Are you Colo-Ready? Colorado’s natural beauty requires visitor assistance. As a Care for Colorado Stewardship Partner, we are pleased to share ways you can protect its natural beauty!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
This land really is your land. Our state and federal agencies manage 42 percent of Colorado’s majestic landscape, and our cities and counties maintain even more. Learn about and respect
the spaces we all own, share and sing about.
Stay back from the pack. Find your way to less-visited and off-peak destinations to minimize down time and maximize your connection with special places.
Bring along reusable water bottles or hot drink tumblers to limit waste and stay hydrated in our dry climate.
STICK TO TRAILS
With 39,000 marked trails and 13,000 designated campsites, there’s no need to venture beyond. By sticking to these areas and camping at least 200 feet from lakes, rivers and streams, you’re helping natural areas stay natural.
Even though shortcuts can be tempting, please don’t take them. A few extra strides on the path will protect plants and the homes of the true locals.
LEAVE IT AS YOU FIND IT
Leave plants, rocks and historical items as you find them so others experience the joy of discovery.
Any of our 750 different species of wildflowers will live forever in a photo. Snap away, but only with a camera.
Colorado is beautiful all on its own. Building structures or campsites on public land isn’t cool. Keep it pristine for everyone to enjoy.
Treat all living things with respect. Carving or hacking plants and trees may kill or disfigure them.
TRASH THE TRASH
Pack it in, pack it out. Or pick it up to leave a place better than you found it. Put litter, even crumbs, peels and cores in your nearest waste/recycling bin.
Wash yourself, your dog or whatever else needs cleaning at least 200 feet from waterways, and use biodegradable soap. A bubble bath is no treat for fish.
BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE
Colorado’s low humidity has perks, but can create dry, dangerous conditions. Keep campfires small and manageable to avoid sparking wildfires.
When putting out a fire, water it until you can handle the embers. Never let a fire burn unattended.
Use care when smoking in Colorado’s dry climate. Always put cigarettes out completely, and don’t leave
your butts behind.
Always check for local fire restrictions.
KEEP WILDLIFE WILD
Colorado is home to tens of thousands of furry, scaly and feathered creatures. To keep them – and you – safe, don’t approach them.
It is not adorable to feed wild animals. You could alter natural behaviors, exposing them to predators or even euthanasia.
Keep your furry buddies leashed when enjoying dog-friendly trails, and pack out their waste. All the way to a trashcan.
SHARE OUR TRAILS & PARKS
Chances are you’re not out in nature to people watch, so try out the lesser-known paths and sites.
Silence your cell phone before stepping into nature, and speak softly without using the speaker function.
Be considerate when passing others on the trails and yield to the uphill hiker and biker – they need the momentum.
Listen to nature. Keep your voice and music soft so all can enjoy the peace of Colorado.
IT’S REALLY QUITE SIMPLE!
HERE’S ANOTHER WAY TO SAY … errr … SING IT!
Again, it’s a pleasure to preserve and protect our planet. Please feel free to use the content in the blog post to share with your friends and family. It was produced by the Colorado Tourism Office in partnership with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.
PLAN YOUR CAMPING TRIP
Visit CampColorado.com’s blogs for helpful information about planning your Colorado camping trip.
CampColorado.com works closely with the Colorado Tourism Office, which hosts colorado.com, where you can find out about attractions and events all across the state. These two statewide travel planning websites will jumpstart your vacation dream list. We also work closely with Leave No Trace.