It's a solid salute to service members from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) this August, as they roll out complimentary park passes for active-duty military, veterans, and National Guard members. As a nod to their service and as reported by CPW on July 31st, those eligible can enjoy the beauty and activities of Colorado's state parks without the standard entry fee throughout the month. They need only present an appropriate military ID at any state park or CPW office to receive their Military Parks Pass.
The giveaway marks a continuation of CPW's efforts to acknowledge the sacrifices of the military community. Forms of identification that will score them this benefit include a DD214, DD Form 2, DD Form 2765, an active, retired, or veteran military ID card, or a Colorado Driver’s License or state-issued ID card with 'Veteran' printed on it, among others. Veterans who wish to soak in Colorado’s natural landscapes, however, should know that the pass is exclusively theirs and cannot be extended to spouses or dependents.
Given that most other park fees remain untouched by this offer, including those for camping reservations and hunting licenses, this pass primarily serves as a key to the diverse experiences within the parks' bounds. Whether it's for trekking through trails or observing local wildlife, Colorado’s state parks are set to open their gates to these men and women, a small gesture for their larger service.
Moreover, active duty members, veterans, and disabled veterans can tap into several ongoing park benefits as well, such as free entry on Veterans Day or a lifetime fishing license for those who qualify. These benefits have been outlined in detail on CPW, which boasts an extensive State Park Finder tool and a CPW Events Calendar for veterans eager to plan their visits and explore, as CPW reported.
