As people head outside for the upcoming July Fourth holiday, Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds Coloradans and state visitors of a few ways to balance outdoor recreation with mindful conservation and safety.
Know Before You Go
Colorado outdoor spaces continue to see explosive growth in attendance. On a holiday weekend, expect lines and potential gate closures if parking lots are full. Peak times at parks are generally 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. To help prepare for a more enjoyable outdoor experience, check weather conditions and bring extra water or layers if needed.
Camping reservations are required at Colorado State Parks.
Use the CPW Park Finder to learn about what activities are available at each state park and visit a park’s individual web page to learn about any possible park or trail closures.
Tools such as COTREX provide additional outdoor opportunities in the surrounding areas if your desired trailhead, park or location is crowded or closed.
Life Vests Save Lives, Practice Boating Safety
With an increased interest in water-based recreation activities, it is essential that people follow boating safety best practices to be safe on the water this summer.
Check your equipment and the weather and water conditions. Strong wind gusts can knock a paddleboarder or kayaker into the water, but it’s important to be aware of the cold water temperatures that exist year-round in Colorado.
Wear the proper life vest, all water recreationists should wear a personal flotation device (PFD) when recreating on the water.
Boating Under the Influence is the leading cause of fatal boating accidents. CPW is participating in Operation Dry Water to encourage sober boating.
Be Careful with Fire
Know the park fire restrictions or closures before you go. Colorado’s low humidity has perks but can create dry, dangerous conditions. Keep campfires small and manageable to avoid sparking wildfires.
Dry conditions frequently impact what type of fires are allowed, and they may be completely restricted in some areas. The website www.coemergency.com provides up-to-date information on county fire restrictions and bans.
When putting out a fire, water it until you can handle the embers. Never let a fire burn unattended or put hot coals in a dumpster.
It is also important to help prevent invasive critters from hitchhiking along on your trip or across state lines by purchasing locally sourced firewood.
Be “Bear Aware” in Colorado’s Bear Country
Most conflicts between people and bears can be traced to easily accessible human food, trash, or other attractants with strong odors as a bear’s natural drive to eat can overcome its fear of humans.
Do not feed or approach wildlife no matter how hungry you think they might look.
Be bear aware on trails and bear-proof your campsite to avoid encounters with bears.
Keep dogs leashed when enjoying dog-friendly trails, and pack out waste all the way to a trash can.
Coloradans have a longstanding outdoor ethic and take pride in the natural resources that surround us. Nature belongs to all of us, and the need for conservation never takes a holiday. Together, we can live life outside and all do our part to care for Colorado and keep our landscapes colorful and clean.
To learn more about outdoor activities at Colorado state parks, visit cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo.