Investigators with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of off of Land Ends Road on Sunday, sheriff’s officials said in a news release Thursday.

The picnic area is in the .

“At the time of the discovery, the remains were found to have been scavenged and scattered,” sheriff’s officials said.

Investigators found the person had been consumed by a bear and likely other wildlife, the agency said. How the person died is not clear, and their cause of death and identity will be determined by the Mesa County coroner’s office.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials do not believe there is any threat to human health or safety, according to the sheriff’s office.

“Like many areas throughout Mesa County, this area is home to black bears. When human-bear conflicts occur they are more often than not traced back to human behavior,” officials said in the news release.

Anyone who may have seen something suspicious near the picnic area between June 22 and Sunday can contact Investigator Jenna Reed at 970-244-3274.

The costs associated with entry fees and reservation times can add up quickly between the numerous national parks, national forests, state parks and more. It can also be difficult to keep up with it all since each attraction is managed by a different agency or municipality.

Say, for example, you live in Denver and have friends or family visiting for a long weekend. If you want to take them kayaking at Chatfield State Park in Littleton one day, you’ll need to buy a $12 vehicle day pass. And if you also want to drive them to the summit of Mount Blue Sky near Idaho Springs, you’ll need to make a reservation up to 30 days in advance and pay another $22 reservation/entry fee for the day.

That����ap a $34 investment before you consider the added costs of gas, food, and gear rentals.

Or perhaps your group wants to venture further into the forest and check out the iconic Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs followed by a trip to Maroon Bells Scenic Area near Aspen. That will set you back $12 per person for hiking access to Hanging Lake, plus $12.50 to park at the Maroon Bells trailhead. The catch: Maroon Bells’ parking reservations fill up quickly, so unless you book well in advance, you’ll likely have to take a shuttle to the scenic area for $16 per adult and $10 per child.

The cheapest way to get into Maroon Bells Scenic Area is to ride an e-bike, which incurs a $5 entry fee — though that does not include whatever it may cost to rent one from a nearby shop. Plus, you need some level of physical fitness, as round trip from Aspen Highlands Ski Area to Maroon Lake.

Fees to access these beloved areas often go back to helping crews maintain and clean the trails and amenities, so they are not cash grabs. And there are some money-saving hacks to bring down the cost. For example, when Coloradans register their vehicles each year, they can get a , a steep discount compared to the usual price of $80.

Still, it����ap easy to spend hundreds of dollars per year to visit Colorado’s most coveted outdoor destinations. Here’s a breakdown of prices to know about ahead of planning your next trip.

National Parks Annual Pass: $80

If you plan to visit all four of Colorado’s national parks, or even a single park more than twice, it����ap probably worth investing in an annual pass. Otherwise, you’ll pay $30 per car to visit , and , and $25 per car to visit the . Individual parks also sell individual annual passes for less than $80. For example, an annual pass to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park costs $55.

State Parks Annual Pass: $80

As mentioned, Colorado residents can snag a discounted state parks pass when they sign up for a during vehicle registration. That is the only time locals can access that discount. About a quarter of the population opted in for that pass between June 2024 and June 2025, to support state parks, local search and rescue volunteers and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.

State Parks Day Pass: $10-$12

Day use passes to Colorado’s state parks typically cost $10 per private vehicle. However, several parks increased entry prices by $2 this year to support maintenance of roads and dams. It costs $12 to visit Chatfield State Park in Littleton, Cherry Creek State Park in Aurora, Golden Gate Canyon in Golden, Elkhead Reservoir State Park in Craig, Stagecoach State Park in Oak Creek, State Forest State Park in Walden, and Pearl Lake State Park and Steamboat Lake State Park in Clark. (Out-of-state visitors pay $15-$17 per day depending on where they go.)

Mount Blue Sky: $17-$22

Following a multi-year closure and redevelopment project, the Mount Blue Sky Recreation Area reopened to visitors in May of this year. Entry costs $20 per car or $15 per motorcycle, plus a $2 reservation fee to schedule when you want to visit in advance (required). The recreation area officially starts near Echo Lake on the , and includes access to Mount Goliath, Summit Lake Park, and the Mount Blue Sky Summit at 14,266 feet.

