Roxborough State Park has earned several special designations from government agencies and private organizations. Each of which highlights a piece of the park’s unique character and magnificent importance. Learn more about each below.
National Natural Landmark
The National Natural Landmark Program, administered by the National Park Service, recognizes Roxborough as a “nationally significant example of the Nation’s natural heritage.” Specifically, the park is identified as an excellent example of tilted faulted sedimentary strata containing atypical occurrences of at least two Front Range plant communities. Roxborough was designated as a National Natural Landmark in April 1980.
For further reading, see Wikipedia National Natural Landmark (NNL), and Wikipedia List of National Natural Landmarks in Colorado.
Colorado Natural Area
The Colorado Natural Areas Program (CNAP) designated Roxborough as a State Natural Area on October 4, 1979. The reasons for designation included the statewide significance of the geological formations representing over 500 million years (now thought to be over a billion years) of geologic history, the rich botanical diversity including several significant plant communities, and the habitat for rare species and raptors nesting and migration.
National Archaeological Historic District
The valley formed between the hogback and the rocks have displayed evidence of human occupation dating back to the Paleo-Indian period (6000 BCE) based on excavations throughout the park. Many sites including rockshelters, camps, and quarries, Roxborough was an attractive location for early Native Americans.
Roxborough’s archaeological values were also recognized as nationally significant in the park’s designation as a National Archaeological District in January 1983. This designation highlights the density and diversity of archaeological sites found within the area surveyed by the Denver Chapter of the Colorado Archaeological Society.
Audubon Society Important Birding Area
Audubon Society recognises locations that provide essential habitat for birds for nesting, migration, or wintering. Roxborough’s unique geographic setting, in between the mountains and the prairie support a unique mix of species from both habitats.
Leave No Trace Gold Standard
Leave No Trace Gold Standard is the highest form of recognition for implementation of the Leave No Trace principles, and action to preserve the unrivaled scenery throughout the park. This designation was given to Roxborough in 2018.