Do You Need a License to Open Carry in Colorado?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Foundations of Colorado Open Carry Law
3. Who Can Legally Open Carry?
4. Where Open Carry Is Restricted
5. Vehicle Carry Laws in Colorado
6. Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry
7. Choosing the Right Gear for Open Carry
8. Practical Safety and Ethics of Open Carry
9. Preparing for Outdoor Adventures in Colorado
10. Conclusion
11. FAQ

Introduction

Standing on a ridge in the Rocky Mountains, you realize that the backcountry demands a different level of preparation than a city park. Whether you are navigating dense timber where mountain lions roam or setting up a remote camp, personal protection is a standard part of the outdoor kit. Many hikers and hunters prefer open carry for its accessibility and comfort during strenuous activity. However, the legal landscape can feel as rugged as the terrain. At BattlBox, we believe that being truly prepared means having both the right gear and the right knowledge to stay on the correct side of the law. If you are building a kit that matches that mindset, start by choosing your BattlBox subscription. This guide explores the specifics of carrying a firearm openly in the Centennial State. While Colorado generally respects the right to open carry without a permit, local regulations and specific restrictions make it vital to know the map before you strap on a holster.

Quick Answer: In Colorado, you do not need a license or permit to open carry a firearm if you are at least 18 years old and legally allowed to possess a gun. However, local municipalities like Denver have enacted full bans on open carry, and state law allows local governments to set their own stricter regulations.

The Foundations of Colorado Open Carry Law

Colorado is traditionally recognized as an "open carry" state. This means that, under state law, any person who can lawfully possess a firearm may carry it openly without needing a specialized permit. Unlike a Permit to Carry a Concealed Weapon (CCW), which requires an application, background check, and training, open carry is considered a right exercised by default.

Open carry refers to wearing a firearm in a manner where it is clearly visible to the casual observer. This is typically done using an OWB (Outside the Waistband) holster. For readers who want a closer look at the everyday-carry mindset behind that setup, the EDC collection is a useful place to start. For many outdoorsmen, this is the preferred method when wearing a heavy pack with a hip belt, as a concealed holster would be uncomfortable or inaccessible.

The legal authority for this comes from the Colorado Constitution and state statutes. For decades, Colorado had a "preemption" law. This law prevented cities and counties from making their own gun rules that were stricter than state law. However, the legal landscape shifted significantly in 2021 with the passage of Senate Bill 21-256. This bill removed much of that state preemption, allowing local governments to pass their own restrictions on where and how firearms can be carried. If you want a broader preparedness framework alongside this topic, The Survival 13 is a good companion read.

Who Can Legally Open Carry?

While a license is not required, there are still strict requirements regarding who can carry a firearm in public. You must meet the following criteria to legally open carry in Colorado:

• Age Requirements: You must be at least 18 years of age to open carry a handgun or long gun. Note that you must be 21 to apply for a concealed carry permit or to purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer.
• Legal Possession: You must not be prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm. This includes individuals with felony convictions, certain domestic violence convictions, or those subject to specific protection orders.
• Sobriety: It is illegal to possess or carry a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances. This applies even if you are in a remote wilderness area.

If you meet these criteria, you can legally wear your firearm openly in most parts of the state. However, the "where" is often more complicated than the "who." If you are also sorting out the broader everyday-carry side of readiness, What Is EDC Gear? offers a useful overview.

Where Open Carry Is Restricted

This is where Colorado law gets tricky for the average adventurer. Because local governments can now create their own rules, a patchwork of regulations exists across the state.

The Denver Exception

Denver has a long-standing ban on the open carry of firearms. Even before the 2021 law change, Denver successfully argued in court that its "Home Rule" status allowed it to ban open carry. You cannot open carry in the City and County of Denver under any circumstances, even if you have a concealed carry permit. If you are traveling through Denver, your firearm must be stored according to city transport laws.

Local Municipality Restrictions

Since the repeal of state preemption, other cities have followed Denver’s lead. Towns like Boulder, Louisville, and Edgewater have passed various restrictions on open carry in public places. Some cities may allow open carry on sidewalk areas but ban it in city-owned buildings or parks.

