Veterans and Active Military to Receive Free Colorado State Parks Entry November 11
Veterans and active-duty military personnel can visit any Colorado state park free of charge on November 11 by showing proof of military service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced November 4.
The Veterans Day program applies to all 43 state parks statewide, including Boyd Lake and Lory State Parks in Larimer County and St. Vrain State Park near the Weld County border. The free entry covers both Colorado residents and non-residents with valid military identification or documentation.
Vehicles displaying Colorado Disabled Veteran or Purple Heart license plates receive free entry to all state parks year-round, according to CPW.
The free day pass provides an opportunity to explore state parks featuring hiking, fishing, boating, camping and wildlife viewing across diverse landscapes from grasslands to mountain reservoirs. All other fees remain in effect November 11, including camping reservations, boat registrations, off-highway vehicle permits, and hunting and fishing licenses.
Northern Colorado Parks Open for Veterans Day
Boyd Lake State Park near Loveland offers boating, fishing, swimming and water sports on its 1,700-acre reservoir, with a marina, swim beach and boat ramps. The park maintains 140 campsites and charges a standard $10 daily vehicle fee outside of free-entry days.
Lory State Park west of Fort Collins provides hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and fishing access across 2,479 acres of foothills terrain. The park features equestrian facilities, group picnic areas and boat access to Horsetooth Reservoir.
St. Vrain State Park near Firestone serves Weld County residents with fishing ponds, paved campsites, nature trails, birdwatching areas and an archery range. The park typically charges $10 for daily vehicle entry.
CPW operates a State Park Finder tool online allowing visitors to locate parks by activity, amenities and geographic area.
Expanded Military Benefits Year-Round
Colorado Parks and Wildlife maintains multiple programs recognizing military service beyond the November 11 free entry day. The agency offers free state park admission during August for all active-duty military, veterans and National Guard members.
Qualified disabled veterans receive free lifetime small game and fishing licenses through CPW if they are Colorado residents with a 50 percent or greater service-connected disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Independence Pass program provides free lifetime state parks access to Colorado resident veterans with service-connected disabilities or former prisoners of war. CPW launched the Independence Pass in 2017 as part of broader military recognition initiatives.
Fort Collins announced November 4 that city administrative offices will close November 11 for Veterans Day, though recreation facilities including the Gardens on Spring Creek and Fort Collins Museum of Discovery will remain open with regular hours.
Greeley will close administrative buildings November 11 while offering veterans and active duty service members free golf at Boomerang Links Golf Course and Highland Hills Golf Course, including complimentary green fees and cart rentals.
Keep Colorado Wild Pass Funds Parks Operations
The Keep Colorado Wild Pass generates substantial revenue supporting state parks operations, search and rescue teams and avalanche safety programs across Colorado. The $29 annual pass is offered during vehicle registration and provides unlimited state park entry for one year.
Colorado residents with Disabled Veterans or Purple Heart license plates who renew vehicle registration online receive the Keep Colorado Wild Pass at no cost if they remain opted in during the renewal process.
Revenue from the pass is distributed with approximately 70 percent supporting state parks operations and maintenance, 25 percent funding search and rescue programs, and 5 percent supporting avalanche safety initiatives, according to CPW financial reports. Parks in Larimer and Weld Counties receive funding proportional to visitor use and facility maintenance requirements.
CPW offices and call centers will be closed November 11 to observe the state holiday. Visitors should call park offices ahead of time to confirm whether individual visitor centers are open.
The agency operates as an enterprise funded primarily through license sales, state parks fees and registration revenues. CPW manages 43 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, with operations contributing approximately $6 billion annually to Colorado's economy.
Additional information about military benefits and state park locations is available at cpw.state.co.us.