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Juneteenth Office Closure

Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices will be closed for the state holiday, Friday, June 19. 
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) Salida East Yurt

Plan your next Colorado adventure!

Camping reservations can be made year-round and a maximum of six months before your arrival date.

Reserve your campsite today!

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) Salida East Yurt

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) Salida East Yurt

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) Salida East Yurt

Plan your next Colorado adventure!

Camping reservations can be made year-round and a maximum of six months before your arrival date.

Reserve your campsite today!
big game hunters

Secondary Limited License Draw

Most elk, deer, pronghorn and bear licenses not issued through the primary draw are available in the secondary draw that is open to anyone, whether you applied for the primary draw or not. It’s your chance to get licenses remaining from the primary draw without having to wait until leftover day!

Some things to remember about the secondary draw: 

  • You must have a qualifying license to apply for the secondary draw. Fall turkey licenses are valid qualifying licenses!
  • The secondary draw does not use preference points, and you cannot apply for preference points. 
  • Youth receive preference for all hunt codes in the secondary draw

Applications Accepted: June 18– June 30, 2026, 8 p.m. MT. Learn more about the Secondary Limited License Draw.

View license lists Apply online
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Colorado Outdoors

Podcast Episode 3.4: Fishing Colorado in the 2026 Drought

In this episode of the Colorado Outdoors podcast, we sit down with CPW Assistant Director Matt Nicholl, who oversees the Aquatic Wildlife Branch, as well as Josh Nehring, CPW’s Deputy Assistant Director of the Aquatic Branch, to talk about all matters fishing in Colorado for 2026.  

Listen to the latest episode. Subscribe Today
Strategic Plan Cover

CPW Strategic Plan

The 2026-2036 CPW Strategic Plan sets a high-level vision, overarching goals and actions that guide CPW's work.

Download the Plan View Interactive Plan Plan Estratégico (En Español)

Video: Anglers like me? We’re a pain in the ANS.

Protect our Waters

Be a pain in the ANS!

Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) are a growing threat to our state's incredible water resources. Help protect the waters we love by cleaning, draining and drying your gear between each and every use. When you go fishing, there’s more than just a big one on the line. The future of Colorado’s water is in our hands (and on our boots).

Be a pain in the ANS and stop aquatic invaders in their tracks!

Help stop ANS!
2025-2026 Colorado Gray Wolf Annual Report cover image

Wolf Update

2025-2026 Colorado Gray Wolf Annual Report

On May 7, 2026, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) issued its Gray Wolf Annual Report for biological year 2025-2026 from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026. This report satisfies multiple reporting requirements and provides updates on the status of gray wolf restoration in Colorado.

Read the news release: May 7, 2026 — CPW Releases Gray Wolf Annual Report for Biological Year 2025-2026

Download the Report Hear from the Experts
Wolverine

Conservation Spotlight

Bringing Wolverines to Colorado

The North American wolverine (Gulo gulo luscus) was part of Colorado’s native fauna until it was extirpated during the early 1900s. Now CPW is restoring the species back to the state. The restoration of wolverines to Colorado was authorized by a bipartisan list of supporters in the 2024 Colorado State Legislature through the passage of Senate Bill 24-171.

Wolverine Restoration Plan Learn more about Senate Bill 24-171
Rifle on rest at Cameo Shooting and Education Complex.

Firearms Safety Program

Specified Semiautomatic Firearms

Senate Bill 25-003 (SB003), signed on April 10, 2025, (goes into effect August 1, 2026) prohibits the purchase or transfer of specified semiautomatic firearms (SSF) unless the person completes the appropriate firearms safety course. 

Learn more about the Firearms Safety Program
Small brown owl with white spots perched on leafless branches in winter, with yellow eyes facing forward

State Wildlife Action Plan

The State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) is an expansive resource on the status of some wildlife populations in Colorado, with an emphasis on individual species and their habitats. The insights found in the SWAP will help CPW forge new partnerships, strengthen old ones and inform policy, keeping Colorado a hotbed of biodiversity.

Learn more about the plan

Video: 2025 Colorado Outdoors Magazine Photo Issue

Sneak Preview

Colorado Outdoors Magazine Photography Issue

Check out the video preview of the 2025 Photo Issue of Colorado Outdoors Magazine!

The 2025 Colorado Outdoors Photo Issue is here and brimming with stunning photos of Colorado's diverse wildlife, landscapes and recreation. Get your copy today!

Buy now! Subscribe
Two American bison standing side by side in a winter grassland with light snow on the ground.

2025 Protect Wild Bison Act (SB25-053)

Parks and Wildlife Commission approves dual classification for bison

At its November meeting in Sterling, Colo., the Parks and Wildlife Commission unanimously approved regulations giving bison a dual legal classification as both livestock and wildlife in Colorado, following the direction of the 2025 Protect Wild Bison Act (Senate Bill 25-053).

Proposed CPW regulations are designed to implement SB25-053. CPW is not proposing regular bison hunting seasons at this time.

Bison Roster information View News Release
Several brown cows standing in a dry grassy field with leafless trees in the background

Featured Resource

Wolf-Livestock Conflict Minimization Program Guide

The Wolf-Livestock Conflict Minimization Program Guide provides information on a variety of tools and methods available for livestock producers to employ in efforts to reduce the likelihood of wolf-livestock conflicts and establishes a framework for CPW’s response, along with available support from other state, federal and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).

Download the Guide

Video: Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy

Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy

Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy, one of the first of its kind in the United States, is the state's conservation, outdoor recreation and climate resilience strategy. It advances coordination, tools and funding to align, prioritize and implement strategic actions on the landscape for conservation, outdoor recreation and climate resilience.   

Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy News Release
Kayaking at Ridgway State Park

Find the Perfect Park and Get Outside

Wherever you go in Colorado, there’s a state park waiting to welcome you. Colorado’s state parks are as diverse as the state itself, and they offer something for everyone. From Eastern Plains parks at 3,800 feet to high-mountain parks at 9,500, the network of state parks offers a wealth of activities for busy people of all ages, or the chance to do nothing at all.

Park Finder

Ridgway State Park

Kayaking at Ridgway State Park

Ridgway State Park

Find the Perfect Park and Get Outside

Wherever you go in Colorado, there’s a state park waiting to welcome you. Colorado’s state parks are as diverse as the state itself, and they offer something for everyone. From Eastern Plains parks at 3,800 feet to high-mountain parks at 9,500, the network of state parks offers a wealth of activities for busy people of all ages, or the chance to do nothing at all.

Park Finder

Plan your next adventure

Camping and Lodging

Colorado's state parks manage more than 4,000 campsites throughout the state. Weekdays offer your pick of prime campsites, cabins or yurts and allow you to explore and discover Colorado’s diverse landscapes and attractions.

Get started!
Tent Camping
Cabin
Yurt
Camper
Colorado Outdoors Magazine Annual State Parks Edition Cover

Featured Issue

Colorado Outdoors Magazine

2026 Annual State Parks Issue — View the contents.

The annual state park issue is full of recreation ideas: Bird watch at Barr Lake, go into the backcountry at State Forest, experience whitewater thrills at Arkansas Headwater.

Buy now! Subscribe for $13/year

Something for Everyone

You can play on land or on water. On a high peak or on the prairie. In the country or the city. In spring, summer, winter or fall.​

Plan your next adventure!

Upcoming Events

An angler leans over to pick up a closed-face spincast rod.

Jun

18

Learn to Fish Clinic

Jun 18, 2026 · 9:30am - Jun 18, 2026 · 11:30am

Mueller State Park

Want to try fishing, but unsure where to start? Join this class and learn to fish. No experience required.

View Details
An angler leans over to pick up a closed-face spincast rod.

Jun

18

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Learn to Fish Clinic

Jun 18, 2026 · 9:30am - Jun 18, 2026 · 11:30am

Mueller State Park

Want to try fishing, but unsure where to start? Join this class and learn to fish. No experience required.

View & Register
Fly Fishing

Jun

19

Fly Fishing Basics

Jun 19, 2026 · 10:00am - Jun 19, 2026 · 12:00pm

Mueller State Park

Learn how to fly fish. No experience or equipment needed.

View Details
Fly Fishing

Jun

19

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Fly Fishing Basics

Jun 19, 2026 · 10:00am - Jun 19, 2026 · 12:00pm

Mueller State Park

Learn how to fly fish. No experience or equipment needed.

View & Register
Elkhead Reservoir State Park

Jun

20

Tournament - Elkhead Reservoir Fishing Classic

Jun 20, 2026 · 6:29am - Jun 28, 2026 · 2:30pm

Elkhead Reservoir State Park

Colorado Parks and Wildlife invites you to the annual Elkhead Reservoir Fishing Classic at Elkhead Reservoir State Park. Anglers...

View Details
Elkhead Reservoir State Park

Jun

20

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Tournament - Elkhead Reservoir Fishing Classic

Jun 20, 2026 · 6:29am - Jun 28, 2026 · 2:30pm

Elkhead Reservoir State Park

Colorado Parks and Wildlife invites you to the annual Elkhead Reservoir Fishing Classic at Elkhead Reservoir State Park. Anglers...

View & Register
An angler leans over to pick up a closed-face spincast rod.

Jun

18

Learn to Fish Clinic

Jun 18, 2026 · 9:30am - Jun 18, 2026 · 11:30am

Mueller State Park

Want to try fishing, but unsure where to start? Join this class and learn to fish. No experience required.

View Details
An angler leans over to pick up a closed-face spincast rod.

Jun

18

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Learn to Fish Clinic

Jun 18, 2026 · 9:30am - Jun 18, 2026 · 11:30am

Mueller State Park

Want to try fishing, but unsure where to start? Join this class and learn to fish. No experience required.

View & Register
Fly Fishing

Jun

19

Fly Fishing Basics

Jun 19, 2026 · 10:00am - Jun 19, 2026 · 12:00pm

Mueller State Park

Learn how to fly fish. No experience or equipment needed.

View Details
Fly Fishing

Jun

19

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Fly Fishing Basics

Jun 19, 2026 · 10:00am - Jun 19, 2026 · 12:00pm

Mueller State Park

Learn how to fly fish. No experience or equipment needed.

View & Register
Elkhead Reservoir State Park

Jun

20

Tournament - Elkhead Reservoir Fishing Classic

Jun 20, 2026 · 6:29am - Jun 28, 2026 · 2:30pm

Elkhead Reservoir State Park

Colorado Parks and Wildlife invites you to the annual Elkhead Reservoir Fishing Classic at Elkhead Reservoir State Park. Anglers...

View Details
Elkhead Reservoir State Park

Jun

20

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Tournament - Elkhead Reservoir Fishing Classic

Jun 20, 2026 · 6:29am - Jun 28, 2026 · 2:30pm

Elkhead Reservoir State Park

Colorado Parks and Wildlife invites you to the annual Elkhead Reservoir Fishing Classic at Elkhead Reservoir State Park. Anglers...

View & Register
Find more events

Explore S’more

Get a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass with your next vehicle registration to create sweet memories. The pass gives you entry to all state parks and supports wildlife conservation.

Learn more
Family climbing up rock

Family climbing up rock