Fall is one of the best times of year for recreating in Colorado. Obviously winter brings skiing and snowboarding, but hiking and exploring the stunning mountains of Colorado really shines when the leaves are changing colors and the temperatures are cool. Of course with it being later in the year, there are specific hazards that one might encounter when checking out what the state has to offer.
In order to help the public stay safe while enjoying the outdoors, Colorado Parks and Wildlife shared some tips for recreating safely and responsibly in the fall. The state is home to 43 world-class state parks, 350 state wildlife areas, 6,000 miles of streams, over 1,300 lakes and reservoirs, and a total of 220,000 acres of public land, so get out there and explore. Just make sure you do so safely and responsibly.
Colorado Parks And Wildlife Fall Recreation Tips
Know Before You Go
- To help plan a state park visit, use the Colorado State Parks Guide (GuÃa De Los Parques Naturales) or State Park Finder. Both provide a comprehensive map and reveal what trails and outdoor activities are available at each park. Â
- Discover state fish units, state wildlife areas and state trust lands with the 2025 Colorado State Recreation Lands Brochure.
- Explore campsite, cabin and yurt rentals at Colorado state parks.
- Find park events and classes on the CPW Events Calendar.
- Read our Leaf Peeping Guide: How to Chase Changing Colors in Colorado state parks.
- Download the free COTREX app to find trailheads, maps and closures.
- Bring layers — mountain weather changes quickly.
- The majority of public lands in Colorado are open to multiple types of recreational use. For safety reasons, big game hunters using a firearm must wear fluorescent orange or pink when in the field. Please note it is illegal to intentionally interfere with hunters, including causing animals to flee, denying access to public areas or injecting yourself into the line of fire.Â
Keep Wildlife Wild
Many species call Colorado home, making it the perfect destination for wildlife watching. In the fall, wildlife are more active, looking for food or in rut looking for a mate.
- Be prepared to cross paths with wildlife.
- Do not feed, touch or approach wildlife (this includes Halloween pumpkins).
- Bears are in hyperphagia and trying to eat 20,000 calories per day. Be BearWise to prevent human-caused conflicts with bears in neighborhoods or while hiking.Â
- Watch for wildlife on roadways during daylight saving time.Â
- Help wildlife migrate smoothly to wintering areas by removing tangle hazards from yards.
- Keeping dogs leashed helps prevent moose and bear attacks on trails.
- Elk, moose and deer are in their annual rut (mating season), so give them space. Elk and moose can get territorial and attack when they feel threatened.Â
- If you see wildlife that appears sick or injured, leave it alone. Call your local CPW office and ask a trained wildlife officer for guidance.Â
Leave It As You Find It
Parking in designated areas is critical — undesignated parking can destroy vegetation, ignite wildfires in dry grass or block search and rescue vehicles.
- Help keep our trees healthy by not carving into them or pulling down branches.
- Pack it in, pack it out. Whatever you bring into the outdoors, take it out with you.Â
- Keep dogs leashed and put waste bags in a trash can. Do not hang waste on trees or put waste bags in vault toilets.Â