Colorado Parks & Wildlife logo
Rifle Gap State Park

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!

Rifle Gap State Park

Rifle Gap State Park

Rifle Gap State Park

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!
Hunter

Colorado Big Game Hunting

Leftover (Remaining) Limited Hunting Licenses

Leftover licenses are the remaining limited licenses available after the primary and secondary draws are completed. If you purchase one of these licenses, you will not use any of your preference points. Leftover licenses can include reissued big game licenses.

View Leftover List Learn more about Leftover licenses
Bear getting into unsecured trash.

Bear getting into unsecured trash.

Help Keep Wildlife Wild

BearWise Basics

“As we continue to navigate this extraordinary bear year, please continue to be vigilant in removing food and trash that may attract bears to your property,” said CPW Area Wildlife Manager Jason Duetsch. “Wildlife officers are working tirelessly to respond to an unprecedented number of bear reports, and we are counting on the community to help mitigate conflict."

To prevent bear conflicts and encourage them to find food away from humans, keep trash secured at all times. Lock windows, doors and vehicles to discourage break-ins. Take down bird feeders until Thanksgiving. Never feed or leave out food for bears, as feeding wildlife is illegal and contributes to their habituation towards humans.

BearWise Basics Living with Bears
Bo’s family makes their way back to the visitor center at Ridgway State Park while on an interpretive hike with Shelby Martinez, the park’s lead naturalist and interpretive educator.

Bo’s family makes their way back to the visitor center at Ridgway State Park while on an interpretive hike with Shelby Martinez, the park’s lead naturalist and interpretive educator.

Colorado Outdoors Podcast

Episode 3.6: Adaptive Make-A-Wish Adventure

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is proud to offer adaptive equipment at several state parks to help more people and their families enjoy the outdoors. In this episode of the podcast, Digital Media Specialist Forrest Czarnecki returns as a guest host to bring listeners into the field to learn more about how CPW strives to offer recreational and sporting opportunities for children and adults of all ability levels.

Listen to the podcast episode.
State Forest State Park entrance station with kiosks, United States and Colorado flags

Honoring Our Military

Free Admission for active duty, veterans or National Guard to all State Parks in August

United States active duty, veterans or National Guard members are admitted free into state parks for the month of August if they have the August Military Pass.

  • Any state park office or CPW office can issue the free pass with proof of military service.
  • Passes become available on August 1.
  • All other applicable park fees (i.e. camping or fishing) still apply.
Learn more about free admission.
Beaver eagerly checks out the construction quality of the analog dam at Garfield Creek State Wildlife Area.

Conservation at Work

Restoring Wetland Habitat at State Wildlife Areas

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) local wildlife officers came together to implement an innovative restoration effort that blends out-of-the-box thinking, resourcefulness, conservation partnerships, and low-tech engineering.

Learn more at Colorado Outdoors Online
Colorado Outdoors Fishing Guide

Special Edition

2026 Colorado Outdoors Fishing Guide

The Colorado Outdoors Fishing Guide is a special annual edition of Colorado Outdoors magazine.

View Table of Contents

Buy now! Subscribe today!
A line of fishing rods next to an angler.

Summertime Drought Management

Water temperatures and stream flows can fluctuate during the summer months, creating adverse conditions for anglers, boaters, fish and other animals.

Lakes, ponds, and streams may be temporarily closed to the public if water storage levels or or stream flow drops below stable levels. A list of all low water or other drought related closures is available so visitors can make alternative plans.

View fishing closures and emergency fish salvage locations on the Colorado Fishing Atlas.

See the List of Closures Learn More
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 Colorado Outdoors Podcast Episode
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

A close-up photograph features a cluster of purple penstemon and pale yellow columbine wildflowers growing on a rocky overlook, with the turquoise water of Ridgway Reservoir.

Aug

28

Roots & Wings: The Pollinator Connection

Aug 28, 2026 · 6:00pm - Aug 28, 2026 · 7:30pm

Ridgway State Park

Join plant expert Zoe Debenedette for an eye-opening evening to uncover the powerful, hidden partnerships between the San Juan...

View Details
A close-up photograph features a cluster of purple penstemon and pale yellow columbine wildflowers growing on a rocky overlook, with the turquoise water of Ridgway Reservoir.

Aug

28

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Roots & Wings: The Pollinator Connection

Aug 28, 2026 · 6:00pm - Aug 28, 2026 · 7:30pm

Ridgway State Park

Join plant expert Zoe Debenedette for an eye-opening evening to uncover the powerful, hidden partnerships between the San Juan...

View & Register
Lone Mesa State Park

Aug

28

Sturgeon Moon Night Hike

Aug 28, 2026 · 7:30pm - Aug 28, 2026 · 10:00pm

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Friday night join a park expert under the stars for the Sturgeon Moon Night Hike. A chance to see astronomy and learn more about...

View Details
Lone Mesa State Park

Aug

28

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Sturgeon Moon Night Hike

Aug 28, 2026 · 7:30pm - Aug 28, 2026 · 10:00pm

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Friday night join a park expert under the stars for the Sturgeon Moon Night Hike. A chance to see astronomy and learn more about...

View & Register
Mountain Chickadee, CPW

Aug

29

Birding Hike

Aug 29, 2026 · 8:30am - Aug 29, 2026 · 9:45am

Mueller State Park

Look for migrating birds with local bird expert, Joe LaFleur.

View Details
Mountain Chickadee, CPW

Aug

29

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Birding Hike

Aug 29, 2026 · 8:30am - Aug 29, 2026 · 9:45am

Mueller State Park

Look for migrating birds with local bird expert, Joe LaFleur.

View & Register
A close-up photograph features a cluster of purple penstemon and pale yellow columbine wildflowers growing on a rocky overlook, with the turquoise water of Ridgway Reservoir.

Aug

28

Roots & Wings: The Pollinator Connection

Aug 28, 2026 · 6:00pm - Aug 28, 2026 · 7:30pm

Ridgway State Park

Join plant expert Zoe Debenedette for an eye-opening evening to uncover the powerful, hidden partnerships between the San Juan...

View Details
A close-up photograph features a cluster of purple penstemon and pale yellow columbine wildflowers growing on a rocky overlook, with the turquoise water of Ridgway Reservoir.

Aug

28

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Roots & Wings: The Pollinator Connection

Aug 28, 2026 · 6:00pm - Aug 28, 2026 · 7:30pm

Ridgway State Park

Join plant expert Zoe Debenedette for an eye-opening evening to uncover the powerful, hidden partnerships between the San Juan...

View & Register
Lone Mesa State Park

Aug

28

Sturgeon Moon Night Hike

Aug 28, 2026 · 7:30pm - Aug 28, 2026 · 10:00pm

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Friday night join a park expert under the stars for the Sturgeon Moon Night Hike. A chance to see astronomy and learn more about...

View Details
Lone Mesa State Park

Aug

28

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Sturgeon Moon Night Hike

Aug 28, 2026 · 7:30pm - Aug 28, 2026 · 10:00pm

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Friday night join a park expert under the stars for the Sturgeon Moon Night Hike. A chance to see astronomy and learn more about...

View & Register
Mountain Chickadee, CPW

Aug

29

Birding Hike

Aug 29, 2026 · 8:30am - Aug 29, 2026 · 9:45am

Mueller State Park

Look for migrating birds with local bird expert, Joe LaFleur.

View Details
Mountain Chickadee, CPW

Aug

29

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Birding Hike

Aug 29, 2026 · 8:30am - Aug 29, 2026 · 9:45am

Mueller State Park

Look for migrating birds with local bird expert, Joe LaFleur.

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