Turn over a new leaf: CPW offers tips for scenic fall adventures and responsible recreation

Bridget O'Rourke
Statewide Public Information Officer
720-219-2919
[email protected] Turn over a new leaf: Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers tips for scenic fall adventures and responsible recreation

DATE: Oct. 17, 2025

DENVER — As Colorado’s vibrant fall colors paint the landscapes in a breathtaking spectacle, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) encourages sportspeople and outdoor enthusiasts to witness this natural wonder and practice simple conservation acts.

Colorado is home to more than 220,000 acres of public land, 43 world-class state parks that welcome 19 million visitors annually, 350 state wildlife areas, 6,000 miles of streams and over 1,300 lakes and reservoirs — each offering a unique and diverse experience. 

Below are tips and resources on how to plan a fall outdoor adventure and ways Coloradans and out-of-state visitors can take action to protect Colorado’s land, water and wildlife while also making the most of an outdoor experience. 

Know Before You Go

• To help plan a state park visit, use the Colorado State Parks Guide (Guía De Los Parques Naturales) or State Park Finder. Both provide a comprehensive map and reveal what trails and outdoor activities are available at each park.  
• Discover state fish units, state wildlife areas and state trust lands with the 2025 Colorado State Recreation Lands Brochure.
• Explore campsite, cabin and yurt rentals at Colorado state parks.
• Find park events and classes on the CPW Events Calendar.
• Read our Leaf Peeping Guide: How to Chase Changing Colors in Colorado state parks.
• Download the free COTREX app to find trailheads, maps and closures.
• Bring layers — mountain weather changes quickly.
• The majority of public lands in Colorado are open to multiple types of recreational use. For safety reasons, big game hunters using a firearm must wear fluorescent orange or pink when in the field. Please note it is illegal to intentionally interfere with hunters, including causing animals to flee, denying access to public areas or injecting yourself into the line of fire. 

Keep Wildlife Wild
Many species call Colorado home, making it the perfect destination for wildlife watching. In the fall, wildlife are more active, looking for food or in rut looking for a mate. 

• Be prepared to cross paths with wildlife.
• Do not feed, touch or approach wildlife (this includes Halloween pumpkins).
• Bears are in hyperphagia and trying to eat 20,000 calories per day. Be BearWise to prevent human-caused conflicts with bears in neighborhoods or while hiking. 
• Watch for wildlife on roadways during daylight saving time. 
• Help wildlife migrate smoothly to wintering areas by removing tangle hazards from yards.
• Keeping dogs leashed helps prevent moose and bear attacks on trails.
• Elk, moose and deer are in their annual rut (mating season), so give them space. Elk and moose can get territorial and attack when they feel threatened. 
• If you see wildlife that appears sick or injured, leave it alone. Call your local CPW office and ask a trained wildlife officer for guidance. 

Leave It As You Find It
Parking in designated areas is critical — undesignated parking can destroy vegetation, ignite wildfires in dry grass or block search and rescue vehicles.  

• Help keep our trees healthy by not carving into them or pulling down branches.
• Pack it in, pack it out. Whatever you bring into the outdoors, take it out with you. 
• Keep dogs leashed and put waste bags in a trash can. Do not hang waste on trees or put waste bags in vault toilets. 

“Autumn is one of the most magical times to visit state parks — crisp air, golden trees, and the majestic return of migrating bald eagles to their winter home in Colorado. We are celebrating the season with family-friendly events like our annual Halloween-themed candy crawl, guided bird walks, and moonlight hikes,” said Barr Lake State Park Manager Lisa Gill. “While you’re out spending time at your favorite state park, help us keep them beautiful — be a park steward by packing out trash, staying on trails, and respecting wildlife. Together, we can protect these special places for every wild animal and human alike”.

Fishing in Colorado and Water Safety

• Wear a life jacket.
• Dress accordingly and protect your​self from the dangers of cold water shock.
• Paddleboards and kayaks are considered vessels, and life jacket requirements apply.
• Heavy wind can raise water levels quickly and without notice. 
• Explore Colorado’s new category of fishable waters: Colorado Quality Waters. 
• Colorado's beer industry could be impacted by Aquatic Nuisance Species, which can harm aquatic ecosystems and the water quality that supports Colorado’s vibrant beer culture and brewery scene. Keep Colorado's beer culture from going flat: Clean, drain and dry your water gear. Find a Boat Inspection and Decontamination Site​​​​​​ or gear and watercraft cleaning station near you.  

Avalanche Safety
Avalanches can happen anywhere there is snow on steep slopes (between 30-50 degrees) year-round. Before you depart, check the weather forecast or avalanche.state.co.us for up-to-date avalanche safety information. 

Discover outdoor resources and educate yourself and the public about fall responsible recreation. View our Fall Responsible Recreation Media Toolkit and find:

• Stock images of Colorado state parks, wildlife and fall recreation

• Social media copy 

• A variety of educational resources  to help promote responsible recreation in Colorado

Media Toolkit