Pikes Peak: $20-$40 per person

Located near Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak is one of Colorado’s most accessible 14ers because there is a paved highway that runs 19 miles all the way to the summit. But, of course, it will cost you to get there. Entry costs $18 per person in a private vehicle (or $65 for a car of up to five people), plus a $2 reservation fee when booked in advance. Another option is to ride the shuttle to the top, which costs $40 per adult and $12 per child.

Hanging Lake: $12 per person

Much of the trail to Hanging Lake, near Glenwood Springs, was destroyed in a wildfire that ripped through the area in 2020. Though it has technically been open since 2021, a $4.7 million reconstruction project is now complete and welcoming visitors. Reservations ($12 per person) are required to visit Hanging Lake, a Natural National Landmark formed from travertine, or limestone deposited near mineral springs. The lake was formed by a geologic fault that caused the lake bed to drop away from the valley floor above, and it remains home to an extremely sensitive ecosystem.

Maroon Bells Scenic Area: $5 and up

The Maroon Bells Scenic Area provides access to Maroon Lake and acts as a gateway to the larger Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. It costs $12.50 ($10, plus a $2 reservation fee) to park at the trailhead. But parking sells out far in advance, so visitors may have to take a shuttle service that runs from Aspen Highlands Ski Area to the Maroon Lake trailhead. That costs $16 per adult and $10 per child when booked in advance, or $20 per adult and $14 per child when booked day-of. New this year, the area is charging $5 per e-bike entry.

Maroon Bells ranks among Colorado’s most well-known destinations, recording about 215,000 visits annually between May and October. That����ap why fees are expected to go up in the coming years, as Pitkin County officials work to take over maintaining the recreation area.

Blue Lakes: $6-$31 starting in 2027

Anyone who wants to visit the Blue Lakes, located near Ridgway and Telluride on the Western Slope, will soon have to buy a permit to do so. Starting in 2027, the U.S. Forest Service expects to require people to buy a $5 day-use permit or $25 overnight camping permit during peak season, from June 1 through Sept. 30. The prices are anticipated to include an additional $1 and $6 reservation fee, respectively. (The agency recently proposed those fees and is currently .)

The Blue Lakes have become extremely popular in recent years to the point that recreation has devastated the natural wilderness. The permit system is intended to cut down annual visitation from about 35,000 people to 8,000 people.

“I’ve definitely stopped visiting places because of crowdedness,” said Ethan Billingsley, a senior instructor in outdoor recreation leadership at CSU’s Warner College of Natural Resources. “Our radius,” he continued, “expands based on the subjective crowding we perceive.”

The keyword there, of course, is “subjective.” If you’re from Manhattan, a few dozen people holed up around the ponds at might feel downright intimate. But for OG Coloradans, seeing the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station into RMNP backed up halfway to Estes Park can be a real loss.

With over 4 million visitors every year, Rocky Mountain is one of the most visited parks within the entire NPS system. But according to a series of widely cited Reddit threads, roughly 90 percent of national park-goers never venture more than a half-mile from the main road.

This figure may be based on intuition rather than fact; Kyle Patterson, RMNP’s public affairs officer, couldn’t find any recent studies corroborating it. During a 2002 visitor survey, though, the majority of day-use visitors reported hiking 10 miles or less, and the most common distance hiked was 5 miles, Patterson reports. Still, it����ap usually possible to find peace and quiet inside RMNP – if you’re willing (and able) to “embrace rugged recreation,” Billingsley said, referring to the park’s rigorous, high-elevation routes. (And in all fairness to RMNP, the timed-entry reservation system – now in its seventh year – has been successful at “spreading use out throughout the park,” as Patterson put it.)

