DO WOODLAND PARK RIGHT

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Maximize your adventure, minimize your risk

We are excited for you to explore our rugged backyard, but you should know a few things before starting your adventure so Do Woodland Park Right by following the Care for Colorado Leave No Trace principle — Know Before You Go. Almost half of Colorado is public land. Learn about the area you plan to visit before adventuring out so you can enjoy and help protect the spaces we all share. Colorado’s weather and scenic terrain are stunning but can change drastically. Check conditions before you depart, pack layers, sun protection, rain gear, and wear appropriate footwear ... so you enjoy your trip! Journey to places with minimal crowds to maximize your connection with the great outdoors. Have a backup plan in case the parking lot at your original destination is full. Pack reusable water bottles to stay hydrated, limit waste, and save money.

TRASH THE TRASH

Help keep our views beautiful

Our scenic lands are perfect as they are, so Do Woodland Park Right by following the Care for Colorado Leave No Trace principle — Trash the Trash. Pack in the beautiful views by packing out the trash and leaving a place better than you found it. And make sure not to forget the peels and cores. Just because it’s good for you, doesn’t mean it’s good for the wildlife. No bathroom around? No worries. Be prepared with a disposable WAG bag (found in most outdoor stores), and conveniently pack out your waste. Alternatively, find privacy 70 steps from water and the trail, dig a 6- to 8-inch hole and then bury your business.

BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE

Tread lightly, burn wisely

Our dry and windy climate is a perfect recipe for wildfire, so Do Woodland Park Right by following the Care for Colorado Leave No Trace principle — Be Careful With Fire. Build the perfect Colorado campfire (and avoid sparking a wildfire) by first making sure campfires are allowed in the area. Then, keep them small, manageable and attended. When it’s time to extinguish, make sure the embers are cold to the touch to avoid reigniting a flame. Buy or gather firewood locally; it’ll save you space in your car, plus it prevents the introduction of any invasive species like the destructive pine beetle. Use care when smoking anything (and we do mean anything) in Colorado’s dry climate. One of the biggest causes of fires are discarded butts.

SHARE THE TRAIL

Keep a smile on everyone’s face

Hiking, biking, riding, or driving? We've got the trails for you! With most of our trails available for different types of recreation it’s important to follow trail protocol so we can all enjoy our beautiful lands.

Yield to horses: Horses can be easily spooked, so always yield to them and give them plenty of space. Step off the trail on the downhill side if possible and speak to the rider in a calm voice.
Yield to uphill traffic: When encountering other hikers, bikers, or ATVs on a trail, the uphill traffic has the right of way. Yield by stepping off the trail on the downhill side and wait until they pass.
Pass on the left: When passing other users, always do so on the left side, and give an audible warning, such as a bell or a friendly "hello," to let them know you're approaching.
Hike with dogs responsibly: Leash your dogs and have them wear identification collars. Follow leash laws on the trail, show consideration for others who may be wary, and pick up and pack out any waste.
Slow down around blind corners: When approaching a blind corner, slow down and approach cautiously. Use an audible warning to alert others of your presence.

HUNTING AND FISHING ESSENTIALS

Check local rules before you hit the road

Our public lands near Woodland Park are a bountiful paradise for any hunter or angler. It is important to prepare for hunting and fishing season by understanding Colorado law and following regulations updated frequently by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. When hunting, always clean up targets and shell casings, as they can be a fire hazard. Before fishing be sure to clean your boat and gear to prevent the spread of invasive species, and become familiar with catch and release policies. Hunting and fishing are licensed sports, so carry your Colorado hunting and fishing license. Be sure to familiarize yourself with all Colorado game management units to ensure you stay on public lands and do not enter private property.

ENJOY HIDDEN GEMS

Leave the crowds behind, discover a new adventure

We love our wild backyard. There are plenty of designated trails, campsites, scenic views, and adventures to enjoy in and around Woodland Park. If you want to avoid crowds and be truly immersed in the great outdoors, seek out some of the many hidden gems. Consider visiting during fall or spring and during weekdays to avoid traffic and crowds. Ask locals for their recommendations — pop into the Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce or a gear shop to get the inside scoop on the best-kept adventure secrets. And be sure to stay on public lands by following signs and maps that indicate private property.

BE RESPECTFUL AND KIND

Slow down and enjoy our mountain town

We love our home, and we know you're going to love it too! We're pleased to share it with visitors who appreciate our natural beauty, slower pace, and authentic mountain town charm. When you're visiting Woodland Park, we invite you to slow down, breathe in the clean mountain air and enjoy being present in the great Colorado Rockies. After all, you're visiting one of the most beautiful places on earth! A little respect, kindness, and patience will go a long way if service is a little more relaxed than you're used to, traffic moves slowly in town or parking is tough to come by. We're so glad you are here, and request you treat our community just like you would your own.

CHOOSING A CAMPSITE

Camp like a pro to keep our lands beautiful and wild

Our spacious wilderness affords campers of all types an opportunity to experience breathtaking scenery, incredible night skies, and endless opportunities for exploration. Exceptional camping options range from dispersed camping to designated campgrounds, even full-service RV parks. Designated camping and RV parks fill up when the temperatures warm up, so make your reservation online ahead of time. Dispersed camping is free, primitive, and available on first-come, first-served camping available on public lands such as those managed by the US Forest Service. Tips on choosing the best-dispersed campsite? Check regulations before you leave home, and camp only in previously camped areas that are 100 feet or more from water. Plan to be entirely self-reliant as services and facilities such as trash cans and trash removal, tables, fire pits, and toilets are not provided.

BE PREPARED FOR WINTER

Take on mountain roads with conscious confidence

Driving through Colorado’s high country offers unique challenges no matter what season you're visiting. Check CoTrip.org before you pack up the car and follow the Colorado Department Of Transportation's (CDOT's) helpful mountain driving tips to get you safely to your adventure. Colorado has Passenger Traction and Chain Laws in effect from September through May. Be aware of changing weather conditions and always check road conditions before heading out. Make sure you and your vehicle are ready for mountain travel by packing the essentials:

Sturdy scraper/snow brush/snow shovel to clear snow
Flashlight with extra batteries or crank-powered flashlight
Blanket or sleeping bag
Gallon jug of water
First aid kit and essential medications
Tire chains and tow strap
Jumper cables
Flares/reflectors to signal for help and warn other motorists
Battery or crank-powered radio to listen to emergency broadcasts