Avoid the wait, get your pass in advance.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers free park entrance to active-duty military and veterans during the month of August as a result of House Bill 15-1045, signed into law May 27, 2015.

“We appreciate Colorado’s military community and encourage them to take advantage of this offer to enjoy the beauty and recreational opportunities of Colorado with a state parks pass,” said CPW Public Information and Website Manager, Matt Robbins.

CPW encourages eligible individuals to get their pass in advance at any CPW office or state park to avoid delays at the gate on a planned recreation day.

“Archery, boating, rock climbing, hiking, geocaching and wildlife-viewing, along with well-equipped nature centers and picnic areas are just a few of the options for service members to relax and recharge,” added Robbins.

See more outdoor recreation options in the Parks Guide.

Veterans and active-duty military personnel (including active duty, Reserve and National Guard members) can obtain a military hang-tag pass valid for free admission during the month of August, by showing the CPW parks staff one of the following:

Active or retired military identification,

DD Form 2,

DD Form 2765,

DD214,

Veterans Affairs medical card, 

A current Colorado Driver’s License or state issued identification card with the veteran seal printed on it.

Once eligibility is confirmed, the military hang-tag pass is issued to the service member. The hang-tag pass is valid when hung from the rear-view mirror of a service member occupied vehicle, and admits all passengers of that vehicle.

Park entrance fees are waived for veterans and active-duty personnel in the month of August, but activities like fishing and camping will still require a valid license and permit. Go to http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Pages/parkMap.aspx or http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Pages/default.aspx to locate a state park near you.

Free access for veterans and active duty military is slated to continue every year in which general fund dollars are appropriated by the General Assembly.

Visit http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Pages/default.aspx for more information.