Since its establishment in 1971, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Recreational Trails Program has actively encouraged the development of a variety of trails. Get ready for adventure and fun with links to trail information that covers the entire state.
Whether it's hiking, biking, wildlife watching, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing - you name it - the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Recreational Trails Program is here to bring you the support and information you want for the adventure of a lifetime. View links to trails in Colorado State Parks, or on other public lands on the Trail Map Links page.
"Various hiking guides have lists of basic equipment needed for every hike, such as the "10 Essentials," etc. The CMC's (Colorado Mountain Club) members have found through experience that the following items are essential for every trip for every participant; please carry them in your standard day pack and don't go on a trip without them. Don't "share" your essentials with other people, and don't rely on the leader to have extra water, food, or gear for your use." For more information visit www.cmc.org.
- At least 2 liters or 2 quarts of water. (Do not drink untreated stream or lake water! Many streams and lakes in Colorado and elsewhere are infected with parasites.)
- Lunch, plus extra food.
- Rain/wind parka and pants.
- Extra layers of clothing: wool or synthetic insulating layer, gloves/ mittens, warm hat and socks. (Avoid cotton clothing because cotton does not insulate when wet.)
- Waterproof matches and lighter, plus fire ribbon or other commercial firestarter.
- Sunglasses/goggles.
- Sunscreen/lip balm.
- Pocket knife.
- First aid supplies.
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Toilet paper in waterproof bag; please also consider a ziplock bag to carry out used toilet paper.
Steppin' Out with Colorado State Parks - Your Guide to Metro Area Trails
Steppin' Out with Colorado State Parks - Your Guide to Western Slope Trails
The Colorado State Recreational Trails Grants Program funds small and large, maintenance or construction recreational trail grants, planning grants and trail support grants. The grant program is a partnership among Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Great Outdoors Colorado, the Colorado Lottery, the Federal Highways Administration Recreational Trails Program, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Are you between 14 and 25 years old and looking for a meaningful job in the outdoors? If so, consider joining a youth corps where you can help conserve Colorado's great outdoors, work with people your age, earn a full-time wage and a scholarship for college or trade school - and have fun, too!
For information about youth conservation corps throughout the state, go to: www.cyca.org
Search and Rescue Card
"Ready for the backcountry? You're way out there. You're hurt. You're glad search and rescue is on the way. Prepare for the unexpected. Buy the Colorado Search and Rescue Card (COSAR) and help Colorado's search and rescue volunteers save lives. Maybe even yours." Visit the
COSAR Web site for more information about this program, its benefits, and how to purchase a card.
Colorado's extensive trail system didn't just happen. It takes dedication from individuals, volunteers, agencies, organizations and groups, such as the
Colorado State Trails Committee. These nine volunteers help plan Colorado's trails and recommend funding for grants.