Colorado Parks & Wildlife logo
angler with trout

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!

angler with trout

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!
hunters packing out

Don't forget your license!

Big Game Hunting License Opportunities

Purchase a Colorado Big Game Hunting License

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

View the Leftover (Reissue) License List Learn about available license options

Video: 2025-26 Colorado Pheasant and Quail Forecast

2025-26 Pheasant and Quail Forecast

Opening Day is November 8, 2025.

Pheasant populations across the eastern plains of Colorado will range from slightly better to significantly better than 2024, depending on local conditions. Generally, across the core range in Northeast Colorado, we are now three 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. 

Read the forecast
two beer glasses and a cluster of zebra mussels

You Can Help

Be a Pain in the ANS!

Colorado's beer industry could be impacted by Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS).

Learn how you can help.

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
Andy Holland in hunting gear and podcast player graphic

Colorado Outdoors Podcast

Podcast Episode 2.16: Big-game hunting chat with Andy Holland

In this episode, we also talk about CPW’s new bison management planning effort, upcoming changes to the 2028 big-game draw and what factors into big-game license setting in Colorado.

We also dive a bit into current trends in hunting and try to get into the mind of an elk.

Listen to the latest episode. Subscribe Today

Video: Waterfowl hunters like me? We’re a pain in the ANS.

Waterfowl hunters like me? We’re a pain in the ANS.

Wherever you like to waterfowl hunt, remembering to clean, drain and dry your gear will protect the waters that support the habitat Colorado’s game species rely on. 

Learn how to clean your gear
Bison

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 (SB25-053).

Proposed CPW regulations are designed to implement SB25-053. CPW is not proposing regular bison hunting seasons at this time.

More information on bison management
Rancher with cattle

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 Outdoor Magazine Sept/Oct Issue - cover image

Special Edition

Colorado Outdoors Magazine

2025 September/October Issue — View the contents.

In the issue: Tips for hunting Colorado's fall wild turkey season, first day pheasants, conservation efforts for declining fireflies, the study of Colorado's bobcats, and much more! 

Purchase your copy! 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

Nov

15

Birding Hike - Weekend

Saturday, Nov 15

Barr Lake State Park

Join volunteer naturalists Tammy and Ira for a birding walk in the park. Learn about birds and other natural wonders at Barr...

View Details

Nov

15

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Birding Hike - Weekend

Saturday, Nov 15

Barr Lake State Park

Join volunteer naturalists Tammy and Ira for a birding walk in the park. Learn about birds and other natural wonders at Barr...

View & Register
hiker with aspen leaves photo by Eric Schuette.

Nov

15

Fall Guided Hike

Saturday, Nov 15

Cherry Creek State Park

Meet us at the Pelican Point parking lot and take a walk with a park naturalist to learn about plants, birds, and any wildlife...

View Details
hiker with aspen leaves photo by Eric Schuette.

Nov

15

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Fall Guided Hike

Saturday, Nov 15

Cherry Creek State Park

Meet us at the Pelican Point parking lot and take a walk with a park naturalist to learn about plants, birds, and any wildlife...

View & Register

Nov

16

Elk Meadow Hike

Sunday, Nov 16

Mueller State Park

A favorite of many visitors this two mile, moderate trail is a good starting place for people new to the park.

View Details

Nov

16

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Elk Meadow Hike

Sunday, Nov 16

Mueller State Park

A favorite of many visitors this two mile, moderate trail is a good starting place for people new to the park.

View & Register

Nov

15

Birding Hike - Weekend

Saturday, Nov 15

Barr Lake State Park

Join volunteer naturalists Tammy and Ira for a birding walk in the park. Learn about birds and other natural wonders at Barr...

View Details

Nov

15

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Birding Hike - Weekend

Saturday, Nov 15

Barr Lake State Park

Join volunteer naturalists Tammy and Ira for a birding walk in the park. Learn about birds and other natural wonders at Barr...

View & Register
hiker with aspen leaves photo by Eric Schuette.

Nov

15

Fall Guided Hike

Saturday, Nov 15

Cherry Creek State Park

Meet us at the Pelican Point parking lot and take a walk with a park naturalist to learn about plants, birds, and any wildlife...

View Details
hiker with aspen leaves photo by Eric Schuette.

Nov

15

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Fall Guided Hike

Saturday, Nov 15

Cherry Creek State Park

Meet us at the Pelican Point parking lot and take a walk with a park naturalist to learn about plants, birds, and any wildlife...

View & Register

Nov

16

Elk Meadow Hike

Sunday, Nov 16

Mueller State Park

A favorite of many visitors this two mile, moderate trail is a good starting place for people new to the park.

View Details

Nov

16

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Elk Meadow Hike

Sunday, Nov 16

Mueller State Park

A favorite of many visitors this two mile, moderate trail is a good starting place for people new to the park.

View & Register
Find more events

Keep Colorado Wild Pass — Opens more than state park gates

Explore every corner of Colorado’s state parks while giving back to search and rescue volunteers when you get a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass with your vehicle registration. The pass also helps fund state parks and recreation, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, wildlife conservation and outdoor education opportunities.

Learn more

English

Al obtener un Pase Keep Colorado Wild de $29 con el registro de tu vehículo, tendrás acceso a todos los parques estatales de Colorado durante todo el año. Además, tu compra contribuye a apoyar a los voluntarios de búsqueda y rescate, programas de educación al aire libre, el Centro de Información sobre Avalanchas de Colorado, la conservación de la vida silvestre y mucho más.