Check Out State Parks and Great Outdoors

The Check Out State Parks program is a collaboration between state agencies that can help Coloradans visit state parks at no cost and experience everything the great outdoors has to offer through hands-on learning.

Nearly 300 Colorado libraries are participating in the Check Out State Parks program, including all public libraries, three military base libraries and publically funded academic libraries.

Local libraries offer one or two backpacks available for check out. Each backpack contains the following:

• Annual Colorado State Park Pass for free park entry (hang tag)
• Your Guide to Colorado’s State Parks
• An activity ideas list
• Binoculars
• Leave No Trace – Outdoor Ethics Card
• Educational materials: Fishing Basics Instruction Sheet, Colorado Trees and Wildflower Guide, Colorado Wildlife Guide, Colorado Birds Guide, and Night Sky Guide.

Library patrons can check out the backpack and park pass for up to seven days and use it to visit any Colorado state park.

In recognition of the need for all Coloradans to help protect our state’s natural resources while spending time enjoying them, Governor Jared Polis has proclaimed “Colorado Recreates Responsibly Week” Aug. 31 through Sept. 7. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is asking outdoor enthusiasts to recreate responsibly and participate in the #CareForColorado social movement to showcase how outdoor recreation can be balanced with mindful conservation in an effort to care for Colorado.

Responsible recreation includes respecting seasonal trail closures, not walking on or damaging vegetation, disposing of trash and waste, properly distinguishing campfires, not touching or feeding wildlife, and following trail etiquette to respect others.

Learn more about the Care for Colorado- Leave No Trace principles and how to preserve Colorado for generations to come. Check with your local library about the availability of the backpack for check out.