Colorado claims four incredible national parks, including its lesser-traveled crown jewel, (check before visiting for long-term wildfire-related closures). But we also have 13 national park sites, including five monuments, four historic sites and one recreational area – plus a handful of historic trails. NPS sites see a fraction of the RMNP crowds, but they certainly aren’t lacking in the scenic-views department.

In Cortez, for example, there’s , a 176,000-acre tract protecting more than 8,300 documented archaeological sites, including villages, kivas, field houses, cliff dwellings, petroglyphs and ancient roadways. The out-and-back Sand Canyon Trail (6 miles each way) passes a series of ancestral Puebloan ruins. If you’re visiting in the summer, mind the heat; pack plenty of water and sun protection.

The nearby town of Dolores makes an excellent home base. When you’re ready to nosh on something more sophisticated than freeze-dried camp food, try the wood-fired pizza (and craft beer) at on Fourth Street.

Wedged between two popular vacation towns – Pagosa Springs and Durango – is another southwestern Colorado gem. It’s open seasonally (mid-May through mid-October) and holds more than 100 significant Pueblo Indian archaeological sites. Try the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association’s excellent tours and guided programming – but visitors are also welcome to explore the area on their own.

Distance from Denver

For those who seek solitude, it����ap all about DFD. “How far away from Denver are you willing to drive?” Billingsley asked.

Billingsley’s a fan of , with multiple access points in Mesa and Delta counties. This high-desert expanse spans over 210,000 acres of protected public land, including the rugged Dominguez Canyon Wilderness, where fishing is a year-round affair on Big Dominguez Creek. Nearly 30 miles of the Gunnison River sustain a veritable backcountry zoo; visitors are likely to spot golden eagles, turkeys, elk, and collared lizards, among other species.

You’ll find a different kind of quiet in the San Luis Valley at , off County Road 38A, past the Y intersection near La Garita Trading Post. This site strikes a rare balance between serenity and world-class action. Sport climbers flock here for the volcanic tuff, but there’s enough singletrack to keep hikers and mountain bikers busy for days. Penitente Canyon is BLM territory, but you’ll still need to snag a reservation at before pitching your tent.

The southeastern part of the state has some nice topography, Billingsley reminds, and , a mile past the Picture Canyon sign on Forest Service Road 533, is a gorgeous destination tucked inside Colorado’s Comanche National Grassland. Visitors come for the unique rock formations, sandstone canyons, and rolling hills – all laid out across 13 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails.

There’s great birding on the shortgrass prairie; keep an eye out for scaled quail, wrens, ladder-backed woodpeckers and blue grosbeaks, among many other species. If you’re camping (it����ap the free, dispersed variety here) bring binoculars for premium stargazing. Pack plenty of water, too, since the on-site spring water isn’t potable.

Just south of the eclectic town of Trinidad, our newest state park, , houses one of southern Colorado’s most recognizable landmarks (its namesake peak). The park has 16 miles of tranquil trails. Be aware that many map applications place the property address in an incorrect location; it’s best to follow the driving directions listed on the park’s website.

Northwest of crowds

For an exceptional off-the-grid getaway, make the town of Meeker (population 2,242) your launchpad into the state’s overlooked northwestern wilderness.

“This really is the authentic West,” said Sara Stephenson, executive director of the Meeker Chamber of Commerce. In addition to hiking, biking, and motorized recreational trails, there’s plenty of fishing on ample streams, lakes, and reservoirs. The White River remains a big draw, too, though Stephenson notes that public access points along the banks are becoming increasingly scarce.

“Lots of people come here in the summer to cool off,” Stephenson said, explaining that Meeker is often 10-plus degrees cooler than Grand Junction.

Catch a rodeo if you can; held at the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds, the free runs June through August on Thursday nights. (But if you’re hoping to circumvent crowds, maybe skip the town’s blowout Fourth of July festival, the annual , a weeklong celebration that includes rodeos, along with a parade, fireworks, and more.)

