Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Responsible Travel - Colorado Creative Corridor

Responsible Travel 

How to have a safe and respectful visit

Scott Peterson

Care for Colorado - Leave No Trace Principles

CCCKnow Before You Go

  • Stay back from the pack. Find your way to less-visited and off-peak destinations to minimize down time and maximize your connection with special places.
  • Bring along reusable water bottles or hot drink tumblers to limit waste and stay hydrated in our dry climate.
  • Check conditions where you plan to visit. In Colorado, even late spring can bring snowstorms, so be aware of the latest news for weather and snow, as well as for road and trail closures.

CCC Stick To Trails

  • Even though shortcuts can be tempting, please don’t take them. A few extra strides on the path will protect plants and the homes of the true locals.
  • Melting snow leaves trails and vegetation more open to damage. Be sure to stick to trails and walk in the middle of the trail — even if it's wet, muddy, slushy or icy — to avoid erosion and damage to trailside plants.

CCC Trash The Trash

  • Pack it in, pack it out. Or pick it up to leave a place better than you found it. Put litter, even crumbs, peels and cores in your nearest waste/recycling bin.
  • Wash yourself, your dog or whatever else needs cleaning at least 200 feet from waterways, and use biodegradable soap. A bubble bath is no treat for fish.

CCC Leave It As You Find It

  • Leave plants, rocks and historical items as you find them so others experience the joy of discovery.
  • Treat all living things with respect. Carving or hacking plants and trees may kill or disfigure them.

CCC Be Careful With Fire

  • Colorado’s low humidity has perks, but can create dry, dangerous conditions. Keep campfires small and manageable to avoid sparking wildfires.
  • When putting out a fire, water it until you can handle the embers. Never let a fire burn unattended.
  • Use care when smoking in Colorado’s dry climate. Always put cigarettes out completely and don’t leave your butts behind.
  • Always check for local fire restrictions.

CCC Keep Wildlife Wild

  • Colorado is home to tens of thousands of furry, scaly and feathered creatures. To keep them — and you — safe, don’t approach them.
  • Do not feed wildlife no matter how hungry you think they might look.
  • Keep your furry buddies leashed when enjoying dog-friendly trails, and pack out their waste. All the way to a trashcan.

CCC Share Our Parks And Trails

  • Chances are you’re not out in nature to people watch, so try out the lesser-known paths and sites.
  • Silence your cell phone before stepping into nature and speak softly without using the speaker function.
  • Be considerate when passing others on the trails and yield to the uphill hiker and biker — they need the momentum.
  • Listen to nature. Keep your voice and music soft so all can enjoy the peace of Colorado.

©Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org

Image by Jeremy Hakes

Year-Round Travel

While Colorado is a popular travel destination in the summer, it loses no beauty once the season turns. From marveling at the changing leaves in the fall to skiing and snowboarding in the winter, Colorado’s tourism off-season has much to offer travelers seeking to avoid the summer crowds. No matter the time of year you visit, Colorado has adventure waiting for you.

COVID Awareness

In these unusual times, we must all do what we can to keep our communities safe. We ask that when you travel to Colorado, you please explore our community with kindness and care by respecting local COVID guidelines. For information on the latest COVID protocols, we recommend you check with the town you are traveling to.

Shop Local

The Colorado Creative Corridor is home to a wide array of family-run businesses, local restaurants, independent art galleries and entrepreneurial ventures. The Colorado Creative Corridor runs through the heart of Colorado, with options for breweries in all communities. Although we are small mountain communities, you can find just about any type of food, with many restaurants sourcing local. Spending your vacation dollars at our unique stores, dining establishments, accommodations, and services preserves our community’s special character by supporting our economy.

Give Back

If you are interested in how to give back to the communities in the Colorado Creative Corridor, we would greatly appreciate your gratitude. We encourage you to donate your time and money to the following recommended organizations: