Veterans and active military get free entry at Colorado state parks on Nov. 11
Bridget O'Rourke
DENVER – As a thank you to U.S. military members, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) offers veterans, active-duty military and the National Guard free admission to all Colorado state parks on Nov. 11, 2023.Veterans and military members, residents and nonresidents, can visit any Colorado state park for free by showing proof of military service. Vehicles displaying a Colorado Disabled Veteran or Purple Heart license plate receive free entry to all state parks year-round.
Colorado is home to world-class state parks, more than 960 species of wildlife and 23 million acres of public lands, ranging from wetlands to forests, canyon landscapes to mountain lakes and beautiful eastern plains. The free daily parks pass provides a chance to experience Colorado’s state parks and the diverse wildlife and landscapes they showcase.
All other state park fees remain in effect, including camping reservations, boat and off-highway vehicle registrations, and hunting and fishing licenses.
CPW also offers additional military benefits for outdoor activities to active-duty military, veterans and disabled veterans. Programs include free admission to state parks in August, free small game and fishing licenses for qualified disabled veterans, and a Columbine Pass that reduces park entrance fees to disabled Colorado residents.
In honor of the state holiday, CPW offices and call centers will be closed on Nov. 10 to observe Veteran’s Day. See the Extended Office Hours for Big Game Rifle Seasons and call ahead to ensure the location is open.
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As Coloradans, we live life outside - and with that comes the responsibility for all of us to care for Colorado and keep it wild. Learn more about the $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass and how it supports Colorado’s outdoors and search and rescue teams at cpw.info/keepcoloradowildpass and cpw.info/keepcoloradowildpassspanish.
Colorado residents with any applicable fee-exempt military license plates, Colorado Disabled Veterans or Purple Heart license plates may access Colorado state parks for free; if you renew your vehicle registration online, stay opted in and get the Keep Colorado Wild Pass at no cost.
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.