Since downtown Meeker is only a mile long, it����ap a walkable base camp with boutiques and locally owned restaurants. For your morning coffee fix, there’s on Market Street. The nearby is your best option for post-hike fuel, with brick oven pizza, beer, live music, and bingo. History buffs, don’t miss the on Park Avenue, which offers a quirky account of local history from inside a pair of the town’s original log buildings.

Consider booking a room at the . Between the massive, century-old animal mounts and famous bullet hole in the wall, it delivers the exact brand of haunted history you’re expecting from a historic Colorado inn. There are also furnished tiny homes a few miles out of town, toward Trappers, Stephenson said, referencing on County Road 8.

Meeker isn’t far from the , Colorado’s second largest wilderness area, with approximately 110 lakes and ponds, many unnamed, dotting the high plateau above and below flat-topped cliffs. “The 235,000-acre Flat Tops Wilderness is known for its solitude and remote setting,” said Aaron Grimes, a district recreation staff officer for the US Forest Service.

Flat Tops has an outstanding interconnected trail system linking over 300 miles of backcountry trails that are perfectly suited for multi-day loops. Most access points are reached from the west side, coming through Meeker, and Grimes noted that despite the isolation, the gravel roads are well-maintained, meaning a passenger vehicle should get you to most trailheads.

The South Fork trailhead opens to easy day hikes along the river as well as longer backpacking routes for those looking to disappear for a while. The Marvine (pronounced Mar-VEEN) trailhead, meanwhile, is a favorite for horseback riders and leads roughly 6 miles to a pair of stunning twin lakes. “The Trappers Lake area has numerous trailheads that lead to a variety of High-Country lakes and vary in distance and difficulty,” added Grimes. Developed campgrounds at South Fork, Marvine and Trappers Lake require reservations through.

Good planning is critical, Grimes cautions. “This remote area generally lacks cell phone service,” he said, adding, “Many trails are located over an hour from Meeker.” Bring extra food and water, fuel up your vehicle in town, prepare for longer travel times than expected, check weather forecasts, and bring essentials for backcountry travel. Study maps, too, and call the Blanco Ranger District for up-to-date trail conditions, at 970-878-4039.

You might as well tack on a day trip to the sparsely populated , which straddles Colorado and Utah. Colorado’s Canyon Visitor Center on Highway 40 opens seasonally, mid-May into October.

You won’t find the monument����ap namesake fossil beds on the Colorado side of the border. “The rocks are too old to contain dinosaurs for the most part,” explained park ranger Erin Cahill. Still, we’ve got some of the best geology in the world; the rugged landscape includes massive formations, deep faults, and kaleidoscopic rock layers that occasionally give way to sweeping, hundred-mile vistas.

Inside the monument, hit Harper’s Corner Road, a 31-mile-long (each way) scenic drive delivering a series of dramatic overlooks. The 2-mile round-trip hike at the end of the road is a “must do,” Cahill said. For those of you with high clearance vehicles, a four-wheel-drive road branches off toward Echo Park Campground, a secluded riverside site that����ap only accessible when the road is dry. With the exception of one group site, all camping is first-come, first-served; Deerlodge Park Campground is another remote option.

Come to the monument prepared for the high-desert heat. Dehydration’s no joke, and afternoon lightning can appear out of nowhere. Your most valuable tool is the NPS app: Download maps for offline use before you arrive since cell signals inside the monument are spotty at best.

Due north of the monument (as the crow flies) there’s . To get there, though, you’ll have to drive around the monument, through Maybell – a route that takes about 2 hours.

Tucked along the Green River, not far from the Utah-Wyoming border, the refuge serves as a vital sanctuary for migratory birds and threatened species like the bald eagle. It����ap a rich tapestry of habitats, ranging from pinyon-juniper forests to lush wet meadows. The area also boasts some cultural history, starting with the Fremont Indians, including Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch, who evidently helped local ranchers when they needed to avoid law enforcement.

