Resources for Colorado travelers

In resources for Colorado travelers, some of the most popular topics are camping and campfires. Here’s everything you need to know.

Gunnison Crested Butte is proud to be part of the Care for Colorado Coalition. This coalition is a group of destinations that aims to empower Colorado travelers to tread lightly on public lands and take good care of this beautiful state. We teamed up with Leave No Trace to create these guidelines specifically tailored for a trip to Colorado.

1. Know Before You Go

• Almost half of Colorado is public land. Learn about the area you plan to visit before adventuring out so you can enjoy and help protect the spaces we all share.
• Colorado’s weather and scenic terrain is stunning but can change drastically. Check conditions before you depart, pack layers, sun protection and rain gear, wear appropriate footwear … and enjoy your trip.
• Journey to places with minimal crowds to maximize your connection with the great outdoors. Have a backup plan in case the parking lot at your original destination is full.
• Pack reusable water bottles to stay hydrated, limit waste and save money.
• Find a campsite, pick a trail, book activities and make reservations before you arrive in the Gunnison Valley. Start planning things to do now!

2. Stick to Trails

• Embrace the adventure as intended by only walking on designated trails — even if it’s wet, muddy, slushy or icy. This will help avoid erosion and protect the homes of local wildlife.
• Shortcuts and that perfect selfie can be tempting, but staying on the path will decrease your risk of injury and protect trailside plants.
• Camping? Set up in one of thousands of designated campsites in Colorado. They boast some of the most scenic views and protect the landscapes. And remember to camp at least 200 feet from waterways to leave space for wildlife.
• Did you know there are more than 150 trails in the Gunnison Valley? Start exploring the two million acres of public lands here.

3. Leave It As You Find It

• Enjoy discovering plants? Rocks? Historical and cultural items? Be sure to leave them as you found them so everyone can experience the joy of discovery.
• Colorado has more than 2,000 different species of wildflowers, all with their own unique part to play in our ecosystem. Admire their beauty by taking a photo, not a flower.
• Cleaning boots, bike tires and watercraft before and after every outing not only makes your gear last longer, it prevents the spread of harmful invasive species.
• Colorado’s trees give us beautiful leaf peeping photos, shade on summer days, unmatched ski runs and, of course, oxygen (which at this altitude, is a big help). But the smallest carving can kill or disfigure them.
• Learn more about Crested Butte’s famous (and fragile) wildflowers.      

4. Trash the Trash

• Pack in the beautiful views by packing out the trash and leaving a place better than you found it. And make sure not to forget the peels and cores. Just because it’s good for you, doesn’t mean it’s good for the wildlife. Pack out all trash from camp to avoid a fine. Do not dump trash in private dumpsters—take it home with you or dispose of it properly.
• No bathroom around? No worries. Be prepared with a disposable WAG bag (found in most outdoor stores), and conveniently pack out your waste. Alternatively, find privacy 70 steps from water and the trail, dig a 6- to 8-inch hole and then bury your business.
• Learn more about pooping outside in the Gunnison Valley and beyond.

5. Be Careful With Fire

• Build the perfect Colorado campfire (and avoid sparking a wildfire) by first making sure campfires are allowed in the area. Then, keep them small, manageable and attended. When it’s time to extinguish, make sure the embers are cold to the touch to avoid reigniting a flame.
• Buy or gather firewood locally; it’ll save you space in your car, plus it prevents the introduction of any invasive species like the destructive pine beetle.
• Use care when smoking anything (and we do mean anything) in Colorado’s dry climate. One of the biggest causes of fires are discarded butts.

6. Keep Wildlife Wild

• Colorado is home to tens of thousands of furry, scaly and feathered creatures. To keep them — and you — safe, make sure to keep you (and your dog’s) distance. And if you’re ever unsure, follow the rule of thumb: If you can cover the entire animal with your thumb, you’re at a safe distance.
• Everyone loves the smell of bacon (not just humans). So always store food, trash and anything with a scent in bear proof lockers, canisters or secured vehicles. This will protect you and prevent wildlife from being exposed to behavior changes, predators or even euthanasia.
• Learn more about Gunnison’s abundant wildlife, including black bears.
• While not technically wildlife, cattle are a common sight on public lands in the Gunnison Valley. Give cattle a wide berth as you would with any wild animal, and leash dogs when they are nearby.

7. Share Our Trails & Parks

• Everyone experiences and enjoys the outdoors in different ways. Be mindful of your group’s noise level so everyone can appreciate our shared spaces.
• Yield to the uphill hiker and biker — they need the momentum. Wheelchair users and equestrians always have the right of way. 
• Learn more about trail etiquette and seasonal trail closures in Gunnison and Crested Butte.

© Leave No Trace: LNT.org. © 2023 Colorado Tourism Office. All rights reserved.