Parks and Wildlife celebrates Colorado Day by offering free access to all state parks Aug. 1

COLORADO (KRDO) -- In honor of Colorado Day on Aug. 1, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is opening all 42 state parks for free to the public. The day celebrates Colorado's 146th anniversary of statehood.

"We will see an increase in visitors to the parks," said Colorado Parks and Wildlife public information officer Joey Livingston. "Definitely being a Monday, maybe not as many folks with people at work, but there's still plenty of time after work to come out. Do some hikes, do some trails, bring the family with you and get some fresh air."

Livingston has worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife since 2015, and says CPW normally offers free admission about two to three times a year, including on Colorado Day.

For a typical visit, park access costs range from $9-11 for a day pass or $80 for an annual pass.

With Monday's free access, Livingston says he hopes Coloradans will take the opportunity to visit some spots they've never been, and learn more about the state parks in their own backyards.