Colorado State Parks have already seen approximately eight million visitors in 2025
Bridget O'RourkeStatewide Public Information Officer
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Ally Sullivan (Governor's Office) | [email protected] | (720) 668-1681
DENVER - Today, Governor Polis and Colorado Parks and Wildlife are highlighting the strong visitorship Colorado State Parks experience every year, and the endless outdoor recreation opportunities available for people to enjoy.“Whether it's floating the Arkansas River, or cozying up by a campfire, Colorado State Parks have something for every kind of adventure. Every summer, visitors from around Colorado and around the world come to visit our 43 State Parks, providing everyone, from adventurers to families and casual visitors, with a range of outdoor recreation opportunities. Our parks and outdoor spaces also play an important role in our state’s economy, and we look forward to continuing to expand access so even more people can enjoy our incredible outdoors,” said Governor Polis.
In 2024, more than 18 million people visited Colorado state parks, driving $147 million in revenue. So far in 2025, state parks have hosted approximately eight million visitors and the number is only expected to grow as summer continues. Fourth of July weekend is one of the busiest of the summer, so Coloradans should plan ahead if heading out to enjoy the state’s parks.
“Wherever you go in Colorado, there’s a state park waiting to welcome you,” said CPW Director Jeff Davis. “Mountains or prairies, rivers or forests, out in the eastern plains or near the city - Colorado’s state parks are as diverse as the state itself, and they offer something for everyone.
In 2021, Governor Polis signed SB21-249 which created the Keep Colorado Wild Pass, which offers car, bike, and foot entry into all Colorado state parks at a lower cost while also giving back to Colorado’s outdoor community. This pass cuts the cost of a state parks pass by 60%, reducing it from $80 to just $29 for Coloradans. More than 1.5 million Coloradans opted to buy a Keep Colorado Wild Pass during its first full year of being on sale, which generated $39.7 million to support maintenance and upkeep of Colorado state parks while also supporting outdoor first responders.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife set a goal to raise $36 million annually from pass sales. The first $32.5 million goes to state park maintenance and development; the next $2.5 million goes to local search and rescue teams, and $1 million goes to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC). Any revenue exceeding that amount will be allocated to wildlife projects and outdoor educational programs.
The Keep Colorado Wild Pass offers car, bike, and foot entry into all Colorado state parks.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 43 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.
DISCLAIMER: The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) website maintains press releases containing historical information that may no longer be accurate. Press releases are dated, which should be noted to determine whether the information provided is current. Please review our current regulations and brochures for up-to-date information.