Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) will offer free admission to all Colorado state parks during August 2026 for active-duty military, veterans, and National Guard members.

Qualifying military members can pick up a free Military Parks Pass, valid for the month of August, at any Colorado state park or CPW office by showing proof of military service. Passes become available August 1, 2026, and are valid for the service member only, not spouses or dependents.

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Accepted forms of identification include a DD214; DD Form 2 or DD Form 2765; an active, retired, or veteran military identification card; a current Colorado driver's license or state-issued identification card with the word "Veteran" printed on it as specified in 42-2-303 (5)(a), C.R.S.; or a VA medical card.

All other park fees remain in effect, including camping reservations, boat and off-highway vehicle registrations, and hunting and fishing licenses. The pass is not valid for accessing State Wildlife Areas.

CPW offers several additional military benefits year-round, including free admission to Colorado state parks on Veterans Day, November 11; free admission for residents with vehicles displaying Colorado Disabled Veteran or Purple Heart license plates; a free lifetime VA fishing or combination small game/fishing license for qualified disabled veterans; and an Independence Pass for qualified disabled veterans allowing year-round state park access.

Visitors can plan a trip using the online State Park Finder tool or download the Colorado State Parks Guide at cpw.state.co.us.