State Wildlife Areas

State wildlife areas (SWAs) are state- or privately owned lands that offer state-managed, wildlife-related recreation to the public. While most activities focus on hunting and fishing, each SWA has different allowed activities based on location and available resources. These parcels of SWA land are paid for by sportspersons, and managed under state law by Colorado Parks and Wildlife employees for the benefit of wildlife. CPW manages about 350 SWA lands around the state.

State Wildlife Areas

Do I Need a Pass?

If you want to visit a State Wildlife Area, you must have a State Wildlife Area pass. This includes users of trails connecting to State Wildlife Areas. You can easily purchase the State Wildlife Area pass online. The State Wildlife Area pass is not the same as a Park Pass. Individuals who visit a State Wildlife Area without a license or pass may have to pay a fine. The penalty is a $100 fine plus $39.50 surcharges for a total of $139.50 and five (5) license suspension points. If officers have to continually contact the same individuals who are not following the rules, they may choose to issue a citation. Visitors should check current hunting, fishing and land use regulations when planning to visit a State Wildlife Area.

Adults

Adults age 16 or older are required to have a valid hunting license, fishing license OR State Wildlife Area pass to access these lands.

Purchase a State Wildlife Area Pass

Youth

Youth under 16 must have a fishing or hunting license if engaging in the activity on these lands.

Purchase a State Wildlife Area Pass

Your License is Your Pass

Individuals who have already purchased an eligible hunting license, fishing license or pass can access these lands without having to purchase a State Wildlife Area pass.

Hunting and Fishing Licenses

Individuals with one of the following hunting or fishing licenses can access State Wildlife Areas with their license and do not have to purchase a State Wildlife Area pass:

Annual big game hunting licenses
Annual small game hunting licenses
Turkey licenses
Annual fishing licenses
Daily or multi-day fishing or small game licenses are only valid on the date(s) indicated on the license or pass.

Eligible Passes

Individuals with one of the following passes can access these lands with their pass and do not have to purchase a State Wildlife Area pass.

Annual Colorado State Wildlife Passes will be accepted for the current license year.
Annual Colorado State Wildlife Daily Colorado passes are only valid on the date(s) indicated on the license or pass.
A special use permit or commercial use permit is valid for access in lieu of a license or State Wildlife Area pass.