COLORADO — Many in the San Luis Valley spend time on the slopes at Wolf Creek or Monarch Mountain, or birding in one of many National Wildlife Refuges. 

Others enjoy a quick visit to Zapata Falls or Great Sand Dunes National Park. Many enjoy the challenge of a hunt for deer and elk. A hearty day of ice fishing can land a supper. 

Aside from the joy and personal benefits to physical health, mental wellbeing, and social connections of being outdoors, recreation generates huge bucks in Colorado — pardon the pun. 

In September 2024, Colorado Parks and Wildlife released the 2025-2029 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) to guide a plan for implementing Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund dollars. For over 60 years, those funds have assisted over 1,000 Colorado-based projects in the total amount of $86 million. 

The study's introductory statement sums up our outdoor experiences, "The vast natural beauty and wide range of outdoor recreation define the state."  

According to the report, outdoor recreation generated $65.8 billion in economic output for the Colorado economy last year. Recreationists in Colorado spent over $52.1 billion on outdoor travel and gear. To put this in perspective, the annual NASA budget is about $24.8 billion. Outdoor recreation in Colorado generates about 2.6 times the NASA budget. Outdoor recreation generates $180.2 million in revenue every day in Colorado.  

"Outdoor recreation is a major economic driver in Colorado and this report shows just how big of an impact outdoor recreation has, supporting 40,000 jobs and generating billions in revenue. This plan lays a strategic path forward to ensure everyone can enjoy our great outdoors while building on this economic success. Through this plan, CPW and our administration will continue to improve recreational opportunities that ensure Coloradans and visitors are able to enjoy our world-class outdoors and beautiful landscapes while conserving our resources for future generations," said Governor Jared Polis. 

"With this statewide plan, Colorado Parks and Wildlife conducted extensive research and stakeholder engagement to better understand how outdoor recreation resources meet the needs of Coloradans, as well as the challenges and opportunities faced by land managers," said CPW Director Jeff Davis. "As the 2025 SCORP confirms, outdoor recreation is essential to Colorado's economy and quality of life and CPW looks forward to putting this plan into action to ensure that recreation remains outstanding for future generations." 

"Colorado Parks and Wildlife is greatly appreciative to the contributions of everyone involved in the creation and publication of the 2025 SCORP, including members of the Colorado Outdoor Partnership and the many other organizational partners who provided valuable input," said Fletcher Jacobs, Assistant Director for CPW Outdoor Recreation and Lands. "Together, the partners identified priority areas and outlined the goals, objectives and strategies necessary to balance the needs of those who live and recreate in Colorado with the needs of the wildlife and landscapes that make Colorado recreation exceptional," Jacobs said. 

In a survey of Colorado residents in the study, 72% said they recreate outdoors at least once per week. The Colorado Tourism Office estimates that of the 90 million tourists who visit the state, 12% do so for outdoor recreation. 

In the study, the top three priorities for land managers surveyed were, increase or expand new trails, connecting existing trails, and connecting trails to adjacent regional trails. 

Sixty percent of respondents who were Colorado residents said they want land managers to prioritize the operation of existing outdoor areas and facilities. The top three attributes that users want prioritized and maintained were wildlife viewing areas, dirt trails and paths and picnic areas.  

According to economic data compiled by the National Park Service, visitors spent an estimated $32.5 million in the San Luis Valley while visiting the park in 2022. These expenditures supported 408 jobs, $10.7 million in labor income, $18.7 million in value-added, and $36 million in economic output in local economies. Statewide, National Parks in Colorado receive almost eight million visitors annually. 

The Colorado Fourteeners Initiative estimates about 10,000 people annually hike the 14,000-foot peaks in the Sangre de Cristo Range. Statewide, the group estimates hikers of the 14,000-plus peaks contribute over $70 million to the economy. 

The 242-page report includes one page to the impact of climate change on the state's outdoor recreation economy. The section warns of threats to the ski industry, fishing and wildlife-related activities. 

"Colorado is warming, and our warming climate is already impacting recreation in our state," the report reads. 

The report states that Colorado's declining snowpack, particularly at lower elevations, will lead to a shortened winter recreation period while expanding shoulder-season recreation opportunities. Colorado has the highest economic impact from snow sports in the country. 

"Lower stream flows and warmer waters will force rafting outfitters in some areas to shift operations earlier in the year and are leading to more voluntary or mandatory fishing closures to protect heat-stressed fish," the report states. "Some areas in Colorado are already shifting to stocking more heat-tolerant fish, such as brown trout." 

The Keep Colorado Wild program (a $29 charge for a state park pass when renewing a vehicle) generated $41 million in 2023, of that $32.5 million went to state park maintenance and development, $2.5 million for search and rescue teams, and $1 million to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. 

The report includes, “Coloradans live life outside — with that comes the responsibility for everyone to care for Colorado and keep it wild.” To help finance this responsibility, residents can purchase the Keep Colorado Wild Pass when renewing a vehicle or purchase a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue Card (CORSAR Card) at www.cpwshop.com or donate directly to Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue (AVSAR) at www.avsar.us. 

The Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan can be viewed at cpw.state.co.us/plans-and-reports.