Leave it as you found it

Public land agencies – often underfunded and understaffed – can quickly become overwhelmed when a lesser-known spot blows up overnight. If you’re heading off the beaten path, definitely familiarize yourself with ethics. Figure out which entity manages the land you’ll visit, then go online and brush up on their local rules. It����ap on us to protect Colorado’s most precious spots for the next generation of adventurers. Though increased visitation can deplete natural resources, tourism is an economic boon for our state’s small and rural towns – so please be sure to buy local when visiting the places outlined in this story.

Two men who worked for a moving company were passing through the area after completing a delivery and stopped at the “Rapid 5 1/2 Pullover” on Chaffee County Road 371 outside of Buena Vista, . The two men often stopped at this popular camping spot along the Arkansas River to have lunch while driving, investigators said.

While walking back up the trail, one of the men — identified by the sheriff’s office as 59-year-old Paul Frasch of Silverthorne — dislodged rocks along the trail and was crushed.

Chaffee County deputies responded to the fatal rockslide at about 1:40 p.m. Tuesday, according to the sheriff’s office.

Investigators estimated that one of the boulders on top of Frasch’s body weighed at least half a ton, or roughly 1,000 pounds, sheriff’s officials said. The man died at the scene.

Frasch’s coworker injured his arms while trying to free Frasch, but no other injuries or fatalities were reported, investigators said.

The incident remains under investigation, according to the sheriff’s office.

The Summit County Sheriff’s Office is taking a zero tolerance approach to illegally made fires, and the department filmed its officers issuing at least three citations since Stage 1 fire restrictions went into effect last Friday, said patrol sergeant Mike Schilling. The agency made a to warn visitors.

“First and foremost, it’s a priority for the sheriff’s office because we want to keep our community safe,” Schilling said. “The warning is the signage at the trailhead, it’s in (news) stories like these, it’s on social media. Once you start an illegal fire, the time for a warning has passed.”

Stage 1 restrictions prohibit open fires anywhere but in permanent, designated rings built by the U.S. Forest Service. At dispersed campsites, the fire rings are usually made by previous campers, so fires are not permitted there. Additionally, fireworks are prohibited under Stage 1, so don’t expect to light up in the wilderness on the Fourth of July holiday.

But the White River National Forest expects to move to Stage 2 fire restrictions this Friday (June 26), according to spokesperson David Boyd. That means no wood-fueled or charcoal fires whatsoever. Campers are only permitted to use gas stoves to cook or roast marshmallows while out.

Following one of Colorado’s warmest and driest winters on record, most of the state is experiencing drought and is at high risk for wildfires. In Summit County, residential and commercial developments abut the forests, so the potential for fires to cause property damage and displace residents is especially concerning, Schilling said.

Cooking camping meals, s’mores is still possible under Colorado’s fire bans. Here’s how.

When officers issue someone a citation, they are summoned to court where a judge determines individual penalties for each violation.

The White River National Forest encompasses the wilderness around Summit County hotspots like Breckenridge, Keystone and Silverthorne, as well as areas in Vail, Aspen, Glenwood Springs, and more. Last weekend, the Dillon Ranger District team marked about 120 rock fire rings with yellow “no campfire” flags and posted fire restriction signs at more than 120 trailheads, day use, and roadside locations, Boyd said. Additionally, the crew made over 200 contacts with the public, extinguished two abandoned campfires, and issued two warnings.

The Summit County Sheriff’s Office relies on citizens to report illegal fires, so Schilling encouraged people to do so by calling or texting 911.

“While the vast majority come here to be responsible, a lot of folks get out here and say, ‘hey, you know, this is the vacation I've been dreaming about for years and I’m going to make my fire regardless.' We certainly come across that every year,” Schilling said. “We want visitors of Summit County to know that our community takes fire danger extremely seriously.”

Fire managers base decisions about fire restrictions on fuel‑moisture measurements, predicted weather, regional fire activity, and other risk factors. Stage 1 fire restrictions are currently active or forthcoming in the ; the ; the ; the in the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands; the ; and the .

From glassy high-altitude lakes you can only reach on foot to world-class whitewater that draws paddlers from around the globe, Colorado rewards kayakers at every skill level.

