Colorado Official State Vacation Guide - 2026
Do Colorado Right
2025-12-10 09:58:16
Whether you’re planning a weekend in the mountains or a road trip across the plains, the Do Colorado Right Leave No Trace Principles make it easier to travel smarter and maximize your time.
Know Before You Go
Colorado has pleasant conditions year-round. However, the weather can always change in an instant. Be prepared for anything by checking conditions before you depart, wearing appropriate footwear and bringing protective layers. Pack a reusable water bottle so you can save money, limit waste and stay hydrated by drinking twice the amount of water you normally would.
Since access to cell service can be spotty, bringing a map or downloading offline routes using an app like COTREX can help you stay on track.
Deepen your connection with the great outdoors by visiting a lesser-known trail. Stick to designated parking spaces to allow roadside plants to grow and maintain the flow of traffic. Have a secondary location in mind in case the lot is full so you can keep things moving without a hitch.
Stick to Trails & Camp Overnight Right
Walk or ride on designated trails to help preserve the path and protect the homes of local wildlife. While shortcuts and that perfect selfie can be tempting, staying on the path will decrease your risk of injury and protect fragile trailside plants.
You can’t go wrong with setting up in one of the thousands of designated campsites across the state! Check with local land managers for the best places to pitch your tent. Stick to spots that are over 70 steps from water and show signs of having been previously camped on so it will be quicker and easier for you to settle in.
Trash the Trash
We know that you know to throw your trash in designated bins. Just keep an eye out for those tiny plastic wrappers that like to sneak away, and don’t forget the peels and cores — while it may be good for you, that doesn’t mean it’s good for wildlife.
When nature calls and there’s no bathroom around, be equipped with a disposable WAG bag and conveniently carry out your waste. Alternatively, find privacy at least 70 steps from water, trails and camp, dig a 6–8 inch hole and bury your business. Keep the trail pristine by picking up after your pup and disposing their waste in the nearest trash can. Pro tip: Let your furry friend carry their own little pack so they can help haul their own poop!
Leave It As You Find It
Colorado is a treasure trove of cultural and natural wonders, offering a unique glimpse into the past and connections to the present cultures. Leave these places as you found them so you can pass the joy of discovery to others.
The state’s thousands of wildflowers play a vital role in the ecosystem. Capture a memory and help protect their beauty by taking a photo, not a flower. And when it comes to our trees, even small carvings can harm or kill them. Treat their bark with care to ensure they’ll still be here for your next visit.
To help protect our landscapes even further, clean your boots, bike tires and watercraft before and after every outing. This simple habit helps prevent the spread of invasive species, preserves Colorado’s natural balance and keeps your gear in great shape.
Be Careful With Fire
Gathering around the warm, glowing flames of a campfire is an ideal way to end a day outdoors — but in some places, fires are restricted or banned where wildfire risk is high.
Check local fire bans to make sure campfires are allowed in the area. Then, keep your fire small, manageable and attended. When it’s time to extinguish, douse the embers until they’re cold to the touch so you can prevent reigniting a flame. If you smoke, use extra care to dispose of the butts properly so you can enjoy the rest of your time worry-free.
Pro tip: Getting firewood locally prevents the introduction of invasive species like the destructive pine beetle, plus it will save space in your car.
Keep Wildlife Wild
To keep yourself and wildlife safe, make sure to keep your distance. If you can cover the entire animal with your thumb while your arm is outstretched, you’re at a safe distance. Otherwise, prevent unwanted encounters by properly disposing of trash, storing food in a bear-proof container or locked vehicle, and cleaning up any food scraps. Even the smallest taste of human food can not only be harmful to an animal’s health, it can create dangerous habits. So you can feel good about keeping all of those snacks to yourself.
Share Our Trails & Parks
From roaring waterfalls to gentle bird calls, experience the wonder of nature’s symphony by being mindful of your group’s noise level. Master your trail etiquette by knowing how to pass others — take a breather while yielding to the uphill hiker and biker who need the momentum to finish their journey. But keep in mind that wheelchair users and equestrians always have the right of way.
Do Colorado Right: From packing the backcountry essentials to taking EVfriendly road trips, visit DoColoradoRight.com for more ways to know before you go!
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