Prohibited Locations Statewide

Regardless of local city laws, certain places are off-limits for open carry across the entire state:

• Federal Buildings: This includes post offices, federal courthouses, and administrative offices.
• K-12 Schools: Carrying on school grounds is strictly regulated and generally prohibited for open carry.
• Government Buildings with Security: Any public building that has permanent security screening and personnel at the entrance.
• Private Property: Business owners and private residents have the right to prohibit firearms on their property. If a "No Guns Allowed" sign is posted, or if a property owner asks you to leave because you are carrying, you must comply or face trespassing charges.

Key Takeaway: Always research the specific ordinances of the county or city you plan to visit, as Colorado no longer has a uniform standard for open carry across all municipalities.

Vehicle Carry Laws in Colorado

For many of us, the journey to the trailhead involves a long drive. Understanding how to carry a firearm in your vehicle is a critical part of staying legal. Colorado law treats handguns and long guns (rifles and shotguns) differently when it comes to vehicle transport.

Carrying a Handgun in a Car

In Colorado, your vehicle is considered an extension of your home under the "Castle Doctrine" philosophy. You are permitted to have a handgun in your vehicle for lawful protection. The handgun can be loaded, and it can be concealed (such as in a glove box, center console, or under the seat) without a concealed carry permit.

Carrying a Long Gun in a Car

The rules for rifles and shotguns are much stricter, primarily due to hunting regulations managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). It is illegal to have a "loaded" long gun in a vehicle. Under Colorado law, a long gun is considered loaded if there is a round in the chamber. While you can have rounds in the magazine, the chamber must remain empty while the firearm is in or on a motor vehicle.

Transporting Through Restricted Areas

If you are driving through a city like Denver where open carry is banned, ensure your firearm is not visible from the outside of the vehicle. While state law generally protects your right to have a weapon in the car for protection, keeping it out of sight prevents unnecessary interactions with law enforcement in restrictive jurisdictions.

Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry

It is important to distinguish between open carry and concealed carry (CCW). Concealed carry occurs when the firearm is hidden from public view, such as under a jacket or inside the waistband (IWB).

To carry a concealed firearm in Colorado, you must have a valid Permit to Carry a Concealed Weapon. Colorado is a "shall-issue" state, meaning the sheriff's office must issue the permit if you meet the legal requirements and complete the necessary training.

Note: A concealed carry permit does not give you the right to open carry in areas where it is banned. For example, in Denver, a CCW permit holder can carry concealed, but they still cannot carry openly.

Choosing the Right Gear for Open Carry

If you decide to open carry during your outdoor adventures, your choice of gear is paramount for safety and security. Open carry exposes your firearm to the elements and to other people, which creates unique challenges. We often include high-quality holsters and EDC (Everyday Carry) essentials in our monthly missions to ensure our members are prepared for these exact scenarios. If you want that kind of gear rotation on autopilot, get gear delivered monthly.

Holster Retention

When you carry openly, the firearm is visible to everyone around you. This increases the risk of a "gun grab," where someone attempts to take the firearm from your holster. To prevent this, you should use a holster with active retention. A concealment holster is one example of the kind of secure carry setup that supports quick access and better control.

• Level 1 Retention: Uses friction to hold the gun. This is generally insufficient for open carry in populated areas.
• Level 2 Retention: Features a mechanical lock, such as a thumb break or a button that must be pressed to release the firearm.
• Level 3 Retention: Includes multiple locking mechanisms. This is the standard for law enforcement and provides the highest level of security.

Gun Belts

A standard leather dress belt is not designed to support the weight of a loaded firearm and a holster. Over time, a weak belt will sag, causing the firearm to pull away from your body. This is uncomfortable and can interfere with your draw. Invest in a dedicated EDC belt or a tactical belt with a stiffened core. The Dango Spec-Ops Belt fits that role well as a rigid everyday-carry foundation. These are designed to distribute the weight evenly and keep your gear exactly where you placed it.

Weather Protection

Outdoor carry means exposure to rain, snow, and dust. If you are open carrying on a trail, your firearm needs regular maintenance. Look for holsters made of Kydex or high-quality polymer, as these materials do not absorb moisture like leather. If you are also building out a weather-ready kit, the Dark Energy Plasma Lighter is a compact example of rugged gear designed for wind and rain. Ensure your firearm has a corrosion-resistant finish, and wipe it down with a light coat of oil after a day in the elements.

