Today, Governor Polis and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) released the 2025 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), which outlines a path to ensure Colorado’s exceptional outdoor experiences remain world-class for current and future generations.
“Outdoor recreation is a major economic driver in Colorado and this report shows just how big of an impact outdoor recreation has, supporting 404,000 jobs and generating billions in revenue. This plan lays out a strategic path forward to ensure that everyone can enjoy our great outdoors while building on this economic success. Through this plan, CPW and our administration will continue to improve recreational opportunities that ensure Coloradans and visitors are able to enjoy our world-class outdoors and beautiful landscapes while conserving our resources for future generations,” said Governor Jared Polis.
According to the report, in 2023 outdoor recreation generated $65.8 billion in economic output; $36.5 billion in GDP (8.5% of the entire state GDP); supported 404,000 jobs (12.5% of the labor force); and generated $11.2 billion in local, state, and federal tax revenue.
Following the release of two economic reports showing the importance of outdoor recreation to Colorado’s economy — a SCORP study and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis Outdoor Recreation Satellite account — the SCORP presents a five-year action plan with four key priorities for ensuring that recreation remains world class in the state. These priorities are: 1) Access and Opportunity, 2) Stewardship, 3) Land, Water and Wildlife Conservation, and 4) Financial Sustainability.
“With this statewide plan, Colorado Parks and Wildlife conducted extensive research and stakeholder engagement in order to better understand how outdoor recreation resources meet the needs of Coloradans, as well as the challenges and opportunities faced by land managers,” said CPW Director Jeff Davis. “As the 2025 SCORP confirms, outdoor recreation is essential to Colorado's economy and quality of life and CPW looks forward to putting this plan into action to ensure that recreation remains outstanding for future generations.”
This plan was written with extensive input from land managers, outdoor recreation providers, user groups, nonprofit organizations and other stakeholders. Priorities and action items reflect the top issues identified by extensive partner engagement. As part of the plan’s development, 479 land managers participated in a survey earlier this year representing local parks, open space, and state and federal public lands. According to the survey, land managers identified trails as a top priority, including the need to invest in maintenance, development of new trails and connections for existing trails through loops and networks. Managers also identified visitor safety, the need for improved access and infrastructure for Americans with disabilities, and the need for more capacity and funding for management and infrastructure.
While growth in outdoor recreation has slowed since the COVID pandemic, people are still enjoying Colorado’s outdoors in growing numbers. According to the 2025 SCORP public survey, 72% of Coloradans recreate outdoors once a week or more. The SCORP applauds Coloradans getting outdoors and spending time in nature, while also presenting actions to ensure that the outdoors support wildlife, species biodiversity and ecosystem function. Since the last SCORP was released five years ago, Colorado has seen extensive wildfires, drought and flooding which have caused trail closers and displaced recreational activities. Among the priorities presented in the 2025 SCORP, strategies call out building a stewardship ethic, integrating climate resilience into recreation planning and management, and building capacity for government and nongovernmental organizations that provide for and support outdoor recreation in Colorado.
“Colorado Parks and Wildlife is greatly appreciative to the contributions of everyone involved in the creation and publication of the 2025 SCORP, including members of the Colorado Outdoor Partnership and the many other organizational partners who provided valuable input,” said Fletcher Jacobs, Assistant Director for CPW Outdoor Recreation and Lands. “Together, the partners identified priority areas and outlined the goals, objectives and strategies necessary to balance the needs of those who live and recreate in Colorado with the needs of the wildlife and landscapes that make Colorado recreation exceptional,” Jacobs said.
Colorado continues to advance nation-leading outdoor recreation and conservation efforts and the 2025 SCORP is both informed by and informs coordinated efforts such as the ongoing work with Colorado's Outdoors Strategy among many other efforts. To read the full SCORP, including priorities and research findings on outdoor recreation in Colorado, go to: cpw.state.co.us/plans-and-reports.
Sunday, December 29, 2024
Thursday, December 26, 2024
Colorado First Day Hikes 2025
On Jan. 1, 2025, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) invites you to participate in a First Day Hike at a Colorado state park.
First Day Hikes offers a chance to start 2025 off on the right foot by exercising in nature. Each participating state park provides a unique opportunity to enjoy self-guided hikes, scavenger hunts or guided hikes.
About First Day Hikes:
Hikes are free, but park visitors must possess a valid state park pass (this includes a Keep Colorado Wild Pass purchased through the DMV during a vehicle registration). Hikes will vary in skill level and length depending on location and weather conditions. Participating parks may require a reservation before the hike; check the park’s webpage for details. For a list of the first day hikes being offered, please click here.
