hunter

Purchase a Colorado Big Game Hunting License

Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Leftover (remaining) Limited licenses are now available.

hunter

hunter

hunter

Purchase a Colorado Big Game Hunting License

Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Leftover (remaining) Limited licenses are now available.

book cover - At Home in Nature - The History of Colorado's State Parks

At Home in Nature - The History of Colorado's State Parks

The Perfect Holiday Gift

At Home in Nature - The History of Colorado's State Parks

Order online or stop by your favorite park to pick up a copy!

The story of how Colorado's state parks came to be, featuring breathtaking photography and the voices of the staff and stewards of these magnificent public lands. 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.  

Born to be Wild Plate

Born to be Wild license plate

From the Newsroom

Born to Be Wild License Plate Grant Program

Currently Open: The grant application deadline of December 15.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife to award up to $50,000 for initiatives that promote the Born to Be Wild special license plate. This grant cycle, the minimum award amount will be $5,000 with a maximum of $50,000. The amount awarded will be determined based on the project's alignment with program priorities and the availability of funds. Partial funding may be provided. Annual award amounts will vary each cycle depending on revenue generated from license plate sales.

Podcast Graphic

Follow and Subscribe

Colorado Outdoors Podcast

The Colorado Outdoors podcast provides an avenue for CPW to tell the story of the agency to both the residents of Colorado and those who come here to enjoy all the natural resources this fine state has to offer.  The podcast is designed to share the work taking place in the agency on all levels – parks, wildlife, trails, outdoor recreation, safety, natural resources, research, biology, energy and more. 

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.

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.

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.” 

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.​

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.

Upcoming Events

Dec

13

Geminids Meteor Shower Astronomy Party

Friday, Dec 13

Eldorado Canyon State Park

Join us Friday, December 13th, from 6 pm to 8 pm for a star party in partnership with Standley Lake Stargazing.

Dec

13

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Geminids Meteor Shower Astronomy Party

Friday, Dec 13

Eldorado Canyon State Park

Join us Friday, December 13th, from 6 pm to 8 pm for a star party in partnership with Standley Lake Stargazing.

Dec

14

Weekend Birding Hike

Saturday, Dec 14

Barr Lake State Park

Join volunteer naturalists for a walk in the park!

Dec

14

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Weekend Birding Hike

Saturday, Dec 14

Barr Lake State Park

Join volunteer naturalists for a walk in the park!
Colorado Natural Areas photos

Dec

14

Earthy Insights

Saturday, Dec 14

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Come join us for an engaging and hands-on lesson about what rocks can tell you!
Colorado Natural Areas photos

Dec

14

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Earthy Insights

Saturday, Dec 14

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Come join us for an engaging and hands-on lesson about what rocks can tell you!

Dec

13

Geminids Meteor Shower Astronomy Party

Friday, Dec 13

Eldorado Canyon State Park

Join us Friday, December 13th, from 6 pm to 8 pm for a star party in partnership with Standley Lake Stargazing.

Dec

13

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Geminids Meteor Shower Astronomy Party

Friday, Dec 13

Eldorado Canyon State Park

Join us Friday, December 13th, from 6 pm to 8 pm for a star party in partnership with Standley Lake Stargazing.

Dec

14

Weekend Birding Hike

Saturday, Dec 14

Barr Lake State Park

Join volunteer naturalists for a walk in the park!

Dec

14

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Weekend Birding Hike

Saturday, Dec 14

Barr Lake State Park

Join volunteer naturalists for a walk in the park!
Colorado Natural Areas photos

Dec

14

Earthy Insights

Saturday, Dec 14

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Come join us for an engaging and hands-on lesson about what rocks can tell you!
Colorado Natural Areas photos

Dec

14

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Earthy Insights

Saturday, Dec 14

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Come join us for an engaging and hands-on lesson about what rocks can tell you!
A man standing on snowy landscape

Keep Colorado Wild Pass —Thumbs Up for Winter Safety

For only $29, get a Keep Colorado Wild Pass with your next vehicle registration and head outside to enjoy those iconic Colorado snow days. You get entry to all state parks and help fund the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.

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.