Good luck getting into Rocky Mountain National Park. Courtesy of National Park Service/Jim Ecklund
It s no secret that outdoor recreation is more popular than ever, and there are few (if any) places more popular than Colorado for indulging in wanderlust. An ever-increasing population, along with more and more visitors, have created not only an economic boom, but also seasonal crowding at local, state and national parks, along with our forests. Land managers, faced with the increasing hordes of visitors and the conflicts, refuse and general wear-and-tear that accompanies increased usage, have been trying to effectively manage resources.Â
In some cases that means limiting entry and hours, such as at Red Rock Canyon Open Space, North Cheyenne Cañon Park, Palmer Park and the Garden of the Gods. In other cases, managing crowds includes new fees. Colorado Parks and Wildlife now requires a hunting or fishing license or a state wildlife area pass �