COVID-19 Information

When it comes to activities outside of our homes these days, there are no simple answers. And with rapidly changing information available from so many different resources, it’s difficult to know what we are allowed to do, where we can do it, and how, when and why we should safely recreate outdoors. In an effort to find some answers, I’ve identified some resources that will help to answer some of our questions. 

This is a rapidly evolving situation, so please review the resources with some regularity to be sure you are aware of the most current guidance available.

General Guidance from Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment  (CDPHE)

Colorado is on a Stay-at-Home order (Public Health Order 20-24) and that means we should “Stay home as much as possible.” 

As of 4/3/2016 – “All people in Colorado must follow the letter and the spirit of these orders. Do not try to bend the rules or find loopholes. It’s up to us all to keep people safe and build up our healthcare system so we can treat people who are sick and save lives.”

Below is CDPHE’s response to the question, ”Is it OK to go outside and exercise or play?”

“It is physically and mentally healthy to be outdoors. Be outdoors at times and in places where you can maintain 6 feet of physical distance between yourself and others.”

Additional information about outdoor activities can be found on the CDPHE website.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife COVID-19 Information

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is maintaining extensive COVID-19 resources. Listed below are topics and resources that may impact your outdoor activities and are a great resource for the latest information.

• COVID-19 Safety
  • How Colorado Parks and Wildlife Staff is Minimizing Exposure Risk
  • What You Can do to Minimize Exposure
• Hiking
  Staying close to home and limiting travel for outdoor recreation is essential to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Colorado. 
  • Trail Safety and Etiquette
  • Colorado Mask Project 
  • COTREX: Now With Local Trail Closures And Alerts
• Hunting and Fishing
  • Hunter Education – As of 4/3/2020 Hunter Education courses are suspended through Monday, May 11, 2020. Important information: On March 30, the CPW Commission approved an emergency regulation that will allow an individual who has previously used an apprentice certificate but was unable to complete a standard hunter education course in 2020 with the opportunity to obtain a second apprentice certificate. Visit the CPW website for more information.
  • Turkey Season Updates
• Licenses and Permits
  CPW is allowing customers to use a TAN (Temporary Authorization Number) for proof of privilege for most of our products at this time. This includes small game, combination small game and fishing, waterfowl stamps, fishing, habitat stamps, annual passes and OHV permits. For more information, please visit the CPW Website.
• Colorado State Parks
• Boating
  Boating is allowed in State Parks during Governor Polis’s Stay at Home order. Please go boating in your local area and do not travel to go boating; visit lakes or reservoirs in your local area. Boaters must comply with CDPHE requirements and CPW’s Aquatic Nuisance Species regulations to stop the spread of zebra or quagga mussels and other invasive species.
  • Boat Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Inspections

All effects on Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s operations, including any changes to hunting, fishing or recreation in any of Colorado’s state parks can be found on Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s COVID-19 page.