Adventure responsibly: Help protect Colorado this Labor Day

DATE: Aug. 31, 2026

DENVER — As people head outside to celebrate the long weekend, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) encourages the outdoor community to keep safety top of mind to ensure the holiday is filled with fun — not accidents.

Responsible recreation in the dry late summer can significantly help protect Colorado’s landscapes, water resources and wildlife populations. To adventure like an outdoor expert, know before you go. Before heading out, check current trail conditions, closures, weather and local regulations.

Know Before You Go

Be Careful with Fire
A single spark from a campfire, vehicle or grill can ignite a fast-moving wildfire that could have devastating impacts on local landscapes and communities.

Check fire restrictions at www.coemergency.com.
Download the Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) app to get active wildfire alerts.
Where permitted, only build campfires inside permanent metal fire rings.
Remove all dry grass, leaves and pine needles within a 10-foot radius of any flame.
Extinguish fires completely with water until ashes are cold to the touch.
Never leave a fire unattended. If you see an unattended fire, call 911.
Avoid parking or driving on grass where hot exhaust can ignite a fire.

Boating and Water Safety
Life jackets truly save lives; the majority of water-related deaths occur because people do not wear them. Check for boating and water closures at state parks and wildlife areas.

Wear a life jacket.
Paddleboards and kayaks are vessels, and life jacket requirements apply.
Heavy rain raises water levels quickly and without notice.
Water flows on streams and river bottoms can be inconsistent, so beware of rocks and unmarked hazards below the surface.
Bring layers of clothing for elevation and changing weather conditions, and carry a sound-producing device (whistle, horn) to call for help if needed.

Aquatic Nuisance Species
Zebra, quagga and golden mussels can attach themselves to the inside of pipes in massive numbers, forming dense clogs. This can reduce the amount of water delivered to chile farms. When it comes to chiles, they bring the heat, but we bring the solution. Take action and clean, drain and dry your water gear to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species.

Keep Wildlife Wild. Live BearWise®.
As landscapes recover from drought and wildfires, many wildlife species face increased stress in their search for food, water and shelter.

Give wildlife extra space and respect area closures.
Do not feed wildlife; let them find natural food sources.
Properly dispose of trash to deter wildlife from entering residential areas.
Keep dogs on a leash, especially near wetlands and riparian areas, to prevent wildlife disturbances and ensure your pet's safety.
Report sick or stressed wildlife to a local CPW Office.

Colorado is home to approximately 17,000 to 20,000 black bears. Bears may enter campsites and go on trails where trash and other human food provide an easy meal. To help protect yourself and bears, secure your trash and give bears lots of space. For more bear educational resources, visit bearwise.org.

Six Outdoor BearWise Basics

Stay Alert & Stay Together - Pay attention to your surroundings and stay together. Walk, hike, jog, or cycle with others when possible. Keep kids within sight and close by. Leave earbuds at home and make noise periodically so bears can avoid you.
Leave No Trash or Food Scraps - Double bag your food when hiking and pack out all food and trash. Don’t burn food scraps or trash in your fire ring or grill. Leaving scraps, wrappers, or even “harmless” items like apple cores teaches bears to associate trails and campsites with food.
Keep Dogs Leashed - Letting dogs chase or bark at bears is asking for trouble; don’t force a bear to defend itself. Keep your dogs leashed at all times or leave them at home.
Camp Safely - Set up camp away from dense cover and natural food sources. Cook as far from your tent as possible. Do not store food, trash, clothes worn when cooking, or toiletries in your tent. Store in approved bear-resistant containers OR out of sight in locked vehicle OR suspended at least 10 feet above the ground and 10 feet from any part of the tree. Local regulations vary.
Know What To Do If You See a Black Bear - If you see a bear before it notices you, don’t approach. Stand still, enjoy, then quietly move away. If a bear sees you, back away slowly. Never run; running may trigger a chase response. If a bear approaches, hold your ground, wave your arms and yell “Hey Bear” until it leaves. Stay with your group. If it keeps approaching, use bear spray. If a black bear makes contact with you, do NOT play dead; fight back aggressively.
Carry Bear Spray & Know How To Use It - Bear spray is proven to be the easiest and most effective way to deter a bear that threatens you. It doesn’t work like bug repellent, so never spray your tent, campsite or belongings.

Need more time to explore Colorado’s outdoors? Colorado residents can get a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass with their next vehicle registration. The pass helps fund state park maintenance, local search and rescue teams, avalanche safety, and wildlife conservation. Learn more at cpw.info/keepcoloradowild.

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