Can You Open Carry in Colorado?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Basics of Colorado Open Carry Laws
3. Local Preemption and the "Denver Exception"
4. Where Open Carry Is Prohibited
5. Open Carry in Vehicles
6. Carrying While Hiking and Camping
7. Gear Considerations for Open Carry
8. Interactions with Law Enforcement
9. Understanding the Responsibility
10. The BattlBox Mission and Your Preparedness
11. FAQ

Introduction

Whether you are scouting a new trail in the San Juan Mountains or setting up a base camp near the Continental Divide, knowing the local laws is as critical as knowing how to use your compass. For many outdoor enthusiasts, carrying a firearm is a standard part of their backcountry kit for protection against wildlife or for personal safety. At BattlBox, we understand that being prepared means more than just having the right gear in your pack; it means having the knowledge to use that gear responsibly and legally. If you want that readiness built in, get expert-curated gear delivered monthly and keep your kit dialed in. This guide covers the current state of open carry laws in Colorado, where you can and cannot go with a visible firearm, and how local ordinances might impact your next adventure. Our goal is to ensure you feel confident and informed while exploring the Centennial State.

Quick Answer: Generally, yes, you can open carry in Colorado without a permit if you are at least 18 years old and legally allowed to possess a firearm. However, local jurisdictions like Denver have specific bans, and recent "sensitive spaces" legislation has restricted carry in many public locations.

The Basics of Colorado Open Carry Laws

Colorado is historically known as an "open carry" state. This means that, by default, it is legal to carry a firearm in a visible manner without needing a special permit or license. This stands in contrast to concealed carry, which requires a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) issued by a local sheriff. If you're thinking beyond the firearm itself, the same practical mindset shows up in our EDC collection.

The foundational rule is straightforward: if you can legally own a handgun, you can generally carry it openly. Unlike some states that require a person to be 21 to carry, Colorado allows individuals who are 18 years of age or older to open carry. However, you must ensure you are not a "prohibited person" under state or federal law. This includes individuals with certain felony convictions, those under protection orders, or those with specific domestic violence convictions.

It is also important to understand that "open carry" means the firearm must be clearly visible. If any part of the weapon is hidden by clothing, even accidentally, it may be considered concealed. In the backcountry, a holster worn outside your waistband or on a chest rig is the standard method of open carry.

Key Requirements for Open Carry

• Age: You must be 18 years of age or older.
• Legality: You must be legally allowed to possess a firearm under federal and state law.
• Visibility: The firearm must be visible to ordinary observation.
• Intent: You cannot carry a firearm with the intent to use it unlawfully.

Local Preemption and the "Denver Exception"

For years, Colorado had a "preemption" law that prevented local cities and counties from making their own gun laws that were stricter than state law. However, in 2021, the state legislature passed Senate Bill 21-256, which effectively ended state preemption. This change allows local governments to enact their own regulations regarding the carry of firearms.

The most notable exception to the general open carry rule is the City and County of Denver. Denver has a long-standing ban on the open carry of firearms within its limits. This ban has been upheld by courts despite challenges. If you are traveling through Denver, your firearm must be concealed (if you have a permit) or stored according to law; you cannot have it visible on your person or in your vehicle in a way that constitutes open carry.

Other cities and counties have begun to follow suit or are considering similar restrictions. This creates a "patchwork" of laws that can be difficult for travelers to navigate. Before you head out, it is your responsibility to check the specific ordinances of the town or county you plan to visit. That kind of situational awareness is part of The Survival 13, even when the challenge is legal rather than physical.

Key Takeaway: While state law allows open carry, local governments in Colorado now have the power to ban it within their jurisdictions, making it essential to check local laws before traveling.

Where Open Carry Is Prohibited

Even in areas where open carry is generally legal, there are many specific locations where firearms are strictly prohibited. Violating these restrictions can lead to serious legal consequences, including the seizure of your firearm and criminal charges.

Prohibited Federal and State Locations

• Federal Buildings: This includes post offices, federal courthouses, and administrative offices.
• Schools: Carrying on the property of any public or private elementary, middle, or high school is generally prohibited.
• Government Buildings: Many local government buildings (like city halls or courthouses) have security checkpoints and bans on firearms.
• Private Property: If a business or private landowner posts a sign prohibiting firearms, you must comply. Under Colorado law, private property owners have the right to restrict or ban firearms on their premises.