First Day Hikes offers a chance to start 2025 off on the right foot by exercising in nature. Each participating state park provides a unique opportunity to enjoy self-guided hikes, scavenger hunts or guided hikes.
About First Day Hikes:
Hikes are free, but park visitors must possess a valid state park pass (this includes a Keep Colorado Wild Pass purchased through the DMV during a vehicle registration). Hikes will vary in skill level and length depending on location and weather conditions. Participating parks may require a reservation before the hike; check the park’s webpage for details. For a list of the first day hikes being offered, please click here.
Monday, December 23, 2024
Rocky Mountain National Park to Host a Variety of Fun Programs for All Ages on the West Side of the Park During Winter 2025
For many, winter is their favorite time of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. The park is less crowded, yet alive with activity. For those who are prepared, winter is an enchanting time to explore the scenic beauty of the southern Rockies.
Interested in experiencing the wonders of the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park with a park ranger? Weather and snow conditions permitting, beginning on Saturday, January 4, and continuing through late-March, enjoy one of RMNP’s ranger-led winter programs! These programs will take place at various locations inside the park near the town of Grand Lake, CO.
Join a Snowshoe Walk
Enjoy the quiet of winter in Rocky as you walk across a snow-covered landscape using snowshoes. These snowshoe walks are two-hours in length and program participants will walk through hilly, uneven, snow-covered meadows and mixed conifer forest areas within Rocky Mountain National Park. Along the way, learn about plants and wildlife that call the park home. No previous snowshoe experience is required. These walks are considered moderately strenuous. Participants should have a baseline fitness level that allows them to snowshoe approximately one mile over hilly terrain at high elevations. These programs take place at 8,700-9,300 feet in elevation.
Ranger-led Snowshoe Walks are free (park entrance fees are required). These programs will take place on Saturdays & Sundays at 1 p.m. and advanced reservations are required. It is recommended to plan ahead when possible, as these programs are very popular and fill quickly.
To make a reservation, call 970-586-1513. Reservations can be scheduled up to seven days in advance of a scheduled program. A maximum of 6 people in the same group may sign up per walk. Participants must be 8 years or older.
New in 2025: Family-Friendly Snowshoe Walks
Rocky Mountain National Park is offering a new program this year, Family-Friendly Snowshoes Walks! Designed for families with children ages 5 and older, these programs offer a great way for the whole family to get outside and explore the wonders of winter in Rocky. These snowshoe walks are two-hours in length.
Family-Friendly Snowshoe Walks will take place at 1 p.m. on the following Fridays: February 7, 14, 21, and 28. Advanced reservations are required and these programs are expected to fill quickly. To make a reservation, call 970-586-1513.
To Participate in a Snowshoe Walk, What Equipment is Provided?
For all Ranger-led Snowshoe Walks on the west side of RMNP, snowshoes are provided for your use. A range of adult and child sizes are available and all snowshoes must be turned in at the end of the program. Planning to go snowshoeing on your own? Visitors can rent snowshoes at locations outside of the park or bring their own.
For your comfort and safety, program participants are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing to help keep you warm. Recommended items include waterproof winter jackets, snow pants, warm socks, waterproof boots, gloves/mittens, a hat, and sunglasses or goggles.
Ranger-led Cross-Country Ski Tours
Do you like to go cross-country skiing? Would you like to go skiing with an experienced ranger guide? Beginning on Saturday, January 18, Ranger-led Cross-Country Ski Tours will be available on Saturdays at 10 a.m. Weather and snow conditions permitting, they will continue through March 15.
To participate, some cross-country skiing experience is required. Program participants must be 16 or older. These programs are expected to fill quickly and advanced reservations are required. To make a reservation, call 970-586-1513. Space is limited to 12 people per program and a maximum of 4 people in the same group may sign up per program. Participants must bring or rent their own skis. Equipment rentals are available outside of the park.
For more information on all winter interpretive programs, visit the park’s webpage at www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/ranger-led-snowshoe-walks.htm.
Interested in experiencing the wonders of the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park with a park ranger? Weather and snow conditions permitting, beginning on Saturday, January 4, and continuing through late-March, enjoy one of RMNP’s ranger-led winter programs! These programs will take place at various locations inside the park near the town of Grand Lake, CO.
