Office & Parks Winter Weather Closures
Due to expected extreme weather conditions, Denver Colorado Parks and Wildlife Headquarters (including the Call Center), Northeast Region and Littleton Offices, are closing at noon Friday, Nov. 8. Castlewood Canyon State Park is closed. Cherry Creek, Chatfield and Barr Lake Park visitor centers are closed.
Veteran's Day Office Closures
Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices, including park visitor centers, will be closed for the state holiday, Monday, Nov. 11.
Navigate to:
Checklist
New Age Requirement for Operating a Boat in Colorado
As of June 1st, 2024, the operation of a motorboat, including a personal watercraft (PWC, jet ski, ski-doo), by a person who is less than 18 years of age is prohibited. A person who is at least 14 years of age but less than 18 years of age may operate a motorboat if the person has completed a boating safety course approved by CPW and possesses a boating safety certificate issued by the boating safety course provider.
Register Your Boat
Any boat with a motor or sail operated in Colorado on any public waters must be registered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Boats from other states may be operated in Colorado for up to 60 days with a current registration from the owner's state.
Purchase an Aquatic Nuisance Species Stamp
Motorized boats and sailboats must have an Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Stamp prior to launching in Colorado.
Bring Life Jackets and Safety Equipment
Boaters should have proper safety equipment including life jackets before entering the water.
Decontaminate Your Boat by Cleaning, Draining and Drying
Boaters can easily transport invasive species and are required by law to Clean, Drain, and Dry their boat, trailer and equipment every time they enter or exit any waters.
Get a Mandatory Boat Inspection
All trailered and/or motorized boats require certified aquatic nuisance species (ans) boat inspections.
Colorado's Waters for boating range from the 150-mile-long Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area to small mountain lakes and large reservoirs.
There are no results to display at this time.
There are no results to display at this time.
Before heading out on Colorado's waters, be sure to learn or review the navigation and boating rules for a safe and rewarding boating trip.
Review Boating Navigation Information, or for a complete list of navigation rules, review section 219 of the Boating Statutes & Regulations.
Learn moreReview the 2024 Boating Statutes & Regulations to learn how to keep yourself and others safe on the water.
Learn more
