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hunter

Purchase a Colorado Big Game Hunting License

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

Learn about available license options

hunter

hunter

hunter

Purchase a Colorado Big Game Hunting License

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

Learn about available license options
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.

Learn more.
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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. 

Subscribe 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.

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
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.” 

Read the Article View All News

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!
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.

Purchase Issue for $5.50 Subscribe for $13/year

Upcoming Events

Dec

14

Weekend Birding Hike

Saturday, Dec 14

Barr Lake State Park

Join volunteer naturalists for a walk in the park!
View Details

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!
View & Register

Dec

19

Toddler Story Time - Trees Theme

Thursday, Dec 19

Barr Lake State Park

Join us at Barr Lake's Nature Center for a story time program, including a craft, activity, and a snack!
View Details

Dec

19

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Toddler Story Time - Trees Theme

Thursday, Dec 19

Barr Lake State Park

Join us at Barr Lake's Nature Center for a story time program, including a craft, activity, and a snack!
View & Register

Dec

21

13th Annual Holiday Trail and Chili Cook-off with Santa

Saturday, Dec 21

Barr Lake State Park

Come take a stroll along our lighted trail with animated inflatables! We have crafts, hot cocoa, apple cider and snacks! Best of all, come meet Santa in the Nature Center when you’ve finished the hike!
View Details

Dec

21

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

13th Annual Holiday Trail and Chili Cook-off with Santa

Saturday, Dec 21

Barr Lake State Park

Come take a stroll along our lighted trail with animated inflatables! We have crafts, hot cocoa, apple cider and snacks! Best of all, come meet Santa in the Nature Center when you’ve finished the hike!
View & Register

Dec

14

Weekend Birding Hike

Saturday, Dec 14

Barr Lake State Park

Join volunteer naturalists for a walk in the park!
View Details

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!
View & Register

Dec

19

Toddler Story Time - Trees Theme

Thursday, Dec 19

Barr Lake State Park

Join us at Barr Lake's Nature Center for a story time program, including a craft, activity, and a snack!
View Details

Dec

19

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Toddler Story Time - Trees Theme

Thursday, Dec 19

Barr Lake State Park

Join us at Barr Lake's Nature Center for a story time program, including a craft, activity, and a snack!
View & Register

Dec

21

13th Annual Holiday Trail and Chili Cook-off with Santa

Saturday, Dec 21

Barr Lake State Park

Come take a stroll along our lighted trail with animated inflatables! We have crafts, hot cocoa, apple cider and snacks! Best of all, come meet Santa in the Nature Center when you’ve finished the hike!
View Details

Dec

21

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

13th Annual Holiday Trail and Chili Cook-off with Santa

Saturday, Dec 21

Barr Lake State Park

Come take a stroll along our lighted trail with animated inflatables! We have crafts, hot cocoa, apple cider and snacks! Best of all, come meet Santa in the Nature Center when you’ve finished the hike!
View & Register
Find an Event
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 find unlimited inspiration. The pass gives you entry to all state parks plus so much more!

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.

Learn more!