Join a Snowshoe Walk
Enjoy the quiet of winter in Rocky as you walk across a snow-covered landscape using snowshoes. These snowshoe walks are two-hours in length and program participants will walk through hilly, uneven, snow-covered meadows and mixed conifer forest areas within Rocky Mountain National Park. Along the way, learn about plants and wildlife that call the park home. No previous snowshoe experience is required. These walks are considered moderately strenuous. Participants should have a baseline fitness level that allows them to snowshoe approximately one mile over hilly terrain at high elevations. These programs take place at 8,700-9,300 feet in elevation.
Ranger-led Snowshoe Walks are free (park entrance fees are required). These programs will take place on Saturdays & Sundays at 1 p.m. and advanced reservations are required. It is recommended to plan ahead when possible, as these programs are very popular and fill quickly.
To make a reservation, call 970-586-1513. Reservations can be scheduled up to seven days in advance of a scheduled program. A maximum of 6 people in the same group may sign up per walk. Participants must be 8 years or older.
New in 2025: Family-Friendly Snowshoe Walks
Rocky Mountain National Park is offering a new program this year, Family-Friendly Snowshoes Walks! Designed for families with children ages 5 and older, these programs offer a great way for the whole family to get outside and explore the wonders of winter in Rocky. These snowshoe walks are two-hours in length.
Family-Friendly Snowshoe Walks will take place at 1 p.m. on the following Fridays: February 7, 14, 21, and 28. Advanced reservations are required and these programs are expected to fill quickly. To make a reservation, call 970-586-1513.
To Participate in a Snowshoe Walk, What Equipment is Provided?
For all Ranger-led Snowshoe Walks on the west side of RMNP, snowshoes are provided for your use. A range of adult and child sizes are available and all snowshoes must be turned in at the end of the program. Planning to go snowshoeing on your own? Visitors can rent snowshoes at locations outside of the park or bring their own.
For your comfort and safety, program participants are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing to help keep you warm. Recommended items include waterproof winter jackets, snow pants, warm socks, waterproof boots, gloves/mittens, a hat, and sunglasses or goggles.
Ranger-led Cross-Country Ski Tours
Do you like to go cross-country skiing? Would you like to go skiing with an experienced ranger guide? Beginning on Saturday, January 18, Ranger-led Cross-Country Ski Tours will be available on Saturdays at 10 a.m. Weather and snow conditions permitting, they will continue through March 15.
To participate, some cross-country skiing experience is required. Program participants must be 16 or older. These programs are expected to fill quickly and advanced reservations are required. To make a reservation, call 970-586-1513. Space is limited to 12 people per program and a maximum of 4 people in the same group may sign up per program. Participants must bring or rent their own skis. Equipment rentals are available outside of the park.
For more information on all winter interpretive programs, visit the park’s webpage at www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/ranger-led-snowshoe-walks.htm.
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Browns Canyon National Monument recognized as stargazing destination with new Dark Sky Park status
Browns Canyon National Monument in Colorado has been certified as an International Dark Sky Park by DarkSky International. The monument now joins the growing list of International Dark Sky Places known for undertaking dark-sky conservation and education efforts through management of all exterior lighting and promoting best practices to visitors and nearby communities through interpretive programming. Browns Canyon National Monument now becomes Colorado’s 18th certified International Dark Sky Place, and its 12th International Dark Sky Park.
“Browns Canyon National Monument is a haven for dark skies in central Colorado, a region that continues to push for stronger protections of the precious natural resource of the night sky,” said DarkSky International Program Associate Michael Rymer. “Browns Canyon’s example will no doubt be a substantial one in influencing communities surrounding the national monument and beyond to practice responsible outdoor lighting to better impact the night-time environment of the site. Furthermore, the staff’s ingenuity in bringing the monument’s lighting into full compliance is something worthy of praise and promotion.”
Browns Canyon has many outstanding characteristics, including a scenic river corridor, impressive wilderness areas and numerous recreational opportunities. It is an area rich in history and is highly valued by Indigenous and First Nations people for its deep cultural significance. It was designated as a national monument on Feb. 19, 2015, by President Barack Obama. Currently, the land is jointly managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. River-based recreation is managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife through the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area.
Browns Canyon National Monument encompasses a section of the Arkansas River and includes nearly 22,000 acres of pristine public lands. Just a short drive from major urban centers, the monument is located in Chaffee County—an area known for spectacular daytime recreational opportunities. As a Dark Sky Park, its special night sky viewing opportunities are now recognized.
The effort to seek DarkSky certification was organized by a local advocacy group, Friends of Browns Canyon. The group hosted night sky events, including fundraisers, concerts and photography outings. They also conducted the light meter readings and hired a contractor to assist them in developing the application.
