hunter

Got Summer Plans?

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

hunter

hunter

hunter

Got Summer Plans?

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

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.  

Hunters

Hunters

Hunting License Opportunities

Purchase a Colorado Big Game Hunting License

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

2024 Colorado Outdoors Photo Issue

Special Issue

2024 Colorado Outdoors Photo Issue

The 2024 Colorado Outdoors Photo Issue is here and brimming with stunning photos of Colorado's diverse wildlife, landscapes and recreation. Get your copy today!

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 2024 Photography Issue

Special Edition

Colorado Outdoors 2024 Photography Issue

The 2024 Colorado Outdoors Photo Issue is here and brimming with stunning photos of Colorado's diverse wildlife, landscapes and recreation. Get your copy today!

View the contents page.

Upcoming Events

Pronghorn in snow

Dec

27

Winter Adaptations Drop-In Program

Friday, Dec 27

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Join us at the Visitor Center where we will learn about how animals and plants are adapted to survive the winter! 
Pronghorn in snow

Dec

27

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Winter Adaptations Drop-In Program

Friday, Dec 27

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Join us at the Visitor Center where we will learn about how animals and plants are adapted to survive the winter! 

Dec

28

Guided Hike Elk Meadow

Saturday, Dec 28

Mueller State Park

Get outside and move with this post holiday hike.

Dec

28

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Guided Hike Elk Meadow

Saturday, Dec 28

Mueller State Park

Get outside and move with this post holiday hike.
Ice Fishing

Dec

30

Ice Fishing 101

Monday, Dec 30

Staunton State Park

Ever wanted to give ice fishing a try but didn't know where to start? Are you new to ice fishing and looking for some tips to help you catch more fish? Then, this is the class for you! This clinic will be held at Davis Ponds in Staunton State Park near Conifer, CO. All the necessary equipment will be provided for you, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. All participants 16 and older must have a valid Colorado fishing license. An annual or daily state parks pass is also required to attend this clinic. Both the license and the pass can be purchased the day of at Staunton State Park.
Ice Fishing

Dec

30

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Ice Fishing 101

Monday, Dec 30

Staunton State Park

Ever wanted to give ice fishing a try but didn't know where to start? Are you new to ice fishing and looking for some tips to help you catch more fish? Then, this is the class for you! This clinic will be held at Davis Ponds in Staunton State Park near Conifer, CO. All the necessary equipment will be provided for you, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. All participants 16 and older must have a valid Colorado fishing license. An annual or daily state parks pass is also required to attend this clinic. Both the license and the pass can be purchased the day of at Staunton State Park.
Pronghorn in snow

Dec

27

Winter Adaptations Drop-In Program

Friday, Dec 27

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Join us at the Visitor Center where we will learn about how animals and plants are adapted to survive the winter! 
Pronghorn in snow

Dec

27

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Winter Adaptations Drop-In Program

Friday, Dec 27

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Join us at the Visitor Center where we will learn about how animals and plants are adapted to survive the winter! 

Dec

28

Guided Hike Elk Meadow

Saturday, Dec 28

Mueller State Park

Get outside and move with this post holiday hike.

Dec

28

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Guided Hike Elk Meadow

Saturday, Dec 28

Mueller State Park

Get outside and move with this post holiday hike.
Ice Fishing

Dec

30

Ice Fishing 101

Monday, Dec 30

Staunton State Park

Ever wanted to give ice fishing a try but didn't know where to start? Are you new to ice fishing and looking for some tips to help you catch more fish? Then, this is the class for you! This clinic will be held at Davis Ponds in Staunton State Park near Conifer, CO. All the necessary equipment will be provided for you, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. All participants 16 and older must have a valid Colorado fishing license. An annual or daily state parks pass is also required to attend this clinic. Both the license and the pass can be purchased the day of at Staunton State Park.
Ice Fishing

Dec

30

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Ice Fishing 101

Monday, Dec 30

Staunton State Park

Ever wanted to give ice fishing a try but didn't know where to start? Are you new to ice fishing and looking for some tips to help you catch more fish? Then, this is the class for you! This clinic will be held at Davis Ponds in Staunton State Park near Conifer, CO. All the necessary equipment will be provided for you, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. All participants 16 and older must have a valid Colorado fishing license. An annual or daily state parks pass is also required to attend this clinic. Both the license and the pass can be purchased the day of at Staunton State Park.
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.