Make the most out of summer: Recreate responsibly in Colorado
Picture: Staunton State Park
DATE: Aug. 20, 2026DENVER — With longer summer days that allow for more time to live life outside, soaking up the sun and the health benefits of spending time in Colorado’s great outdoors is a simple choice. But every adventure comes with the responsibility to protect the lands, waters and wildlife that make Colorado so special.
Conservation doesn’t always require a grand gesture. Sometimes, it starts with the small choices we make before stepping outside, like checking the weather, trail maps, safety rules and giving wildlife space.
Below are responsible recreation best practices and resources to help shape your next outdoor experience and make the most out of the end of summer.
Know Before You Go
Before heading out, check current trail conditions, closures, weather and local regulations. Conditions can change quickly, and some areas may have temporary restrictions or closures to protect visitors or wildlife.
Large wildfires are burning in Colorado, and gusty winds and dry vegetation can cause rapid fire growth. A single spark from a campfire, vehicle or grill can ignite a fast-moving wildfire that could have devastating impacts on local landscapes and communities.
- Check fire restrictions at www.coemergency.com.
- Download the free Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) app to get active wildfire alerts.
- Where permitted, only build campfires inside permanent metal fire rings in designated campgrounds.
- Remove all dry grass, leaves and pine needles within a 10-foot radius of any flame.
- Extinguish fires completely with water until ashes are cold to the touch.
- Never leave a fire or portable stove unattended. If you see an unattended fire, call 911.
- Avoid parking or driving on grass where hot exhaust can ignite a fire.
- Check your tire pressure, exhaust pipes, and if chains or exposed wheel rims are dragging from your vehicle, which may create sparks.
Life jackets truly save lives; the majority of water-related deaths occur because people do not wear them.
“Lifeguards don’t monitor Colorado waters, so properly wearing a life jacket when enjoying water sports is a required piece of safety gear that can help save your life if you become stressed in water or if an emergency arises,” said Boating Safety and Registrations Program Manager Grant Brown. "It’s also important to make sure your life jacket is on correctly, because a lifejacket that is too loose can float up over your head when you enter water."
- Wear a life jacket.
- Take a boater safety course.
- Paddleboards and kayaks are vessels, and life jacket requirements apply.
- Heavy rain raises water levels quickly and without notice. Check river flows at https://dwr.state.co.us/Tools/Stations.
- Water flows on streams and river bottoms can be inconsistent, so beware of rocks and unmarked hazards below the surface.
- Only boat or paddle in conditions you are comfortable and confident in.
- Boat and raft with a buddy and avoid floating alone, especially during high flows.
- Bring layers of clothing for elevation and changing weather conditions, and carry a sound-producing device (whistle, horn) to call for help if needed.
- “Clean, drain and dry” your watercraft, trailers, vehicles, tires, boots and waders to prevent aquatic nuisance species from sticking onto your gear. Find a CPW Gear and Watercraft Cleaning Station to decontaminate your gear.
Drought and wildfires are creating challenges for wildlife and the habitats they depend on. As landscapes recover from fire and water sources remain scarce, many wildlife species face increased stress in their search for food, water and shelter.
- Give wildlife extra space and respect area closures.
- Do not feed wildlife; let them find natural food sources.
- Properly dispose of trash to deter wildlife from entering residential areas.
- Keep dogs on a leash, especially near wetlands and riparian areas, to prevent wildlife disturbances and ensure your pet's safety during outdoor activities.
- Report sick or stressed wildlife to a local CPW Office.
However, a difficult year for natural foods is not a reason to feed bears. Providing food — intentionally or by leaving attractants — can make a dangerous situation worse. To help protect yourself and bears, secure your trash and give bears lots of space. For more bear educational resources, visit bearwise.org.
Six Outdoor BearWise Basics
- Stay Alert & Stay Together - Pay attention to your surroundings and stay together. Walk, hike, jog, or cycle with others when possible. Keep kids within sight and close by. Leave earbuds at home and make noise periodically so bears can avoid you.
- Leave No Trash or Food Scraps - Double bag your food when hiking and pack out all food and trash. Don’t burn food scraps or trash in your fire ring or grill. Leaving scraps, wrappers, or even “harmless” items like apple cores teaches bears to associate trails and campsites with food.
- Keep Dogs Leashed - Letting dogs chase or bark at bears is asking for trouble; don’t force a bear to defend itself. Keep your dogs leashed at all times or leave them at home.
- Camp Safely - Set up camp away from dense cover and natural food sources. Cook as far from your tent as possible. Do not store food, trash, clothes worn when cooking, or toiletries in your tent. Store in approved bear-resistant containers OR out of sight in locked vehicle OR suspended at least 10 feet above the ground and 10 feet from any part of the tree. Local regulations vary.
- Know What To Do If You See a Black Bear - If you see a bear before it notices you, don’t approach. Stand still, enjoy, then quietly move away. If a bear sees you, back away slowly. Never run; running may trigger a chase response. If a bear approaches, hold your ground, wave your arms and yell “Hey Bear” until it leaves. Stay with your group. If it keeps approaching, use bear spray. If a black bear makes contact with you, do NOT play dead; fight back aggressively.
- Carry Bear Spray & Know How To Use It - Bear spray is proven to be the easiest and most effective way to deter a bear that threatens you. It doesn’t work like bug repellent, so never spray your tent, campsite or belongings.
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