Colorado: Collard Ranch State Wildlife Area Open to Public Access

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PARK COUNTY, Colo. ~ PARK COUNTY, Colo. - In a celebration of increased outdoor access for Coloradans, Governor Jared Polis and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) announced the opening of Collard Ranch State Wildlife Area (SWA) to public hunting and angling on August 29. The 1,860-acre property, located along Tarryall Creek in Park County, was acquired by CPW in March 2024.

Governor Polis expressed his excitement about the new opportunities that Collard Ranch SWA will provide for outdoor enthusiasts. "We have been expanding access to public lands since I took office and I'm excited that Coloradans can now enjoy this great space in Park County including valleys, streams, and abundant wildlife," he said. "The outdoors is part of who we are, and Collard Ranch provides a lot of new opportunities for Coloradans and visitors to enjoy."

Collard Ranch SWA is a day-use area that does not allow camping or dogs on site. Access to the SWA will be on a first-come, first-served basis with three designated parking lots available for use. Two parking areas off County Road 34 are located on the east side and central area of the SWA, while limited additional parking is available off U.S. 285. The central fishing access lot off County Road 34 will close on September 30th, with remaining hunter access points limited to designated lots on the east and west sides. Once all parking spots are occupied, the SWA will be considered full and no parking will be allowed in non-designated areas.

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Hunting at Collard Ranch SWA will only be allowed from October 1st to December 31st as part of Game Management Unit 50. Fishing is permitted from May 1st through September 30th with a valid SWA pass and hunting or fishing license required for use of the property. To protect wintering wildlife, the SWA will be closed from December 31st to April 30th. While statewide angling restrictions apply, anglers are encouraged to practice selective harvest to maintain a healthy fishery.

CPW Area Wildlife Manager Scott Murdoch expressed his enthusiasm for the new SWA, stating, "With great views in South Park, the wide open valleys, abundant wildlife and meandering streams, sportspeople will certainly enjoy the opportunities that await at the Collard Ranch SWA." He added, "The Collard Ranch SWA protects incredible habitat for both terrestrial and aquatic species and provides excellent hunting and fishing opportunities to the public."

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Collard Ranch was purchased by CPW for $2 million dollars in partnership with Western Rivers Conservancy. The funding for the purchase was generated through the sale of the $12.15 Habitat Stamp by Colorado hunters and anglers. Since its enactment in 2006, this program has helped secure public access for hunting and fishing on 146,300 acres of land and conserve over 316,000 acres of fish and wildlife habitat in Colorado.

With its stunning views and diverse wildlife, Collard Ranch SWA is sure to become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Colorado. Thanks to partnerships between CPW and conservation organizations like Western Rivers Conservancy, more public lands are being protected and made accessible for all to enjoy.

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