Different sports: flatwater vs. whitewater

If you want to kayak in Colorado, it����ap important to know that flatwater and whitewater kayaking are different sports. Flatwater kayaking is beginner-friendly and usually just needs a life jacket, basic paddling skills, and some weather awareness.

Rentals are easy to find, and the risks are low.

Whitewater kayaking, on the other hand, requires specialized gear such as a helmet, a spray skirt, and a whitewater kayak.

You’ll also need to be a strong swimmer, know about river hazards, and get proper instruction. The risks are higher, so beginners should take lessons before trying whitewater.

“Flatwater is very beginner friendly,” says Nik White, owner of Whitewater Workshop in Golden.

“People can rent a kayak at many state and local parks and have a great day without a lesson. Just wear a life jacket and don’t get surprised by bad weather.”

Always check the weather before you go out, and be ready for sudden changes.

In Colorado, wind, rain, or storms can come up quickly. If you see dark clouds, feel the wind picking up, or hear thunder, leave the water right away and find shelter on shore. Paying attention and planning ahead will help you avoid problems and have a safe, fun trip.

Whitewater is a different story.

Colorado’s rivers are generally faster, steeper, and colder than most rivers elsewhere in the United States.

Experts say if you want to kayak on moving water, take a lesson first.

“Taking lessons is a great way to get familiar with the fundamental skills,” says Jonathan Kahn, owner of Confluence Kayak & Ski in Denver.

Ben Bohren, a Colorado Whitewater board member, agrees: “Anybody starting a new activity should take lessons, especially if you’re going to do whitewater.”

For whitewater beginners, insist on an American Canoe Association-certified kayak instructor.

Low snowpack, lower flows: What kayakers need to know

Because this year’s snowpack is lower than usual, Colorado’s rivers will have less water than normal.

This means flows will be lower, which can make some stretches of the river shallower and rockier, affecting the conditions kayakers encounter.

Kahn warns that flows could be “as low as we’ve ever seen them,” potentially peaking as early as April rather than the typical late May or June, and tapering off by the end of June rather than running through the full summer.

With less water in the rivers, kayakers may find some sections to be rockier and shallower. This can make navigation trickier, and some areas might not be passable by kayak at all. Always check water conditions before heading out.

Still, the experts see some good news.

“I think this will be a great year to learn to kayak,” says White.

Kahn says this year is a good chance to get outside, enjoy nature, and improve your kayaking skills.

Key rivers, including the Upper South Platte, Upper Colorado, and Arkansas, benefit from robust water management programs that safeguard reliable minimum flows even in dry years.

For the Arkansas River, the Voluntary Flow Program ensures dependable minimum flows extend through mid-August, with reservoir releases scheduled to optimize recreational use.

Certain locations, such as Glenwood Canyon’s Shoshone section, have water rights that provide instream-flow protection despite low snowpack.

Don’t skip this: Essential safety tips for Colorado paddlers

All three experts agree on one point: Wear your life jacket. Every time.

“Many people die every year in Colorado because they didn’t wear a life jacket,” says White.

“Winds come up fast and tip people over and the water is usually very cold, which is a deadly combination.”

Follow these safety tips:

• Always wear a life jacket.
• Wear a helmet for Class II rapids and above.
• Dress for cold water. Use wetsuits, drysuits, and layers like fleece or neoprene. Skip cotton, since it won’t keep you warm when wet. The right gear keeps you safe and comfortable if you fall in.
• Never kayak alone, especially if you’re just starting out.
• Tell others where you’re going and when you expect to return.
• Know river conditions. Hazards can change quickly and aren’t always easy to spot.
• Don’t overestimate your skill level.
• Always use a spray skirt on whitewater to keep water out of your kayak.
• Paddle with a group and agree on how to communicate on the river.

The American Canoe Association recently released a free resource called Smart Start, which includes a paddling safety infographic and a free online course for new paddlers.

Ready to paddle? How to find lessons and rentals near you

Rent flatwater kayaks at locations such as Chatfield, Horsetooth, and Carter Lake.

