Paddleboarding at Chatfield State Park

Plan your next Colorado adventure!

Camping reservations can be made year-round and a maximum of six months before your arrival date.

Paddleboarding at Chatfield State Park

Paddleboarding at Chatfield State Park

Paddleboarding at Chatfield State Park

Plan your next Colorado adventure!

Camping reservations can be made year-round and a maximum of six months before your arrival date.

Video: 2026 Colorado Big Game: What's New

What's New

2026 Colorado Big Game Hunting

The 2026 Colorado Big Game brochure is now available. This video provides a short overview of some of the changes that affect the upcoming seasons and the limited-license draw. 

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.

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. 

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.   

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.

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.

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.​

Upcoming Events

Kids making crafts at state park event

Apr

23

Toddler Story Time

Apr 23, 2026 · 10:00am - Apr 23, 2026 · 11:00am

Barr Lake State Park

Join us at Barr Lake's Nature Center for a story time program, including a craft, activity, and a snack! Each month will feature...

Kids making crafts at state park event

Apr

23

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Toddler Story Time

Apr 23, 2026 · 10:00am - Apr 23, 2026 · 11:00am

Barr Lake State Park

Join us at Barr Lake's Nature Center for a story time program, including a craft, activity, and a snack! Each month will feature...

Apr

25

Beginner’s Level 2 Mountain Bike Lesson – Climbing and Descending

Apr 25, 2026 · 9:00am - Apr 25, 2026 · 1:00pm

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Beginner riders will add to their skill set and learn the basics of climbing and descending on a mountain bike.

Apr

25

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Beginner’s Level 2 Mountain Bike Lesson – Climbing and Descending

Apr 25, 2026 · 9:00am - Apr 25, 2026 · 1:00pm

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Beginner riders will add to their skill set and learn the basics of climbing and descending on a mountain bike.

Apr

25

Spring Dog Off-Leash Area Clean Up

Apr 25, 2026 · 10:00am - Apr 25, 2026 · 12:00pm

Chatfield State Park

Come out to our annual Spring DOLA clean-up event!

Apr

25

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Spring Dog Off-Leash Area Clean Up

Apr 25, 2026 · 10:00am - Apr 25, 2026 · 12:00pm

Chatfield State Park

Come out to our annual Spring DOLA clean-up event!

Kids making crafts at state park event

Apr

23

Toddler Story Time

Apr 23, 2026 · 10:00am - Apr 23, 2026 · 11:00am

Barr Lake State Park

Join us at Barr Lake's Nature Center for a story time program, including a craft, activity, and a snack! Each month will feature...

Kids making crafts at state park event

Apr

23

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Toddler Story Time

Apr 23, 2026 · 10:00am - Apr 23, 2026 · 11:00am

Barr Lake State Park

Join us at Barr Lake's Nature Center for a story time program, including a craft, activity, and a snack! Each month will feature...

Apr

25

Beginner’s Level 2 Mountain Bike Lesson – Climbing and Descending

Apr 25, 2026 · 9:00am - Apr 25, 2026 · 1:00pm

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Beginner riders will add to their skill set and learn the basics of climbing and descending on a mountain bike.

Apr

25

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Beginner’s Level 2 Mountain Bike Lesson – Climbing and Descending

Apr 25, 2026 · 9:00am - Apr 25, 2026 · 1:00pm

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Beginner riders will add to their skill set and learn the basics of climbing and descending on a mountain bike.

Apr

25

Spring Dog Off-Leash Area Clean Up

Apr 25, 2026 · 10:00am - Apr 25, 2026 · 12:00pm

Chatfield State Park

Come out to our annual Spring DOLA clean-up event!

Apr

25

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Spring Dog Off-Leash Area Clean Up

Apr 25, 2026 · 10:00am - Apr 25, 2026 · 12:00pm

Chatfield State Park

Come out to our annual Spring DOLA clean-up event!

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.

Family climbing up rock

Family climbing up rock