KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Plan visits ahead of time. Many of our most popular places require a reservation or a day pass be purchased online in advance.
Visit Recreation.gov to find out how to reserve a pass or book a campsite. Use other official sources for information on
conditions/requirements. Check the weather forecast as well as trail and trailhead information. Tell people where you’re going.
Be Prepared
Colorado’s weather is unpredictable. Make sure to bring food and water. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for cold or wet weather.
Know Your Limits
Local public land agencies continue to see high numbers of rescues. We remind visitors to not take unnecessary risks.
Have a Backup Plan
Have an alternate plan in case the parking lot is full. Parks and trails are generally less crowded on weekdays. Trailhead parking lots are often
full early in the morning on weekends. Rangers will issue tickets for illegally parked vehicles.
STICK TO THE TRAILS
Keep singletrack single. Leaving the trail causes braiding and trail widening. If you need to step off-trail to let others pass, avoid stepping on vegetation. Step back on the trail immediately after people pass you. Do not cut switchbacks. If you encounter a puddle, mud or snow, go right through it — not around it.
Motorized Vehicles
Only travel on trails designated for their specific vehicle use type. Off-trail travel is illegal. Keep your wheels where they belong and Stay the Trail.
TRASH THE TRASH
Pack it in, pack it out. Or pick it up to leave a place better than you found it. Put litter, dog poo bags, even crumbs, peels and cores in your nearest waste/recycling bin. NOTE: Most Forest Service trailheads don’t have trash cans. Plan to bring all of your trash (and your dog’s!) to your trash can at home.
KEEP WILDLIFE WILD
Always store food in bear-safe containers. Do not feed wildlife, no matter how hungry you think they might look. Feeding wildlife jeopardizes their safety and causes them to rely on humans.
Make sure you know whether it’s ok to have a dog on the trails (it’s prohibited in Rocky Mountain National Park). Keep your furry buddies leashed when enjoying dog-friendly trails. Observe all wildlife from a distance and do not follow or pursue them. Fleeing from people forces wildlife to burn energy they need to survive the colder months.
Watch a video on how to be Bear Aware
Learn more: Tips for Wildlife Viewing
BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE
Always check for local fire restrictions. 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.
Learn More: Check current fire restrictions
LEAVE IT AS YOU FOUND IT
Keep nature natural. Carving into trees, grafitti and other “artistic” additions can cause unnatural microhabitats that can be damaging to ecosystems. Leave plants, rocks and historical items where you found them so that others can also experience and enjoy them.
SHARE THE TRAIL
Practice kindness. Almost all trails in Grand County are open to a variety of user types. Please be respectful and courteous to each other. Share our open spaces and do your part to be a good steward of these amazing places.