Veteran's Day Office Closure
Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices will be closed for Veteran's Day, Wednesday, November 11.
Outdoor Explorer Backpack
Outdoor Explorer backpacks can be checked out for free at participating park visitor centers and libraries across the state.
Colorado State Parks
What's Inside
Check out this resource kit to help you explore the park. Filled with tools, guides, and activities, this backpack will help you, and everyone in your group, learn more about nature.
The interactive packs may include:
- Binoculars
- Various nature guides (such as animal tracks, Colorado birds, etc.)
- Magnifiers
- A nature journal to share your experiences
Find a Backpack
Availability: Check out Outdoor Explorer backpacks at participating park offices, visitor centers, or local libraries across the state.
- Find a State Park to explore!
- See the Participating Libraries List.
Park Returns
Backpacks borrowed from a park must be returned before the office or visitor center closes the day of checkout.
Library Returns
Participating library patrons (public, military, and academic) can check out a backpack for up to one week, which includes free admission to state parks.
Explorer Backpack
Library Backpack Program
The Library Backpack Program is a partnership with the Colorado Department of Education, State Library, local library systems, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife, which provides Colorado libraries with two park passes and adventure backpacks filled with information and educational activities.
307
Participating Libraries
5,881
backpack checkouts in 1 year
Testimonials
See what users had to say about the family activity backpack.
“This was my first visit to each of these parks after living here nearly 20 years. Thank you for the library pass access. I loved both of these parks and will visit again!”
“We were able to access the boat ramp to tube the Colorado River! We saw herons and enjoyed the water. We also walked our dogs around the lake. Amazing program! We would not have gone without this.”
“This pass allows my family access to the State Parks on our unusual school year! Thanks for an opportunity to hike in January--that was a first for us! We hope you'll continue this program.”
"Enables we seniors to walk/fish in the fresh air and avoid the COVID threat. We could not afford to do so otherwise."
Park Finder
Explore Colorado State Parks
Colorado state parks offer a plethora of outdoor activities. Hike, bike, fish, boat, hunt, and more! Use our park finder to plan your trip.