Colorado Parks and Wildlife

7/27/2020

Celebrate Colorado Day with Free Entrance into State Parks on August 3

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bridget Kochel
Statewide Public Information Officer
720-219-2919 / bridget.kochel@state.co.us

Celebrate Colorado Day with Free Entrance into State Parks on August 3

This free entry day provides an opportunity to experience Colorado’s state parks and the diverse landscapes they showcase.

DENVER – In celebration of Colorado Day, and the 144th birthday of the state, Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers free entry to 41 state parks on Monday, August 3. Although the state recognizes this annual holiday on the first of the month, state parks celebrate the occasion with free entrance on the first Monday of August.

Colorado Day was created by the state legislature to mark the anniversary of statehood, granted in 1876 by President Ulysses S. Grant.

“Colorado Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the natural beauty of our state and spend time outside,” said State Trails Program Manager Fletcher Jacobs. “Coloradans have a rich tradition of embracing an outdoor lifestyle, and our state parks offer a variety of outdoor activities that people of all ages and physical levels can enjoy.”

This free entry day provides an opportunity to experience Colorado’s state parks and the diverse landscapes they showcase. All other park fees remain in effect, including camping reservations, boat and off-highway vehicle registrations, and hunting and fishing licenses.

To begin planning your unique Colorado adventure, visit the CPW park finder. State park outdoor recreation activities include:

Water sports- boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming
Wildlife and wildflower viewing, birdwatching and tours with naturalists
Hiking, horseback riding, biking, and rock climbing
Stargazing and geocaching
Accessibility programs are available to people with disabilities

In an effort to thank military members for their service, CPW offers active duty and veterans free admission to all state parks for the entire month of August. Military members and veterans can pick up a free August Military Pass at any Colorado state park or CPW office by showing proof of military service. Passes become available on August 1, 2020.

Coloradans are encouraged to practice the Care for Colorado - Leave No Trace principles and trail safety etiquette when recreating outdoors, such as:

Plan ahead- visit individual park pages or use the Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) app to learn about park closures and visitor center hours
Spread out on trails to avoid crowds
Wear a face mask that covers your nose and mouth when passing people on trails
Avoid dangerous outdoor activities that can result in a hospital visit
Pack out your trash

For more information about Colorado’s state parks and outdoor recreation, visit the CPW website. Learn more about Colorado's Outdoor Principles and how outdoor recreation should be enjoyed with thoughtful conservation.

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CPW is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 41 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.

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Celebrate Colorado Day with Free Entrance into State Parks on August 3