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Colorado

Kevin McNeal

Protecting wild lands and expanding access

Public lands in Colorado are central to the state’s identity, economy and way of life. Snow-capped peaks, alpine forests, wildflower valleys and rushing rivers draw millions each year, supporting jobs, tourism and a thriving outdoor recreation economy. They provide the freedom to hike, hunt, fish, ski and explore some of America’s most beloved landscapes.

That popularity, combined with a growing population, puts pressure on lands and waterways already facing climate change, wildfires and oil, gas and coal development. At the same time, too many Coloradans still face barriers to enjoying public lands.

The Wilderness Society works with local partners, Tribes and communities to protect cherished wildlands in Colorado while expanding equitable access to these special places. We defend public lands from poorly planned development and efforts to sell them off. For our most prized lands, we secure lasting protections so that current and future generations can enjoy their benefits and the freedom they provide

Protecting what makes Colorado, Colorado

Rapid growth, wildfire and oil and gas leasing make lasting protections ever more important.

Unchecked oil and gas leasing

Colorado wildlife, recreation and water are at risk from aggressive federal leasing policies.

404,000 jobs

Outdoor recreation and public lands are major contributors to the economy of Colorado.

Explore the issues

Mountain in Uncompahgre National Forest, Colorado.

Conservation: Protecting Colorado’s wild places

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Mason Cummings, TWS

Methane flare on Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado

Threats to Colorado’s wild places

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Mason Cummings, The Wilderness Society

Equitable access to public lands in Colorado

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EricSchuette

What we’re doing

Mobilizing voices

We’re working with local communities, coalitions and local, state and federal officials to make clear that public lands are not for sale and that decisions about them must prioritize stewardship, access and local values.
Policy advocacy

We’re urging Congress to reject public land sell-offs that treat these places as revenue-generating assets instead of vital lands deserving lasting protection.
Defending access and integrity

When threats arise, we help build coalitions to oppose them, protect recreation access, wildlife habitat, clean water and the communities that depend on wild lands.

Recent wins

Mobilizing statewide opposition to public land sell-offs

In 2025, we helped unite local governments against national public land sell-offs. A nearly unanimous Colorado General Assembly resolution and dozens of local declarations followed. We affirmed these lands belong to the people — not private developers.

Protecting the Thompson Divide from future oil and gas leasing

We helped secure a 20-year oil and gas leasing withdrawal for the Thompson Divide in 2023, working with ranchers, hunters, businesses and local governments to protect 220,000 acres.

Designation of Camp Hale–Continental Divide National Monument

In 2022, after years of advocacy with veterans, local partners and recreation groups, we helped secure Camp Hale–Continental Divide National Monument, protecting a landscape rich in history, ecology and 10th Mountain Division heritage.

Continued conservation funding

Thanks in part to our advocacy, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has delivered $357 million to Colorado over five decades, supporting parks, forests and communities statewide while helping protect places like Great Sand Dunes.