Colorado is a Rocky Mountain state renowned for world-class skiing, stunning national parks, and vibrant outdoor culture. From the soaring peaks of the Rockies to the red rock canyons of the southwest, Colorado offers some of America's most dramatic landscapes and outdoor adventures.
Colorado is generally a safe destination with typical urban crime concerns in larger cities and specific outdoor safety risks related to altitude, weather, and wildlife. The most significant risks are altitude sickness, rapidly changing mountain weather, and traffic accidents on mountain roads. Prepare appropriately for outdoor activities and the high-altitude environment.
Current safety advisory
Low
Colorado is a safe state for travelers. Main risks are altitude sickness, mountain weather, wildlife encounters, and standard urban crime in Denver and other cities. Exercise normal precautions and prepare adequately for any outdoor activities.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Normal Precautions
No special travel advisories for Colorado - normal safety precautions apply throughout the state
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Acclimatize for 24-48 hours before strenuous hiking or skiing - altitude sickness is a real risk above 8,000 feet and can affect even fit, healthy people
Check weather forecasts before mountain drives - snow and ice can close passes year-round and visibility can drop to zero quickly
Always tell someone your hiking plans and expected return time before venturing into backcountry
Carry water and snacks - Colorado's dry climate and high altitude cause rapid dehydration; drink 3-4 liters per day when active
Wear sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV radiation is 25-50% stronger at Colorado's elevation than at sea level
Watch for afternoon thunderstorms in summer - lightning is deadly above treeline and storms develop rapidly from noon onward
Never approach wildlife, especially moose (more dangerous than bears), elk during rut season, and black bears - maintain 75-foot minimum distance
Check road conditions at cotrip.org before driving mountain passes - conditions change rapidly
Cannabis is legal in Colorado but cannot be consumed in public spaces, vehicles, or national parks - designated consumption areas exist
Carry bear spray when hiking in backcountry areas - black bears are active throughout Colorado and encounters are possible
Layer your clothing - mountain weather can change from warm and sunny to cold and snowing in minutes at altitude
Snow chains or AWD/4WD are required on many mountain roads during winter under Colorado Traction Law - know the rules before driving
Wildfire smoke can significantly affect air quality June-August - check airnow.gov before outdoor activities
Drinking water from streams and lakes requires filtration even in Colorado's remote backcountry - giardia is present
Flash floods can occur in narrow canyons during summer rainstorms - never camp in canyon bottoms and check weather before canyon hikes
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Fake ski ticket sellers
People near ski resort entrances selling supposedly discounted lift tickets that may be fake, stolen, or already used
How to avoid: Only purchase lift tickets directly from resort box offices or official resort websites - never from individuals
Overpriced unofficial parking
Unofficial lot operators near popular attractions charging excessive rates and not clearly indicating they are not official parking
How to avoid: Use clearly marked official parking areas or free lots with official shuttle service
Unlicensed tour operators
Unlicensed outdoor adventure operators offering below-market prices for hiking, rafting, or 4WD tours
How to avoid: Book activities through licensed operators certified by Colorado Outfitters Association - ask to see credentials
Colorado Springs timeshare pitches
Offers of free resort visits or activities in exchange for attending timeshare sales presentations
How to avoid: Decline unsolicited offers of free activities near tourist areas - time spent far exceeds value received
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No special vaccinations required for US citizens. Standard up-to-date vaccines (COVID, flu, tetanus) recommended.
- Water
- Tap water is safe throughout Colorado. Backcountry water sources require filtration to prevent giardia and other waterborne illnesses.
- Food
- Food safety standards are high throughout Colorado. Restaurant inspections are regular and rigorous.
- Facilities
- Excellent medical facilities in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Boulder including level I trauma centers. Mountain towns have limited emergency services - medical helicopter evacuation available for serious mountain emergencies.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Colorado is excellent for solo travel. Solo hiking in backcountry requires extra preparation - always inform someone of your plans, carry an emergency satellite communicator for remote areas, and stick to well-traveled trails. Denver and Boulder are welcoming and safe for solo travelers.
Female travellers
Safe for female travelers with normal precautions. Denver and Boulder have large, active communities of female outdoor adventurers. Be aware of surroundings in late-night entertainment areas in Denver. Solo hiking in remote areas requires same safety precautions as for any solo hiker.
Families
Excellent family destination with world-class family infrastructure. Many mountain activities have minimum age requirements - confirm before booking. Children may be more susceptible to altitude sickness - monitor carefully and descend if symptoms appear. Family-oriented resorts and national parks have excellent safety programs.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Colorado is very LGBTQ+ friendly. Denver's Capitol Hill neighborhood has an active LGBTQ+ community, and Denver Pride (June) is one of the largest in the US. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2014. General acceptance throughout the state, though rural and some conservative communities may be less welcoming. Colorado Springs has a notable evangelical Christian community and may be less comfortable for some LGBTQ+ travelers.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 911
- Medical
- 911
- Embassy
- Foreign nationals should contact their country's embassy in Washington DC - see state.gov for contact information
- Tourist Police
- 911 - Colorado State Patrol patrols highways and mountain areas statewide