Leave No Trace

Check out the Colo-Ready Brochure

 KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Stay back from the pack. Find your way to less-visited and off-peak destinations to minimize downtime and maximize your connection with special places.
• Bring along reusable water bottles or hot drink tumblers to limit waste and stay hydrated in our dry climate.

 STICK TO TRAILS

• By sticking to designated trails and campsites and camping at least 200 feet from lakes, rivers and streams, you’re helping natural areas stay natural.
• Even though shortcuts can be tempting, please don’t take them. A few extra strides on the path will protect plants and the homes of the true locals.

 LEAVE IT AS YOU FIND IT

• Leave plants, rocks and historical items as you find them so others can experience the joy of discovery.
• Any of our 750 different species of wildflowers will live forever in a photo. Snap away, but only with a camera.
• Colorado is beautiful all on its own. Building structures or campsites on public land isn’t cool. Keep it pristine for everyone to enjoy.
• Treat all living things with respect. Carving or hacking plants and trees may kill or disfigure them.

 TRASH THE TRASH

• Pack it in, pack it out. Or pick it up to leave a place better than you found it. Put litter, even crumbs, peels and cores in your nearest waste/recycling bin.
• Wash yourself, your dog or whatever else needs cleaning at least 200 feet from waterways and use biodegradable soap. A bubble bath is no treat for fish.

 BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE

• Colorado’s low humidity has perks but can create dry, dangerous conditions. Keep campfires small and manageable to avoid sparking wildfires.
• When putting out a fire, water it until you can handle the embers. Never let a fire burn unattended.
• Use care when smoking in Colorado’s dry climate. Always put cigarettes out completely, and don’t leave your butts behind.

 KEEP WILDLIFE WILD

• Colorado is home to tens of thou­sands of furry, scaly and feathered creatures. To keep them – and you – safe, don’t approach them.
• It is not adorable to feed wild animals. You could alter natural behaviors, exposing them to predators or even euthanasia.
• Keep your furry buddies leashed when enjoying dog-friendly trails and pack out their waste-- all the way to a trashcan.

 SHARE OUR TRAILS & PARKS

• Chances are you’re not out in nature to people watch, so try out the lesser-known paths and sites.
• Silence your cell phone before stepping into nature and speak softly without using the speaker function.
• Be considerate when passing others on the trails and yield to the uphill hiker and biker – they need the momentum.
• Listen to nature. Keep your voice soft and your music in your earbuds so all can enjoy the peace of Colorado.

For more information on condition-specific Leave No Trace principles, visit the Leave No Trace website.