DENVER - As Colorado gears up to celebrate National Public Lands Day on September 28, Governor Jared Polis and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) are announcing new data underscoring the continued growth and importance of outdoor recreation in the state's economy. Today, Governor Polis and CPW released an updated economic impact and outdoor recreation participation report highlighting that in 2023, outdoor recreationists in Colorado spent over $52.1 billion dollars on trips and equipment, contributing to a total economic output of $65.8 billion. Additionally, 96% of Coloradans went outside to recreate with 72% recreating outdoors once or more per week. 

“Colorado’s incredible public lands attract people from all over the world and provide opportunities for everyone to get outside and explore, while driving our economy, supporting businesses, and creating jobs. From our cities to our rural areas, Colorado economies benefit from outdoor recreation and we look forward to building on our state’s success in outdoor recreation,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

The new research by Colorado State University combined with a Southwick Associates study on Colorado’s recreation economy, is informing CPW’s update of the Colorado Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) that will be released this fall. 

“Outdoor recreation is a significant contributor to Colorado’s economy. Activities from hiking, boating, hunting and trail running to biking and skiing support businesses, jobs, and government services in both rural and urban communities,” said CPW Director Jeff Davis. “It is an honor and a privilege to support the backbone of the outdoor recreation economy with our 43 state parks, over 960 wildlife species and the State Trails Program that has distributed over $175 million since 2000 for trail grants and capital improvements that benefit outdoor recreation. Federal, Tribal, state, local, and private landowners with recreation access easements all play a critical role in providing and maintaining the lands and waters where people recreate,” Davis said. 

According to the report, Colorado’s outdoor recreation sector is larger than construction, finance/insurance, and education/healthcare/social assistance contributing $36.5 billion dollars to the Gross Domestic Product of the state. This economic activity supports over 404,000 jobs in the state, which represents 12% of the entire labor force in Colorado and produces $22.2 billion dollars in salaries and wages. 

“This research reaffirms what we know to be true, that the outdoor recreation economy is a significant force in Colorado and critical to our success,” said Conor Hall, the head of Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Office. "As we look to the future, there’s incredible opportunity to grow this sector sustainably, ensuring that our natural landscapes are preserved while providing access and opportunities for all. By focusing on innovation and partnerships, we can ensure Colorado remains a leader in outdoor recreation for generations to come." 

Every five years, CPW updates the Colorado SCORP, conducting research on outdoor recreation participation and economic contributions. This year's studies asked respondents to report on how much they recreate outdoors and how much they spend on these activities. The study also divided Colorado into geographic regions, finding that while consumer spending on the Front Range was the highest at $29.6 billion, the Western Slope region was where the largest proportion of participants recreated, with 67% of Colorado adults taking part in outdoor recreation in that region. 

“The Department of Natural Resources is proud to lead efforts critical to the stewardship of Colorado’s land, water, and wildlife which benefit not only Colorado’s outdoor recreation economy, but our quality of life,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of Colorado’s Department of Natural Resources. “This report highlights that properly managed and balanced outdoor recreation will continue to play a central role for individual Coloradans and our local communities for generations to come.” 

See the full 2023 Economic Contributions of Outdoor Recreation Report.