New "Sensitive Spaces" Legislation (SB 24-131)

In 2024, Colorado expanded the list of "sensitive spaces" where carrying a firearm is restricted. These locations often include:

• Polling places and locations where ballots are being counted.
• Facilities used for government meetings.
• Certain parks or public squares during permitted events (depending on local rules).

Bottom line: Never assume a public space is open for carry. Always look for signage and be aware that government-controlled buildings are almost always off-limits.

Open Carry in Vehicles

The rules for carrying a firearm in a vehicle are slightly different from carrying on foot. In Colorado, you are permitted to carry a handgun in your vehicle for protection while traveling. For a practical low-light option on the road, a Flashlights collection can be just as useful for pre-dawn trailheads and roadside stops.

If you do not have a concealed carry permit, the handgun can be anywhere in the vehicle as long as it is for lawful protection. However, there is a nuance: if the weapon is on your person and hidden by your body or clothing, it is concealed. If it is sitting on the dashboard or the passenger seat in plain view, it is open carry.

Important Note on Long Guns: While handguns can be kept loaded in a vehicle, Colorado law prohibits carrying a loaded rifle or shotgun in a motor vehicle. This is primarily a hunting regulation designed to prevent poaching and ensure safety. A long gun is considered loaded if there is a round in the chamber.

Vehicle Carry Checklist

• Handguns: Can be loaded and kept in the vehicle.
• Rifles/Shotguns: Must be unloaded in the chamber (magazines can often be loaded, but check specific hunting regulations if you are in the field).
• Denver: Remember that Denver's open carry ban applies to vehicles too. A firearm in plain sight in a car in Denver can lead to a citation or arrest.

Carrying While Hiking and Camping

For most readers, the primary interest in open carry involves the backcountry. When you are miles from the nearest trailhead, a firearm serves as a tool for safety.

In National Forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, state law generally applies. Since open carry is legal in Colorado, it is generally legal in these areas. However, you must still be mindful of specific "developed" areas like visitor centers or administrative offices where federal law might prohibit firearms.

National Parks (like Rocky Mountain National Park) have a specific set of rules. While a federal law passed in 2010 allows you to possess a firearm in National Parks if it is legal under state law, you are still prohibited from taking that firearm into "federal facilities." In a National Park, this includes almost any building staffed by employees, such as visitor centers, ranger stations, and gift shops. These buildings will usually have signs at every entrance stating that firearms are prohibited. For the hydration side of the trip, How To Purify Water In The Wild is a smart companion read.

Best Practices for the Trail

1. Retention Holsters: Use a holster with active retention (like a thumb break or a locking mechanism). Scrambling over rocks or pushing through brush can easily dislodge a firearm from a simple friction-fit holster.
2. Clear Visibility: Ensure your pack straps or jacket do not accidentally cover your firearm, which could turn an "open carry" situation into an "unlicensed concealed carry" situation.
3. Wildlife Awareness: Understand that a firearm is a last resort. Bear spray is often more effective for deterring wildlife and should be part of your kit.
4. Respect Other Users: Open carry can be polarizing. Being a responsible and polite representative of the community helps maintain access and rights for everyone.

Gear Considerations for Open Carry

Open carry requires different gear than concealed carry. Because the firearm is exposed to the elements and potential snags, your choice of belt and holster is paramount. The same redundancy mindset is why a Fire Starters collection belongs in the same conversation when you are building a serious field kit.

We often see high-quality gear in our missions that can be adapted for various outdoor needs. When it comes to carrying a firearm, we recommend focusing on durability and security. A flimsy "fashion" belt will sag under the weight of a loaded handgun, causing discomfort and making the weapon harder to draw. A dedicated gun belt with a stiff internal core is necessary.

Holster Types for the Outdoors

• OWB (Outside the Waistband): The most common for open carry. Look for "Level 2" or "Level 3" retention for outdoor use.
• Chest Rigs: Very popular for hikers and backpackers. A chest rig keeps the firearm accessible even while wearing a heavy pack with a waist belt.
• Drop-Leg Holsters: These move the firearm down to the thigh. While they look "tactical," they can be practical if your backpack's hip belt interferes with a standard waistband holster.