Reserve online for busy periods; on-site rental is often available midweek.

Mountain reservoirs such as Dillon and Granby have colder water, so dress for it.

For whitewater, secure lessons with a certified instructor or trusted professional outfitter–do not attempt on your own.

“There’s something for everybody in paddling,” says Kahn. “It doesn’t have to be super-charged, adrenaline-fueled rapids. Be willing to try it and try something new. It����ap a great way to enjoy Colorado in the summertime.”

Best spots for beginners

South Platte River near Deckers: The Deckers section of the South Platte River is the state’s premier whitewater introduction: steady dam-managed Class I–II flows in a picturesque canyon. Rely on this section for consistent, beginner-friendly whitewater experiences.

St. Vrain River in Lyons (Apple Valley): Use Apple Valley in Lyons as the definitive beginner’s introduction to moving water. Start at the wooden bridge on Apple Valley Road and exit in east Lyons. This stretch offers accessible, safe training.

Upper Colorado River near Burns or Dotsero: Rely on the Burns-to-Dotsero stretch of the Upper Colorado River for scenic, low-risk moving water, ideal for new whitewater paddlers. The Pumphouse-to-State Bridge float is a proven route.

Ruby-Horsethief Canyon, Colorado River near Fruita: Experience Ruby-Horsethief Canyon for an unrivaled scenic Class I/II paddle. Secure camping permits exclusively through recreation.gov or the BLM; regulations are strict and must be observed. This stretch demands planning and delivers unmatched beginner scenery.

Big Soda Lake, Bear Creek Lake Park / Chatfield State Park: Select Big Soda Lake and Chatfield State Park near Denver for accessible, high-quality paddling. These waters guarantee a relaxed experience close to the city.

Chatfield, Horsetooth, and Carter Lake: Use Chatfield, Horsetooth, and Carter Lake as your go-to Front Range flatwater destinations. Rentals and ample space support all skill levels.

Best spots for intermediate and advanced paddlers

Arkansas River: The Arkansas River is Colorado’s top whitewater spot, with over 100 miles of paddling from Class II+ to Class V. Famous sections include Browns Canyon (Class III, very popular), The Numbers (Class IV to V, above Browns Canyon), and the Royal Gorge.

Clear Creek, Idaho Springs to Golden: Choose Clear Creek, from Idaho Springs through Golden, for ready access to whitewater near Denver. Upper sections test intermediate skills, while the Golden Whitewater Park excels when flows are moderate.

Cache la Poudre River near Fort Collins: Test your skills on the Cache la Poudre, Colorado’s singular National Wild and Scenic River. Variable difficulty ensures appeal to every serious kayaker. Consult American Whitewater for precise route details.

Glenwood Canyon (Shoshone section): Use Glenwood Canyon’s Shoshone section as Colorado’s most consistent intermediate run — 1,250 cfs flows are maintained by legal mandate. Tackle Class III–IV rapids for skill advancement, and relegate beginners to guides. The Roaring Fork’s final miles offer easier runs suitable for novice paddlers.

Boulder Creek: Employ Boulder Creek as the definitive Front Range intermediate run. American Whitewater provides authoritative route descriptions.

South Platte River, Cheesman Canyon to Waterton Canyon: A reliable stretch close to Denver that holds water well through the season. One of the best options when flows are low. This stretch near Denver usually has good water levels all season. It����ap one of the best choices when other rivers are running low.

Sara B. Hansen is a Denver-based freelance writer.

In the mountains

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Camping

Gorgeous Colorado hike reopens this summer with new rules for hiking, camping, human waste

Forest service now charging $20 for dispersed camping in Homestake Valley

Within driving distance

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Is city fishing safe? Yes, experts say, but there are updated guidelines to follow.

Big balloons will rise above Colorado’s heat this summer; watch ’em soar or take a ride

Here’s where to fish with kids near Denver

Summer fun

Biodegradable pickleballs, size-inclusive skorts made in Colorado and other sports gear we love

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Meet the Boulder dogs cast in this summer’s Colorado Shakespeare Festival

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Want to get off your phone? Learn blacksmithing or floral design at these Colorado classes and makerspaces.

