COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE

Soak up summer with responsible outdoor recreation

• Plan your visit with the Colorado State Parks Guide (el folleto de parques en Español).
• Use the Park Finder Tool to discover outdoor activities at each state park.
• Camping reservations are required at Colorado state parks. 
• Find park events, classes and festivals on the CPW Events Calendar. 
• Download the COTREX app to discover Colorado’s expansive network of trails. 
• Check out a free state park pass and backpack from a Colorado public library.

• Wear a life jacket. Accidents on the water happen too fast to reach and put on a stowed life jacket.
• Be aware of weather and water conditions.
• Protect yourself from the dangers of cold water shock. Regardless of your age or experience level, cold water can quickly create a drowning emergency.
• Paddle boards and kayaks are considered vessels, and life jacket requirements apply. 
• Follow boating speed limits and maintain a proper lookout to avoid hitting floating debris in waterways. 
• Take a Boating Safety Class. 
• Get a safety inspection of your vessel.
• Boat sober. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boating deaths. 
• Help prevent the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species by keeping your vessel clean, drained and dry, and by utilizing the green seal program.
• Check out the map of Statewide Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Sites in Colorado.

• Pack it in, pack it out. Whatever you bring into the outdoors, take it out with you. 
• Don't leave a pet waste baggie on the trail. Even if you mean to pick it up on your way out. People forget, and that pet waste is not just unsightly but disruptive to wildlife.
• Bring along plastic grocery bags to carry trash when trash cans are not available or full. 

• Do not feed or approach young wildlife.
• Be bear aware on trails and while camping.
• Keep dogs leashed on dog-friendly trails.
• If you see wildlife that appears sick or injured, leave it alone. Call a Colorado Parks and Wildlife office and talk to a trained wildlife officer for guidance. 
• Watch or photograph animals from a safe distance to avoid startling them or forcing them to flee. 

• Check fire restrictions or bans at www.coemergency.com.
• Use designated campfire areas when allowed and available. 
• Never bring fireworks to public lands or ignite them on trails, campsites or other areas.
• Keep campfires small and manageable.
• Put fires out with water until you can touch the embers.
• Never leave a campfire unattended and report campfires that have been left burning.
• Avoid parking or driving on dry grass. Check your tire pressure, exhaust pipes and if chains or exposed wheel rims are dragging from your vehicle that may create sparks. 

• Stock images of Colorado state parks and summer recreation
• Social media copy 
• Newsletter copy 
• A variety of CPW and partner educational resources and outreach materials to help promote responsible recreation in Colorado.