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Hunter

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

Hunter

Hunter

Hunter

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
Colorado Gray Wolf Annual Report Cover

First Annual Report

Colorado Gray Wolf Annual Report

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has published its first annual report that documents the status of gray wolves, wolf management, wolf monitoring, research related to wolves, and education and outreach in Colorado during the biological year April 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024. Please note, events that have happened since March 31 will be included in next year’s annual report. 

Colorado Gray Wolf Annual Report View 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
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

Oct

9

Wandering Wagon-Bears!

Wednesday, Oct 9

Mueller State Park

Have questions about bears? <strong>The wagon will be wandering </strong>around camper services and the campgrounds to chat with visitors about the amazing Colorado animal, the black bear.
View Details

Oct

9

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Wandering Wagon-Bears!

Wednesday, Oct 9

Mueller State Park

Have questions about bears? <strong>The wagon will be wandering </strong>around camper services and the campgrounds to chat with visitors about the amazing Colorado animal, the black bear.
View & Register

Oct

11

Hug a Tree

Friday, Oct 11

Mueller State Park

Basic survival and wilderness safety for kids (and parents). Ages 5 and up. At the Visitor Center 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
View Details

Oct

11

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Hug a Tree

Friday, Oct 11

Mueller State Park

Basic survival and wilderness safety for kids (and parents). Ages 5 and up. At the Visitor Center 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
View & Register

Oct

11

Sunset Elk Hike

Friday, Oct 11

Mueller State Park

Fall is a great time of year to see and hear elk. Join us on this three mile hike through elk habitat to learn about elk and their behavior. Bring binoculars if you have them because the group will stop at certain locations to spend time looking for elk and other wildlife. The hike back to the trailhead will be dark, so also bring a headlamp or flashlight. This hike does include hills. Fun is guaranteed, seeing and/or hearing elk is not. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead 5:30 p.m. In order to have a better chance at seeing wildlife the number of spots for this hike are limited. Please call the visitor center to sign up at 719-687-2366.
View Details

Oct

11

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Sunset Elk Hike

Friday, Oct 11

Mueller State Park

Fall is a great time of year to see and hear elk. Join us on this three mile hike through elk habitat to learn about elk and their behavior. Bring binoculars if you have them because the group will stop at certain locations to spend time looking for elk and other wildlife. The hike back to the trailhead will be dark, so also bring a headlamp or flashlight. This hike does include hills. Fun is guaranteed, seeing and/or hearing elk is not. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead 5:30 p.m. In order to have a better chance at seeing wildlife the number of spots for this hike are limited. Please call the visitor center to sign up at 719-687-2366.
View & Register

Oct

9

Wandering Wagon-Bears!

Wednesday, Oct 9

Mueller State Park

Have questions about bears? <strong>The wagon will be wandering </strong>around camper services and the campgrounds to chat with visitors about the amazing Colorado animal, the black bear.
View Details

Oct

9

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Wandering Wagon-Bears!

Wednesday, Oct 9

Mueller State Park

Have questions about bears? <strong>The wagon will be wandering </strong>around camper services and the campgrounds to chat with visitors about the amazing Colorado animal, the black bear.
View & Register

Oct

11

Hug a Tree

Friday, Oct 11

Mueller State Park

Basic survival and wilderness safety for kids (and parents). Ages 5 and up. At the Visitor Center 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
View Details

Oct

11

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Hug a Tree

Friday, Oct 11

Mueller State Park

Basic survival and wilderness safety for kids (and parents). Ages 5 and up. At the Visitor Center 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
View & Register

Oct

11

Sunset Elk Hike

Friday, Oct 11

Mueller State Park

Fall is a great time of year to see and hear elk. Join us on this three mile hike through elk habitat to learn about elk and their behavior. Bring binoculars if you have them because the group will stop at certain locations to spend time looking for elk and other wildlife. The hike back to the trailhead will be dark, so also bring a headlamp or flashlight. This hike does include hills. Fun is guaranteed, seeing and/or hearing elk is not. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead 5:30 p.m. In order to have a better chance at seeing wildlife the number of spots for this hike are limited. Please call the visitor center to sign up at 719-687-2366.
View Details

Oct

11

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Sunset Elk Hike

Friday, Oct 11

Mueller State Park

Fall is a great time of year to see and hear elk. Join us on this three mile hike through elk habitat to learn about elk and their behavior. Bring binoculars if you have them because the group will stop at certain locations to spend time looking for elk and other wildlife. The hike back to the trailhead will be dark, so also bring a headlamp or flashlight. This hike does include hills. Fun is guaranteed, seeing and/or hearing elk is not. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead 5:30 p.m. In order to have a better chance at seeing wildlife the number of spots for this hike are limited. Please call the visitor center to sign up at 719-687-2366.
View & Register
Find an Event
Two campers sit on camp chairs outside of a tent

Keep Colorado Wild Pass - Let the Adventures Begin!

As Coloradans, we treasure our outdoor lifestyle and the state’s natural beauty. Join us in keeping Colorado, Colorado. Your Keep Colorado Wild Pass is so much more than just a state park pass. 

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!