Protecting the Colorado Wilderness

It’s easy to ignore the negative impact we can have on the environment but it’s also our job (a surprisingly easy job) to take care of the environment that we’re lucky enough to enjoy here in Colorado. Whether you’re going for an afternoon stroll, hiking a 14er, or engaging in a multi-day hunting and fishing expedition, you can take steps to protect Colorado’s incredible wilderness. These tips will help you limit the impact you have on the environment around you and preserve it for decades to come.

It’s also important to keep in mind that while much of the Colorado outdoors is capable of recovering well from the occasional impactful behavior, many of the most delicate areas can be found in the higher elevations. If you’re planning on hiking a 14er or hunting high-elevation big game, these tips are even more important for you.

####Carry in, carry out If you’ve been hiking before, you’ve heard it: “Only take in what you’re planning to take out.” Whether you’re dealing with trash, waste, or supplies, you should never leave anything other than footprints behind.

####Stick to your limits This one may seem obvious, but hunting limits for particular species exist for a reason. Limits are created to maintain the natural balance of species within an environment, ensuring that certain species are protected when they need protected and maintaining the natural food supply. Only hunt and fish what you are legally allowed to hunt and fish.

####Stick to the trails If you’re in a well-traveled place, stick to the trail as much as possible to prevent further damage to the natural plant life around you. Even if you’re in a remote or less-traveled location, try to stick to the trails that have come from hikers before you—this will protect the environment and likely make your path easier to follow.

This piece of advice is particularly important for those on a multi-day expedition that requires the use of ATVs or UTVs. While sometimes necessary, these forms of transportation can wreak havoc on the natural environment, so choosing to stick to the trails is an easy way to mitigate this.

####Make it yours We all benefit from the incredible wilderness that Colorado has to offer. If you’re ready to find your own piece of land to enjoy and protect, we’re ready to help. Click here to learn more.