Show love for the outdoors this spring by recreating responsibly

Bridget O'Rourke
Statewide Public Information Officer
720-219-2919
[email protected]

DENVER—With warmer weather in the forecast, outdoor enthusiasts are flocking outside to see what’s blooming in nature on Colorado’s colorful landscapes. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) encourages state park visitors to act as stewards for the state’s land, wildlife, and water by balancing outdoor recreation with mindful conservation. 

Coloradans and out-of-state visitors play an integral role in keeping our state parks clean, living in harmony with wildlife, and making the outdoors safer to explore.

Below are a few tips from our experts on how to recreate responsibly and show respect to our great outdoors.   

Know Before You Go 
Colorado spring weather is unpredictable, and conditions change constantly. Spring in Colorado brings melting snowpacks, muddy trails, thinning ice, cold water temperatures, and strong currents on rivers and streams.  

• Check the weather where you plan to explore and change your outdoor plan based on the forecast. Follow travel advisories to avoid hazardous conditions and a search and rescue operation.
• Check the CAIC avalanche forecast (www.colorado.gov/avalanche). Avalanches occur year-round anywhere there's snow on steep slopes. Start early and end early to help avoid wet snow problems, and watch out for wind-drifted snow at high elevations. 
• Be aware of seasonal closures of public lands extended in April.  
• Stay hydrated. Bring more water than you think you (and your pet) will need. 
• Bring layers of clothing for elevation and changing weather conditions.

Boating and River Safety
Last year, most water-related fatalities occurred because people did not wear a life jacket.

• Wear a life jacket​. 
• Dress accordingly and 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. 
• Heavy rain or snow melting in nearby mountains can raise water levels quickly and without notice. Check river flows at https://dwr.state.co.us/Tools/Stations.
• Don't boat or paddle in conditions you are not comfortable and confident paddling in.
• Boat and raft with a buddy and avoid floating alone, especially during high flows.
• For recreationists who want to go rafting but are uncomfortable navigating more challenging water conditions, CPW recommends hiring a Colorado-licensed river outfitter guide to help facilitate the outdoor opportunity.  

“On the surface, rivers and streams can seem calm, warm, or shallow. But even the most experienced outdoor enthusiasts can become victims to deceptively strong currents, cold water temperatures, and unexpected changes in depth,” said Michael Haskins, River Outfitter Licensing and Swiftwater Investigator. “You should always wear a life jacket, paddle with a buddy, know your limitations, and scout rapids before floating them.”

Stick to Trails 
Melting snow leaves trails and vegetation more vulnerable to damage. Be sure to stick to trails and walk in the middle of them—even if wet, muddy, slushy, or icy—to avoid erosion and damage to trailside plants.

• Yield to uphill hikers and bikers, be considerate when needing to pass, and keep control of your pets on the trail. 
• Use the CPW Park Finder Tool to find trail maps at each Colorado state park and to learn about trail closures. 
• Download the free COTREX app to find recreational trails in Colorado for public use and closure alerts. 
• Wear sturdy footwear to stay on trails in wet and muddy spring conditions.

“Our trails wear down over time and require upkeep,” said State Trails Program Coordinator Joe O'Brien. “Going off trail is one of the big causes of erosion on trails, and that erosion can harm surrounding vegetation and all the life that lives in the nearby streams and rivers.”

Leave it as you Find It
Colorado is beautiful all on its own. Leave plants, rocks, and historical items as you find them so others experience the joy of discovery.

• Don’t pick wildflowers so they can help the bees and other ecosystems.
• Carving or hacking plants and trees may kill or disfigure them.
• Park in designated areas — undesignated parking can destroy vegetation and block outdoor first-responder vehicles in an emergency. 

Trash the Trash
Throw all your trash away in trash cans and help leave our outdoor spaces clean. 

• Pack it in, pack it out. Whatever you bring into the outdoors, take it out with you. 
• Don't leave a pet waste bag on the trail. 
• Bring plastic grocery bags to carry trash when trash cans are not available or full. 

Be Careful with Fire
Although parts of Colorado have received high moisture levels this year, drought conditions still impact whether campfires are allowed or restricted this winter.

• Check fire restrictions or bans at www.coemergency.com.
• Use designated campfire areas when allowed and available. 
• Put fires out with water until you can touch the embers.
• Never leave a campfire unattended. 

Keep Wildlife Wild
Spring can be a particularly sensitive time for wildlife since many species are nesting, having their young, or coming out of hibernation. 

• Colorado is home to big game species, including elk, mule deer, moose, and bighorn sheep. Human disturbance can cause stress for wild animals and reduce females’ chances of successfully raising offspring. 
• Do not feed or approach young wildlife.
• Be bear aware on trails and while camping to help reduce human-bear conflicts.
• Keep dogs leashed on trails to prevent them from chasing wildlife.
• If you see wildlife that appears sick or injured, leave it alone. Call your local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office and ask a trained wildlife officer for guidance. 

Share our Trails and Parks
Join us in keeping Colorado, Colorado. Get a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass with your next vehicle registration and support wildlife conservation and outdoor education across the state. Learn more at cpw.info/keepcoloradowild and cpw.info/keepcoloradowildpassspanish.
  Spring 2024 Responsible Recreation Media Toolkit