feet into North Elk Creek. A trail to the falls allows visitors to hike right to the base, and another provides a view from high above at an overlook where you can also see Pikes Peak to the south.
Spectacular Lions Head stands tall as the park’s rocky sentry. It is visible from many trails in the park.
Staunton State Park is a mosaic of low grasslands, rocky foothills, soaring granite cliffs, and lush stream corridors. From high grassy meadows at 8,100 feet to soaring granite cliffs over 10,000 feet, the park’s geology, soils, water features, and climate create a rich variety of habitats.
Abundant flora and fauna can be found within the park. Grazing elk and mule deer favor the aspen and conifer forests. Montane grasslands are a tapestry of native wildflowers and grasses. Wet meadow systems support abundant plant and wildlife communities.
Depending on the season, visitors may see yellow-bellied marmots, tufted-ear Abert squirrels, coyotes, or wild turkeys.
(Excerpts from Colorado Parks & Wildlife Staunton State Park brochure)