outdoors

Conditions Report - Statewide

Rivers and Creeks

Conditions Report - Statewide

Rivers and Creeks

As a young person I did my share of camping. In fact, it was one of my favorite activities. I would stuff everything I needed into a backpack, hike to a spot, toss up a tent and camp. 

Sometimes I would sleep in the back of my truck. I even rode my horse into the backcountry and slept under the stars. Of course, I was young, and my body was nimble and it recovered quickly. Today, as a "mature" adult, my ideas of camping have changed a little. 

Eleven Mile State Park officials will open the reservoir to boating for the season April 7. The North Shore Boat Ramp will be open each day from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset through October. Night time boating is prohibited at Eleven Mile Reservoir. 

Conditions Report - Statewide

Rivers and Creeks

Maybe you want to learn how to bag your next Thanksgiving turkey. Or perhaps you need a refresher course so your skills are sharp when spring turkey season opens April 14.

Then sign up now for Turkey Hunting 101, a Colorado Parks and Wildlife class scheduled for 6:00 p.m., Monday, April 9, at the Lake Pueblo State Park auditorium.

District Wildlife Manager Gretchen Holschuh is hosting the free, three-hour class, which is open to everyone from novice to experienced hunters.

Spinney Mountain State Park will open to shore fishermen and boats Sunday, April 1, providing anglers with one of their coveted annual spring fishing rites. The opening will officially mark the beginning of the 2018 Spinney Mountain Reservoir fishing season. 

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is urging hunters planning to apply for a limited hunting license to begin the process as soon as possible. The agency says waiting until just before the application deadline, midnight, April 3, could pose challenges for hunters due to staff availability and support. Getting in early will ensure successfully completing and submitting an application.

The Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site will switch to its summer schedule beginning April 1.  The park will open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., seven days a week.  This schedule will remain in effect through November 30, 2018.

The park will remain open for all three 2018 summer federal holidays - Memorial Day (May 28), Independence Day (July 4), and Labor Day (September 3).