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Check Out a Pass and Backpack at Colorado Libraries
Check Out a Pass and Backpack at Colorado Libraries
​​​ Library backpack and pass image

4 Easy Steps to Adventure

  1. Check out a state park pass and backpack from your local library.
  2. Use the pass to get into a state park for FREE. 
  3. Use the backpack to explore a nearby state park and see what you can learn. The backpack includes binoculars, a wildlife viewing guide, a Colorado bird guide, a tree and wildflower identification guide, a star guide, a park brochure, suggested activities list and the Leave No Trace outdoor ethics principles.
  4. Share a photo with #CheckOutColorado on Twitter or Instagram.

Hike or bike the multi-use trails, find wildlife in their natural surroundings, visit a nature center or bring a picnic. With a license or camping reservation, you can try fishing or camp out overnight.

To plan your trip, use the:

How to Use

The park pass is good for entry into any Colorado State Park for up to seven days but does not give any discounts for camping, programs, licenses, etc. Place it as a hang tag on your rear view mirror so that it is visible in your car. 


Participating Libraries

Visit your local library or check the Participating Libraries List to find a library near you.  


Quatro Pasos Para Adventurarse

  1. Sacar un Pase de Parques Estatales y una mochila de la biblioteca.
  2. Usar el pase para entrar en un Parque Estatal de forma GRATUITA.
  3. Usar la mochila para explorar un Parque Estatal y ver qué puede aprender.
  4. Compartir un foto con un hashtag #CheckOutColorado en Twitter y Instagram.

Puede caminar o andar en bicicleta por los senderos, encontrar vida silvestre en su entorno natural, visitar un centro de naturaleza o traer un picnic. Con una licencia o reserva de campo, puede intentar pescar o acampar de noche.

Para planear su viaje, use:

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Cómo Utilizarlo

El pase del parque es bueno para entrar en cualquier Parque Estatal de Colorado por hasta siete días. El pase es una etiqueta colgante para el espejo retrovisor y debe ser visible en el automóvil del usuario de la biblioteca. El pase no da ningún descuento para acampar, programas, licencias, etc. La mochila incluye binoculares, una guía de observación de vida silvestre, una guía de aves de Colorado, una guía de identificación de árboles y flores silvestres, una guía de estrellas, un folleto del parque, varias listas de actividades sugeridas y los principios éticos de Sin Dejar Huellas.


Bibliotecas Que Participativas

Visite su biblioteca local o consulte la lista de bibliotecas participantes para encontrar una biblioteca cerca de usted.





About the "Check Out State Parks" Program

​Check Out Colorado State Parks Participants Survey InfographicThis program is a partnership with the Colorado Department of Education, State Library, local library systems, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. It is meant to encourage Coloradans to visit our State Parks and experience all of the great outdoor recreation that this state has to offer. Libraries across the state are offering two "Check Out State Parks" passes, each for distribution with an activity backpack containing binoculars, brochures and other educational materials to library patrons.

Survey Says - Continue the Program

Based on the positive survey data from the participant evaluations, library staff and park managers, Colorado Parks & Wildlife is continuing the "Check Out State Parks" program another year.

The library patron research, tabulated by the State Library and described in the info graphic, summarizes the positive stories and experiences the library patrons are enjoying while using the pass and backpacks. After expanding to the publicly funded college and university libraries last year, these were some of the most positive participation comments received. The research also supports the original goals of exposing new patrons to all of Colorado's state parks and expanding library services offered.