Beyond Colorado

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Several campgrounds across the state will be unable to provide visitors with water because their wells are low or dry amid one of the worst droughts on record, according to a spokesperson for the USDA Forest Service. Those include the Lowry, Prospector, Windy Point and Marvine campgrounds in the White River National Forest; and the Iron City, Spillway and Jefferson Creek campgrounds in the Pike-San Isabel National Forest.

Additionally, the spring-fed water supply at Sylvan Lake State Park in Eagle is critically low and may run dry during the season. The website advises filling camper tanks ahead of arriving and notes limited potable water is available at the visitor center.

Conditions can change at any time, so it’s worth contacting the local ranger where you plan to travel to see about water availability. As a rule of thumb, bring your own.

Colorado is facing drought after the winter saw record-low snowpack and an uncharacteristically warm spring. On June 2, Gov. Jared Polis declared a state of emergency to begin coordinating the state’s response to the impending lack of water.

At the local and regional level, many water utilities — including Denver Water — have enacted outdoor watering restrictions for the spring and summer. Aurora City Council is also discouraging restaurants from automatically serving water to guests, in an effort to count ‘every single drop.’

The valley features a meandering creek, wide wetlands with lush shrubbery and spectacular views of 13,200-foot Homestake Peak. Some of the wetlands are peat bogs, called fens, that were created after glaciers retreated 10,000 years ago.

Until last year, dispersed camping in the valley was largely unregulated, but then the forest service began restricting camping to designated sites only. Now, as of Monday, a nightly fee of $20 is required to camp in 44 sites designated for individual use. Two group sites are available, priced at $80.

Fees will be used to clean campsites and fire rings, manage and collect trash, maintain and replace infrastructure and make visitor contacts. Services will be provided by a private concessionaire. Due to limited resources, it is difficult for the forest service to offer those services.

“Having the concessionaire provide more consistent management of this new campground will help reduce impacts and provide visitors a safer, more enjoyable experience,” district ranger Leanne Veldhuis said in a news release.

The valley is located at the edge of the Holy Cross Wilderness. The forest service began designating sites for dispersed camping after seeing increased camping along roads and in environmentally sensitive areas. In addition to dispersed sites, the Gold Park Campground has 12 sites and a vault toilet.

The entrance to the valley at Homestake Road is located at U.S. Highway 24, 11 miles south of Minturn and 20 miles north of Leadville. Visitors can pay for campsites with cash or check at two kiosks, one located near the start of Homestake Road, the other at the Gold Park Campground. Dumpsters are available at those kiosks and firewood can be purchased at Gold Park.

Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis this year, but the forest service plans to make some sites available for reservation next year.

On Tuesday, the White River National Forest banned tents, pop-up tent trailers, truck-bed tent campers and other soft-sided shelters at a campground in Eagle County. The public safety order was issued because a bear “that shows little fear of humans” damaged two unoccupied tents in separate incidents, “and continues to return to the campground,” the agency said.

The order requires all campers at , six miles east of Vail, to use hard-sided campers or trailers. Located at 8,700 feet, Gore Creek Campground has 24 sites. The bear has been visiting at all hours, day and night.

“We’re already starting to see bear activity in the campground this year, and we are taking this proactive step for public safety,” said Eagle-Holy Cross District Ranger Leanne Veldhuis in a statement.

In addition, the U.S. Forest Service “ for all its developed campgrounds and many dispersed camping areas to help prevent black bears and other wildlife from obtaining food from humans and becoming a nuisance or dangerous,” according to the order. “Each campsite at Gore Creek Campground has a bear-resistant food locker, and there is information about proper food storage posted throughout the campground.”

Last summer, around this same time period, the Forest Service posted a similar band and warning at Difficult Campground, located 5 miles southeast of Aspen, after increased bear activity was reported by campers.