While we only have two state parks in the Uncompahgre Valley, Colorado Parks and Wildlife does a sterling job of making them two of the best places for a fun day out.
In partnership with the Colorado State Library, the CPW has the Check Out State Parks program that allows Coloradans to visit state parks for FREE. Over 300 Colorado libraries are participating, including all of the libraries in the valley.
The program provides visitors with a backpack filled with educational materials that recommend a range of outdoor activities to help you decide how you want to spend your time in nature. Recently, a Colorado Birds Guide was also added to the backpack. Libraries have at least one but usually two backpacks available for check out. Check out the box to see what each backpack has. Library members can check out the backpack and park pass for up to seven days and use it to visit any state park.
Each backpack contains the following:
Colorado State Park Pass for free park entry (hang tag)
Your Guide to Colorado’s State Parks
An activity ideas list
Binoculars (optional)
Leave No Trace - Outdoor Ethics Card
Educational materials: Fishing Basics Instruction Sheet, Colorado Trees and Wildflower Guide, Colorado Wildlife Guide, Colorado Birds Guide, and Night Sky Guide.
Agents of Discovery
In another partnership, the CPW and Agents of Discovery, an educational mobile gaming platform, have created augmented reality trail missions at 13 state parks including Ridgway State Park. The two missions, “Water Wonders” and “Gold Rush” task users with accomplishing educational and fun outdoor activities. Download the Adventures of Discovery app on your smartphone and let Agent Chipmunk give you your missions! And once downloaded, missions don’t require Wi-Fi or a data connection.