COLORADO 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. From packing the backcountry essentials to taking EV-friendly road trips, visit DoColoradoRight.com for more ways to know before you go! LUMENATI PRODUCTIONS Poudre Ponds near Greeley COLORADO . COM 5
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2026: Page 5
