Two hikers on trail in Ridgway State Park
Colorado State Trails Program
Trail related recreation, including non-motorized and motorized recreation, continues to be the most popular type of recreation in Colorado. Trails are a valuable resource for promoting health, fitness, and a connection with nature. Additionally, trails are how many residents and visitors connect to Colorado’s nature and wildlife. Continuing to improve trail recreation opportunities while protecting wildlife, habitat, and cultural resources, as well as other environmental aspects, is at the heart of CPW’s mission. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Recreational Trails Program has actively encouraged the development of a variety of trails since 1971.
Our Work
Off-Highway Vehicle Program
The Off Highway Vehicle Program provides registration and use permit services for all Colorado and out of state residents who wish to access designated OHV trails on Colorado's public lands. The user fees (over $4 million annually) fund trail maintenance, construction, trailheads, parking areas, support facilities, trail signs, maps, and education. It enables law enforcement personnel to identify and return stolen vehicles, encourages safe and responsible OHV use, and promotes respect for public lands.
Snowmobile Program
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has managed the Snowmobile Program since its inception in 1977. It also funds the Snowmobile Safety Certification Program, the Snowmobile Program operators, helps support the avalanche warning system and provides for patrol services to ensure safe snowmobiling and registration compliance. The program has allocated thousands of grant dollars to successful applicants to purchase new groomers, repair existing groomers, conduct trailhead improvements, construction of permanent groomer and maintenance facilities and for the purchase of signs and trail marking materials.
Non-motorized Grant Program
The Non-motorized Grant Program is a multi-agency funding partnership that includes Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), Colorado Lottery, Federal Recreational Trails Program funds and Federal Land and Water Conservation funds. This Grant Program provides funding for trail planning projects as well as small and large trail construction and maintenance projects.
Trail Grants
The State Trails Program administers grants for trail-related projects on an annual basis. Local, county, and state governments, federal agencies, special recreation districts, and non-profit organizations with management responsibilities over public lands may apply for and are eligible to receive non-motorized and motorized trail grants. Successful trail projects must support the goals of the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) and the Strategic Plan of the State Trails Program. Since 2000, CPW’s Trails Program has distributed over $102 million for trail grants and capital improvements that benefit year-round trail use inclusive of winter trail grooming operations.
Off-Highway Vehicle Grant
Apply for a GrantSnowmobile Grants
Apply for a GrantNon-Motorized Trails Grants
Apply for a Grant
Colorado Recreational Trails Committee
The State Recreational Trails Committee reviews, scores, and ranks grant applications and formulates funding recommendations to the Commission for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Division’s Trail Grant Programs. The Trails Committee advises the Commission and CPW on all matters pertaining to trails, their use, extent, location and funding.
Trails Plans
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife's State Trails Program has two guiding plans that assist in decision-making and grant selections.
2016-2026 Statewide Trails Strategic Plan
As part of the “Colorado the Beautiful” initiative, Colorado Parks and Wildlife's State Trails Program prepared a Statewide Trails Strategic Plan. The “Colorado The Beautiful” Initiative emphasizes protecting Colorado’s outdoors, connecting people to the outdoors and linking outdoor areas in Colorado.
Download plan
Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
This five year plan reflects the shared vision and commitment of Colorado outdoor partners to advance recreation enjoyment and conservation of Colorado’s outdoor resources.
Download plan