Myth: A holster is just a pouch for your gun. Fact: A quality holster protects the trigger guard from accidental discharge, secures the weapon during physical activity, and ensures a consistent draw in an emergency. For a compact tool that still brings real-world utility, the Dark Energy Plasma Lighter fits the same no-compromise mindset.

Interactions with Law Enforcement

If you choose to open carry, you should be prepared for interactions with law enforcement. In Colorado, you are not generally required to notify an officer that you are carrying a firearm unless they ask, but it is often best practice to be transparent.

If you are stopped by an officer while open carrying:

1. Keep your hands visible. Do not reach for your ID or the firearm.
2. Inform the officer calmly. You might say, "Officer, I want to inform you that I am currently open carrying a firearm on my right hip."
3. Follow instructions. The officer may ask to temporarily secure the weapon for their safety during the interaction.

Knowing your rights and staying calm ensures that these encounters remain professional and stress-free. Most officers in rural Colorado are very familiar with citizens carrying firearms for protection. If you want a compact emergency add-on for the rest of your kit, the Adventure Medical Ultralight/Watertight .9 Medical Kit is worth a look.

Understanding the Responsibility

Open carry is a significant responsibility. When you carry a firearm openly, you are making a public statement. It requires a high level of situational awareness. You must be aware of who is around you and ensure that your firearm is secure at all times.

Unlike concealed carry, where the weapon is hidden, an open-carry firearm can be a target for theft or can cause alarm in crowded areas. This is why we emphasize the importance of retention holsters and proper training. It is not enough to just "have" the gun; you must be proficient in its use and understand the legalities of self-defense in Colorado. For broader everyday readiness, take a look at Common Emergencies: Preparation, Communication, and Essential Gear.

Step 1: Verify your eligibility. Ensure you are 18+ and not a prohibited person. Step 2: Choose the right gear. Invest in a stiff belt and a retention holster. Step 3: Map your route. Check for local bans in cities like Denver or Boulder along your path. Step 4: Practice. Train with your holster so your draw is smooth and safe.

The BattlBox Mission and Your Preparedness

At BattlBox, we are dedicated to providing the gear and knowledge you need to navigate the world with confidence. Whether it is a mission focused on emergency medical skills or a collection of top-tier bushcraft tools, our goal is to help you build a kit that works when it matters most. Every box we curate is designed by professionals who use this gear in the field, ensuring that what you receive is practical and reliable. If you want to keep building that kit, choose your BattlBox subscription and keep the right gear coming.

Being a responsible gun owner in Colorado is an extension of that survival mindset. It is about being self-reliant while respecting the laws and the community around you. As you prepare for your next mountain excursion, take the time to review your gear, refresh your skills, and stay informed on the ever-changing legal landscape. If you want to go deeper on that self-reliant mindset, How to Get Into Bushcraft: A Comprehensive Beginner's Guide is a natural next step.

Bottom line: Preparation is a lifestyle. Stay informed, stay practiced, and stay safe with the Emergency / Disaster Preparedness collection.

FAQ

Is a permit required to open carry in Colorado?

No, you do not need a permit to open carry a firearm in Colorado, provided you are at least 18 years old and legally allowed to possess a firearm. Permits are only required for concealed carry. However, you must be aware of local jurisdictions that may have their own specific restrictions.

Can I open carry in Denver?

No, the City and County of Denver has a specific ordinance that prohibits the open carry of firearms. This ban applies to both people walking on the street and firearms visible inside vehicles. If you are in Denver, your firearm must be concealed (if you have a valid permit) or stored legally and out of sight.

How old do I have to be to open carry in Colorado?

You must be at least 18 years old to open carry a handgun in Colorado. While federal law generally requires a person to be 21 to purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer, Colorado state law allows for possession and open carry starting at 18. Always check for any recent legislative updates that might affect these age requirements.

Can I carry a gun while hiking in Colorado National Parks?

You can generally carry a firearm in National Parks in Colorado if it is legal under state law, but you are strictly prohibited from carrying it inside federal buildings. This includes visitor centers, restrooms with administrative offices, and ranger stations. These buildings will typically have "no firearms" signs posted clearly at the entrances.