Leave No Trace: A First-Time Camper’s Guide to Responsible Outdoor Adventures in Colorado
- Tia Florio
- Mar 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 13
Camping in Colorado is an unforgettable experience—whether you're exploring Rocky Mountain National Park, hiking the San Juan Mountains, or camping near one of the state’s stunning alpine lakes. But as more people venture outdoors, it’s important to follow Leave No Trace (LNT) principles to protect Colorado’s fragile ecosystems.
If you're new to camping, this guide will help you minimize your impact while enjoying the beauty of Colorado’s great outdoors.
The 7 Leave No Trace Principles (with Colorado-Specific Tips)
1. Plan Ahead & Prepare
Colorado’s weather and terrain can be unpredictable and if you’re a local, you know we can experience all 4 seasons in one day! Being prepared reduces risks and prevents damage to the environment.
✅ Check trail and campground regulations—Some areas require permits or have seasonal restrictions. Visit CPW.state.co.us for state park info.
For visitors coming out of town, June - mid September is prime camping season in CO! The higher elevations can (and probably will) still have snow on the ground even in June. Learn from our mistake! Our first time backpacking in June of 2017, we came from FL to CO. After hiking 9 miles into the Rockies, we couldn’t even find our campsite because the path was completely covered in snow!
✅ Prepare for rapid weather changes—Bring layers, even in summer, as temperatures drop at night. Puffy jackets are your best friend!
✅ Know fire restrictions—Many parts of Colorado experience high fire danger, so always check local fire bans before lighting a campfire.
2. Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
Colorado has delicate alpine tundra that can take decades to recover from damage—so choose where you step and set up camp wisely.
✅ Stay on marked trails—We all know that switchbacks are the worst! But cutting switchbacks erodes trails and damages plants.
✅ Use designated campsites—Especially in areas like Rocky Mountain National Park and Maroon Bells, where dispersed camping may be restricted.
✅ If dispersed camping, pick hard, durable ground (rock, gravel, or dry grass) at least 200 feet from lakes, rivers, or streams.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
Colorado’s high-altitude wilderness areas often lack ways to dispose trash , so packing out all waste is essential.
✅ Pack out ALL trash—Even biodegradable items like orange peels or sunflower seed shells take years to decompose in Colorado’s dry climate.
✅ Follow the "Wag Bag" rule in sensitive areas**—Some places, like the Indian Peaks Wilderness, require you to carry out human waste using Wag Bags (portable toilet bags like you use to pick up your dogs poop!).
✅ Strain and scatter dishwater—Use a strainer to remove food particles, then disperse water 200 feet away from any water source.
4. Leave What You Find
Colorado is home to unique rock formations, beautiful wildflowers, and ancient artifacts—leave them untouched for others to enjoy.
✅ Don't pick wildflowers—Even though they’re beautiful, they need to stay in the wild to reproduce.
There is a cute saying “Take only Pictures, Leave only Footprints”. I think this is especially important for our kiddos who love to collect and touch! This might be harder with our feral toddlers (where my feral toddler moms at??) but for older kids let them have a disposable or cheap kids camera to help capture those memories and "keep" that beautiful flower forever!
✅ Respect historical and cultural sites—Colorado has many Native American sites and mining relics. Never remove artifacts or damage structures.
5. Minimize Campfire Impact
Wildfires are a serious threat in Colorado, and many areas have strict fire bans.
✅ Use a camp stove instead of a fire—Stoves are safer and leave no trace.
✅ Follow fire restrictions—Check ColoradoFireBan.com before your trip.
✅ If fires are allowed, use established fire rings and NEVER leave a fire unattended. Drown it with water before going to bed or leaving.
We offer a propane fire pit for all our renters to add onto any package! This makes having a warm campfire easy and safe!
6. Respect Wildlife
Colorado’s diverse wildlife includes moose, black bears, and mountain goats—always observe from a safe distance.
✅ Store food properly—Use bear-proof containers or hang food at least 10 feet high and 4 feet from the tree trunk.
Renters can add a bear canister to any bundle! The bear canister comes standard with the backpacking tent bundle.
✅ Keep a safe distance—Stay at least 100 yards from bears and moose, and 25 yards from other wildlife.
✅ Don't approach or feed animals—Feeding wildlife can make them aggressive and dependent on human food.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Colorado’s campgrounds and trails can get crowded, so respect others’ outdoor experience.
✅ Follow campsite quiet hours—Many campgrounds have quiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM.
✅ Yield to uphill hikers on trails—It’s common hiking etiquette.
✅ Keep music & noise levels low—Enjoy the sounds of nature instead!
Leave No Trace Checklist for First-Time Campers
✅ Research campsite rules and fire restrictions
✅ Bring a trash bag & pack out all waste
✅ Stay on trails & camp only in designated areas
✅ Use a portable stove instead of making a fire
✅ Store food in a bear-proof container or hang it properly
✅ Respect wildlife—observe from a distance & never feed
✅ Keep noise levels down and respect other campers
🌿 Bonus Tip: Download maps on Google before you go! Many areas in Colorado have limited cell service.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Colorado’s Wild Places
Camping in Colorado is an amazing experience, but it’s up to all of us to keep the wilderness wild. By following Leave No Trace principles, you help protect the landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor experiences for future generations.
So, next time you head into the mountains—leave no trace, take only pictures, and goFAR_outdoors! 🏕️🌲
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