Coloradans and out-of-state visitors play a crucial role in keeping our state parks clean and making the outdoors safer to explore. Responsible recreation in the dry summer months can help protect Colorado’s public land, wildlife and water.
Know Before You Go
If the area you want to explore has bad weather or wildfires, adjust your outdoor plan to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Plan your visit with the 2025 Quick Guide to State Parks or the Colorado State Parks Guide (Guía De Los Parques Naturales).
- Camping reservations at Colorado state parks are required.
- Find park events and classes on the CPW Events Calendar, which includes a wide range of activities such as guided hikes, educational programs and volunteer opportunities.
- Download the free Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) app to find real-time information about trail conditions, closures and active wildfire alerts.
- Stay hydrated. Bring more water than you think you (and your pet) will need.
Be Careful with Fire
Colorado is experiencing wildfires across multiple Front Range and Western Slope counties. Brave first responders and local, state and federal agencies are currently working to protect Colorado communities and lands. Fire safety is a statewide effort and CPW encourages Coloradans to practice fire safety at all times.
Information on fire restrictions and bans can change rapidly.
- Check fire restrictions or bans at www.coemergency.com.
- Use designated campfire areas when allowed and available.
- Drown the fires out with water until you can touch the embers.
- Never leave a campfire unattended.
- Avoid parking or driving on dry grass. Check your tire pressure, exhaust pipes, and whether chains or exposed wheel rims are dragging from your vehicle, which may create sparks.
“Fire behavior in Colorado continues to be dynamic, with hot and dry conditions not expected to change soon,” said Emergency Management Coordinator Brent Lounsbury. “It’s imperative that people pay close attention to fire restrictions and do their part not to ignite dangerous fires. Our outdoor first responders are working around the clock right now to put out wildfires that are posing a threat to local communities and causing people to evacuate their homes.”
Be Safe on the Water
Life jackets save lives. The majority of water-related deaths occur because people do not wear them. CPW officers are actively writing $100 tickets for boaters and paddlers who are not wearing them; however, personal accountability for safety is important when recreating in Colorado waters.
- Wear a life jacket.
- Find a CPW life jacket loaner station to borrow a lifejacket
- Protect yourself from the dangers of cold water shock. Regardless of your age or experience level, cold water can quickly create a drowning emergency.
- Paddleboards and kayaks are considered vessels, and life jacket requirements apply.
- Heavy rain or wind can rapidly raise water levels without warning. Check river flows at https://dwr.state.co.us/Tools/
Stations. - Boat and raft with a buddy and avoid floating alone, especially during high flows.
- “Clean, drain and dry” your boat and gear. Find a CPW Gear and Watercraft Cleaning Station to decontaminate your boat, wet equipment, waders and boots.
Trash the Trash
Always dispose of trash properly when on the trail.
- Pack it in, pack it out. Whatever you bring into the outdoors, take it out with you.
- Don’t leave pet waste baggies on the trail, even if you mean to pick it up on your way out — people forget. Pet waste is not only unsightly but also disruptive to wildlife.
- Bring plastic grocery bags to carry trash when trash cans are not available.
Keep Wildlife Wild
Wildlife can get more aggressive if they aren’t given enough space or approached by humans.
- Do not feed or approach young wildlife.
- Be bear prepared on trails and while camping.
- Keep dogs leashed on trails to prevent them from chasing wildlife.
- If you see wildlife that appears sick or injured, leave it alone. Call your local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office and ask a trained wildlife officer for guidance.
Join us in keeping Colorado, Colorado. Get a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass with your next vehicle registration and support our state parks, search and rescue teams, avalanche safety, wildlife conservation and outdoor education. Learn more at cpw.info/keepcoloradowild and cpw.info/