Since the location is naturally suited for night sky viewing, the work required to meet standards for DarkSky certification was minimal. “Because we have a lot of camping in the area, we had to retrofit some of our lighting near Browns Canyon National Monument to make sure we met certification standards,” said Tom Waters, Park Manager for the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. “With a bit of ingenuity from our staff, and some exceptional coordination with our local and federal partners, we have been able to provide this exciting opportunity to our community and visitors.”
The Bureau of Land Management and Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area are training staff to deliver night sky programming and to educate visitors on the expanded recreation options being offered in the area.
“Browns Canyon National Monument is a haven for dark skies in central Colorado, a region that continues to push for stronger protections of the precious natural resource of the night sky,” said DarkSky International Program Associate Michael Rymer. “Browns Canyon’s example will no doubt be a substantial one in influencing communities surrounding the national monument and beyond to practice responsible outdoor lighting to better impact the night-time environment of the site. Furthermore, the staff’s ingenuity in bringing the monument’s lighting into full compliance is something worthy of praise and promotion.”
Browns Canyon has many outstanding characteristics, including a scenic river corridor, impressive wilderness areas and numerous recreational opportunities. It is an area rich in history and is highly valued by Indigenous and First Nations people for its deep cultural significance. It was designated as a national monument on Feb. 19, 2015, by President Barack Obama. Currently, the land is jointly managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. River-based recreation is managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife through the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area.
Browns Canyon National Monument encompasses a section of the Arkansas River and includes nearly 22,000 acres of pristine public lands. Just a short drive from major urban centers, the monument is located in Chaffee County—an area known for spectacular daytime recreational opportunities. As a Dark Sky Park, its special night sky viewing opportunities are now recognized.
The effort to seek DarkSky certification was organized by a local advocacy group, Friends of Browns Canyon. The group hosted night sky events, including fundraisers, concerts and photography outings. They also conducted the light meter readings and hired a contractor to assist them in developing the application.
Since the location is naturally suited for night sky viewing, the work required to meet standards for DarkSky certification was minimal. “Because we have a lot of camping in the area, we had to retrofit some of our lighting near Browns Canyon National Monument to make sure we met certification standards,” said Tom Waters, Park Manager for the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. “With a bit of ingenuity from our staff, and some exceptional coordination with our local and federal partners, we have been able to provide this exciting opportunity to our community and visitors.”
The Bureau of Land Management and Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area are training staff to deliver night sky programming and to educate visitors on the expanded recreation options being offered in the area.
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Two hikers perish in two separate incidents on Flatirons
On Monday, December 16th, at approximately 9:00 pm, the Boulder County Sheriff's Office responded to the report of an overdue hiker in the area of the Second Flatiron just outside of Boulder, Colorado. It was reported by friends of the 42-year old hiker after he failed to return home around dark the previous evening. Friends of the hiker searched the area and found the man deceased on a rock ledge on the Second Flatiron. It's believed that he fell.
The Boulder County Sheriff's Office, Boulder Parks and Open Space Rangers, Rocky Mountain Rescue group, American Medical response ambulance, Boulder Emergency Squad, and the Boulder County Coroner's office responded and recovered the remains of the decedent.
On Tuesday, December 17th, a 27-year-old male went missing while “scrambling” near the Third Flatiron. His sister reported him as an overdue hiker the following day after he failing to return home. Boulder County Sheriff’s Office personnel discovered his vehicle near the Gregory Canyon trailhead, which initiated a search operation. Utilizing drones from Boulder Emergency Squad, search teams located the man’s body in a remote area near the Third Flatiron. The recovery effort, requiring technical expertise from the Rocky Mountain Rescue Group, took approximately 8.5 hours to complete.
The identity of both victims is being withheld at this time, pending positive identification, and notification to the next of kin by the Boulder County Coroner's Office.
The Boulder County Sheriff's Office, Boulder Parks and Open Space Rangers, Rocky Mountain Rescue group, American Medical response ambulance, Boulder Emergency Squad, and the Boulder County Coroner's office responded and recovered the remains of the decedent.
On Tuesday, December 17th, a 27-year-old male went missing while “scrambling” near the Third Flatiron. His sister reported him as an overdue hiker the following day after he failing to return home. Boulder County Sheriff’s Office personnel discovered his vehicle near the Gregory Canyon trailhead, which initiated a search operation. Utilizing drones from Boulder Emergency Squad, search teams located the man’s body in a remote area near the Third Flatiron. The recovery effort, requiring technical expertise from the Rocky Mountain Rescue Group, took approximately 8.5 hours to complete.
The identity of both victims is being withheld at this time, pending positive identification, and notification to the next of kin by the Boulder County Coroner's Office.
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