Press Release
Friday, May 22, 2026
Outdoor leaders remind the public to have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend
Know before you go, plan ahead, and be careful with fire and water
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – With visitation to Pikes Peak region parks, trails, and waterways expected to increase over the holiday weekend and summer months, the Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance (becoming Pikes Peak Outdoors) reminds visitors to recreate responsibly. Recreating outdoors is an important way of life for all Coloradans, and public land agencies need everyone’s cooperation to help them sustain enjoyable outdoor experiences and preserve natural areas and wildlife for future generations.
Following the seven Leave No Trace principles, particularly KNOW BEFORE YOU GO and BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE, is encouraged to ensure that residents and visitors have safe and enjoyable experiences on the region’s public lands. Recent rain does not mean we’re without risk of wildfire so be sure to check the restrictions that may be in place where you plan to travel and camp. (See https://pikespeakoutdoors.org/fire-information/) Water safety is also key, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife is encouraging river rafters, kayakers, tubers, anglers, swimmers and people picnicking along waterways to take extra precautions this summer and be mindful of high water levels and swift-moving rapids. (See News Release HERE.)
Here are some essential responsible recreation guidelines from our land managers over Memorial weekend and throughout the summer:
· Enjoy and protect shared public lands. With visitation continuing to increase, please do your part to help protect land, wildlife, water and plants. Numerous small disturbances can quickly harm sensitive natural resources and have a lasting impact on shared public lands. Remember to “Leave No Trace” and be prepared to pack out all trash and dog waste when receptacles aren’t available.
· Be courteous and inclusive. People visit trails and public lands for many reasons, including emotional and physical well-being and spending time with friends and family members. Visitors of all identities and abilities deserve respect and courtesy while recreating outdoors.
· Plan ahead and know your limits. Local public land agencies continue to see sustained high numbers of rescues. Don’t take unnecessary risks. Check the weather forecast and trail and trailhead information. Visit public lands with a friend or a family member. Tell people where you’re going and when you plan on returning. Make sure to bring food and water. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for cold, wet or changing weather conditions.
· Don’t park illegally at full trailheads and follow all rules and regulations. Have an alternate plan in case the parking lot is full. Parks and trails are generally less crowded on weekdays. Trailhead parking lots are often full early in the morning on weekends. Take shuttles to popular recreation areas, if available. Review agency rules and regulations before heading to the trailhead as individual areas may have special restrictions or guidelines. Rangers may issue tickets for illegally parked vehicles.
· Stay on trail and walk through mud. If you need to step off-trail to let others pass, avoid stepping on vegetation. Step back on trail immediately after people pass you. Please don’t travel off trail. Help protect sensitive wildlife habitats by staying out of wildlife closure areas. Mountain biking and OHV use on muddy trails will damage the trail – please come back when trails are dry.
It’s a good idea to access the following land manager websites to view critical advisories and trail maps BEFORE planning visits to public lands:
Visitors can also download the COTREX trail app developed with support from the State of Colorado, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO):