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elk

Purchase a Colorado Big Game Hunting License

Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Leftover (remaining) Limited licenses are now available for bear, deer, elk and pronghorn hunting.

Learn about available license options

elk

elk

elk

Purchase a Colorado Big Game Hunting License

Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Leftover (remaining) Limited licenses are now available for bear, deer, elk and pronghorn hunting.

Learn about available license options
Book cover: At Home in Nature, The History of Colorado's State Parks

Colorado Parks and Wildlife releases new book: At Home in Nature, The History of Colorado's State Parks

Just Released

Colorado Parks and Wildlife releases new book: At Home in Nature, The History of Colorado's State Parks

The book delves into the rich history of Colorado's state parks, from their inception to the present day, and is a must-read for anyone interested in the state's natural and cultural heritage.  At Home in Nature, The History of Colorado's State Parks is now on sale at state park visitor centers and online at cpwshop.com. 

Buy Now Learn More
hunter

2024-25 Eastern Plains Pheasant & Quail Forecast

Pheasant populations across the eastern plains of Colorado will range from slightly better to significantly better than 2023, depending on local conditions.  Generally across the core range in Northeast Colorado, we are now two nesting seasons away from the lasting negative effects of the severe drought of 2020-23 and the severe winter of 2022-23, which severely decreased populations of pheasants.  Further, weather conditions in 2024, being fairly warm and dry in May and June, probably helped the hatch and survival of pheasant chicks, which can be hampered by wet, cool conditions right after nests hatch.   

Read the Full Report
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
Aquatic Biologist Jon Ewert looks at YY brook trout after stocking them into Bobtail Creek

From the Newsroom

CPW introduces Trojan Male brook trout in a historic effort to protect native cutthroat trout in Colorado

“This is a pretty historic moment for Colorado and native cutthroat trout restoration across the state,” said CPW Aquatic Biologist Jon Ewert. “This is a combination of both the hard work and dedication of CPW biologists current and retired.” 

Read the Article View All News

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!
Colorado Outdoors Hunting Guide cover

Special Edition

Colorado Outdoors Hunting Guide

This special to Colorado Outdoors is loaded with great content including articles on hunting during rut, staying safe in the field, guided youth hunts, preparing for Colorado's temperature swings, hunting dusky grouse, and so much more! 

View the contents page.

Purchase Issue for $5.50 Subscribe for $13/year

Upcoming Events

Nov

8

Hug a Tree

Friday, Nov 8

Mueller State Park

Basic survival and wilderness safety for kids and their guardians. Ages 5 and up. Event takes place at the Nature Center.
View Details

Nov

8

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Hug a Tree

Friday, Nov 8

Mueller State Park

Basic survival and wilderness safety for kids and their guardians. Ages 5 and up. Event takes place at the Nature Center.
View & Register

Nov

9

Nature Journaling Workshop

Saturday, Nov 9

Mueller State Park

This is a guided adventure led by Debbie, Certified Interpretive Guide and Naturalist Instructor at Pikes Peak State College.
View Details

Nov

9

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Nature Journaling Workshop

Saturday, Nov 9

Mueller State Park

This is a guided adventure led by Debbie, Certified Interpretive Guide and Naturalist Instructor at Pikes Peak State College.
View & Register

Nov

10

Archery 101

Sunday, Nov 10

Barr Lake State Park

Learn about safety, proper techniques and then have a try at our archery range!
View Details

Nov

10

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Archery 101

Sunday, Nov 10

Barr Lake State Park

Learn about safety, proper techniques and then have a try at our archery range!
View & Register

Nov

8

Hug a Tree

Friday, Nov 8

Mueller State Park

Basic survival and wilderness safety for kids and their guardians. Ages 5 and up. Event takes place at the Nature Center.
View Details

Nov

8

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Hug a Tree

Friday, Nov 8

Mueller State Park

Basic survival and wilderness safety for kids and their guardians. Ages 5 and up. Event takes place at the Nature Center.
View & Register

Nov

9

Nature Journaling Workshop

Saturday, Nov 9

Mueller State Park

This is a guided adventure led by Debbie, Certified Interpretive Guide and Naturalist Instructor at Pikes Peak State College.
View Details

Nov

9

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Nature Journaling Workshop

Saturday, Nov 9

Mueller State Park

This is a guided adventure led by Debbie, Certified Interpretive Guide and Naturalist Instructor at Pikes Peak State College.
View & Register

Nov

10

Archery 101

Sunday, Nov 10

Barr Lake State Park

Learn about safety, proper techniques and then have a try at our archery range!
View Details

Nov

10

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Archery 101

Sunday, Nov 10

Barr Lake State Park

Learn about safety, proper techniques and then have a try at our archery range!
View & Register
Find an Event
A man standing in a field, painting a scenic landscape.

Keep Colorado Wild Pass — Let Nature Unlock Your Creativity

For only $29, get a Keep Colorado Wild Pass with your next vehicle registration and find unlimited inspiration. The pass gives you entry to all state parks plus so much more!

State Parks & Recreation—Your pass helps manage Colorado’s 42 state parks, including keeping them clean and building new trails and facilities.

Backcountry Safety—Your pass supports the volunteer and equipment needs of search and rescue professionals across Colorado and avalanche safety programs through the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. 

Wildlife Conservation—Additional money raised not used for state parks and outdoor safety will be used to support the State Wildlife Action Plan, which helps fund wildlife and habitat conservation work for the 960 species that CPW manages.

Local Communities—Your pass supports our natural resources and helps grow outdoor accessibility and educational programs in local communities.

Learn more!