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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
Accessible Activities
Explore Accessible ActivitiesAccessible Activities
Explore Accessible Activities OptionsBecome a Hunting Mentor
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Explore Become a Hunting Mentor OptionsBig Game
Explore Big GameBig Game
Explore Big Game OptionsBoating
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Explore Boating OptionsEducation and Outreach
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Explore Education and Outreach OptionsFamily Activity Backpack
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Explore Family Activity Backpack OptionsFishing
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Explore Fishing OptionsFishing Awards and Records
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Explore Fishing Awards and Records OptionsFly Fishing
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Explore Fly Fishing OptionsHarvest Information Program
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Explore Harvest Information Program OptionsHelp Stop Poaching - Operation Game Thief
Explore Help Stop Poaching - Operation Game ThiefHelp Stop Poaching - Operation Game Thief
Explore Help Stop Poaching - Operation Game Thief OptionsHunters with Disabilities
Explore Hunters with DisabilitiesHunters with Disabilities
Explore Hunters with Disabilities OptionsHunting
Explore HuntingHunting
Explore Hunting OptionsHunting Bear
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Explore Hunting Bear OptionsHunting Bighorn Sheep
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Explore Hunting Bighorn Sheep OptionsHunting Deer
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Explore Hunting Deer OptionsHunting Elk
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Explore Hunting Elk OptionsHunting Moose
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Explore Hunting Mountain Goat OptionsHunting Mountain Lion
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Explore Hunting Mountain Lion OptionsHunting Pronghorn
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Explore Hunting Pronghorn OptionsHunting Reservations
Explore Hunting ReservationsHunting Reservations
Explore Hunting Reservations OptionsIce Fishing
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Explore Ice Fishing OptionsLearn to Fish
Explore Learn to FishLearn to Fish
Explore Learn to Fish OptionsLeftover (Remaining) and Reissued Licenses
Explore Leftover (Remaining) and Reissued LicensesLeftover (Remaining) and Reissued Licenses
Explore Leftover (Remaining) and Reissued Licenses OptionsMaster Angler Awards Program
Explore Master Angler Awards ProgramMaster Angler Awards Program
Explore Master Angler Awards Program OptionsNature Viewing
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Explore Nature Viewing OptionsNew to Hunting
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Explore New to Hunting OptionsOff-Highway Vehicle and Snowmobile
Explore Off-Highway Vehicle and SnowmobileOff-Highway Vehicle and Snowmobile
Explore Off-Highway Vehicle and Snowmobile OptionsOver-the-Counter (OTC) Licenses
Explore Over-the-Counter (OTC) LicensesOver-the-Counter (OTC) Licenses
Explore Over-the-Counter (OTC) Licenses OptionsRock Climbing
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Explore Rock Climbing OptionsRookie Sportsperson
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Explore Rookie Sportsperson OptionsSmall Game
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Explore Small Game OptionsSnowmobiling
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Explore Snowmobiling OptionsTurkey Hunting
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Explore Turkey Hunting OptionsWalk-in Access Program
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Explore Walk-in Access Program OptionsWater Activities
Explore Water ActivitiesWater Activities
Explore Water Activities OptionsWaterfowl Hunting
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Explore Waterfowl Hunting OptionsWhere to Hunt
Explore Where to HuntWhere to Hunt
Explore Where to Hunt OptionsYouth Hunting
Explore Youth HuntingYouth Hunting
Explore Youth Hunting OptionsSpecial 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!
Upcoming Events
Nov
15
Full Moon Hike - Beaver Moon
Friday, Nov 15
Nov
15
Full Moon Hike - Beaver Moon
Friday, Nov 15
Nov
16
Weekend Birding Hike
Saturday, Nov 16
Nov
16
Weekend Birding Hike
Saturday, Nov 16
Nov
16
School Pond Guided Hike
Saturday, Nov 16
Mueller State Park
Nov
16
School Pond Guided Hike
Saturday, Nov 16
Mueller State Park
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.