Celebrate smart: Stay safe this July 4th weekend

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

DENVER—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 safety tips on how to have fun and be safe this holiday weekend.  

Know Before You Go 

• Plan your visit with the 2025 Quick Guide to State Parks or the Colorado State Parks Guide (Guía De Los Parques Naturales).
• Camping reservations at Colorado state parks are required.
• Find park events and classes on the CPW Events Calendar.
• Download the free COTREX app to find trailheads and trail maps.
• 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 Water Safety
Life jackets save lives. The majority of water-related deaths in Colorado occur because people do not wear a life jacket. CPW officers are actively writing tickets for boaters and paddlers who are not wearing a life jacket. Tickets cost over $100.

• Wear a life jacket​. 
• Find a CPW life jacket loaner station to borrow a lifejacket
• Protect your​self from the dangers of cold water shock. Regardless of your age or experience level, cold water can quickly create a drowning emergency.
• Paddleboards and kayaks are considered vessels, and life jacket requirements apply. 
• Heavy rain or wind can rapidly raise water levels without warning. Check river flows at https://dwr.state.co.us/Tools/Stations.
• Only boat or paddle in conditions you are comfortable and confident paddling in.
• Boat and raft with a buddy and avoid floating alone, especially during high flows.
• “Clean, drain and dry” your boat and gear. Find a CPW Gear and Watercraft Cleaning Station to decontaminate your boat, wet equipment, waders and boots.
• Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, vision and reaction time on the water, which can increase fatigue and the dangers of cold-water immersion. A general rule to remember is that one drink on land is equivalent to three drinks on the water.

Be Careful with Fire
Drought conditions can impact whether campfires are allowed or restricted this weekend.

• Download the free Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) mobile app for active fire alerts, including wildfires and prescribed burns in covered areas.
• Check fire restrictions or bans at www.coemergency.com.
• Use designated campfire areas when allowed and available. 
• Drown out the fires with water until you can touch the embers.
• Never leave a campfire unattended. 

Keep Wildlife Wild
Wildlife can get aggressive if they aren’t given enough space or approached by humans. Cow elk and moose become incredibly protective of their calves while they are immobile newborns.

• Do not feed or approach young wildlife.
• Be bear prepared on trails and while camping.
• 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. 

For more information on Colorado state parks, visit cpw.state.co.us.

Join us in keeping Colorado, Colorado. Get a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass with your next vehicle registration and give back to our state parks and search and rescue volunteers. Learn more at cpw.info/keepcoloradowild and cpw.info/keepcoloradowildpassspanish.