Stewardship Guide

Be a Responsible Visitor, Care for Carbondale


Know Before You Go

Stay back from the pack. Find your way to less-visited and off-peak destinations to minimize downtime 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.


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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Share our Parks and Trails

  • Pick up dog waste and dispose properly.
  • 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

Carbondale Tourism is a Stewardship Member of the Care for Colorado Coalition.

Take it all in.

Explore arts & culture

Cruise on a scenic drive

Where to chill out

Events & Activities

Jun 7
>Downtown Farmers’ Market
Downtown Farmers’ Market

June 7-Sept 27th
Wednesdays

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Jun 10
>Tri for the Sun Triathlon
Tri for the Sun Triathlon

June 10 (Sat)
Carbondale Pool & Sunlight Mtn Resort

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Jun 11
>Mexican Rodeo
Mexican Rodeo

Gus Darien Rodeo

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Jun 11
>Summer Park Concert Series
Summer Park Concert Series

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Jun 16
>Pickleball Tournament
Pickleball Tournament

Roaring Fork Pickleball Association
Trevor Cannon
June 16-18 (Fri-Sun)
YCAB & Darien Courts
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Jun 24
>Festival Las Americas
Festival Las Americas

Club Rotario
Lucy Moncada Arcila

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