Practical Safety and Ethics of Open Carry

Just because you can open carry doesn't always mean you should in every situation. Being a responsible firearm owner involves exercising good judgment and maintaining a high level of situational awareness.

1. Know Your Surroundings If you are hiking in a remote area of the White River National Forest, open carry is common and rarely draws a second glance. However, if you are walking through a crowded mountain town like Breckenridge or Estes Park, open carry may cause unnecessary alarm or "man with a gun" calls to local police. Understanding the social context of your location is part of being a prepared citizen. For a related read on wildlife awareness and field judgment, Surviving a Bear Encounter is worth a look.

2. Practice Your Draw The best gear is the gear you know how to use. If your holster has Level 2 or Level 3 retention, you must practice releasing those locks until the movement is muscle memory. Practice "dry fire" (with an unloaded firearm in a safe direction) to ensure you can draw cleanly without snagging on your clothing or backpack straps. If you want to sharpen the rest of your everyday-carry instincts, What Do I Need to Survive in the Wilderness? covers the bigger picture.

3. Interact Professionally with Law Enforcement If you are stopped by a police officer while open carrying, keep your hands visible and away from your firearm. Inform the officer calmly that you are carrying a firearm and where it is located. Follow their instructions exactly. In Colorado, you are not generally required to notify an officer that you are carrying unless they ask, but doing so politely can de-escalate a situation. For a broader look at real-world preparedness and response, Common Emergencies: Preparation, Communication, and Essential Gear is a helpful companion.

Preparing for Outdoor Adventures in Colorado

The decision to carry a firearm is just one part of a broader survival strategy. When we curate gear at BattlBox, we look at the entire ecosystem of preparation. A firearm is a tool for a specific set of problems, but it doesn't replace the need for water purification, first aid, or navigation skills. If your priorities include hydration and field readiness, the Water Purification collection is an easy next stop.

If you are carrying for protection against wildlife, such as black bears or mountain lions, remember that bear spray is often cited by wildlife experts as being highly effective for deterring an attack without the need for lethal force. Many hikers carry both: bear spray for wildlife encounters and a firearm as a secondary option or for personal defense. For a deeper look at medical readiness, the Medical & Safety collection belongs in the same planning conversation.

Checklist for Carrying in Colorado

• Check local ordinances for the specific city or county.
• Verify your holster has adequate retention for open carry.
• Ensure your firearm is clean and lubricated for outdoor conditions.
• Confirm you are not entering a "gun-free zone" or government building.
• Keep a copy of your CCW permit (if you have one) even if carrying openly.

Bottom line: Open carry in Colorado is a legal right for most adults, but it requires constant awareness of local laws and a commitment to using high-quality, secure gear.

Conclusion

Colorado remains a state where the traditions of the outdoors and the right to bear arms coexist, but the rules are more localized than they used to be. You do not need a license to open carry in the majority of the state, provided you are 18 or older and legally allowed to own a firearm. However, the move away from state preemption means that your legal status can change simply by crossing a city limit line. Being a responsible member of the outdoor community means doing your homework before you head out. Whether you are building your first EDC kit or upgrading your backcountry gear, we are here to provide the tools and the knowledge you need. Our missions at BattlBox are designed to push your skills forward and ensure you have expert-curated gear that performs when it matters most. Stay informed, stay prepared, and enjoy the rugged beauty of Colorado with confidence. If you are ready to keep building that mindset, subscribe to BattlBox.

Key Takeaway: Knowledge of local laws is just as important as the gear on your belt; always verify local restrictions before open carrying in Colorado municipalities.

FAQ

Can I open carry in a vehicle in Colorado?

Yes, you can open carry a handgun in your vehicle, and state law even allows you to carry it concealed within the vehicle for protection without a permit. However, for rifles and shotguns, Colorado law requires that the chamber be empty while the firearm is in the vehicle. If you want a broader car-kit reference, the Emergency / Disaster Preparedness collection is a solid place to start.

Does a Colorado CCW permit allow me to open carry in Denver?

No, a concealed carry permit only allows you to carry a firearm hidden from view. Denver has a specific municipal ordinance that bans the open carry of firearms, and this ban applies even to those who hold a valid CCW permit. For readers building out their daily loadout, the EDC collection is a natural next step.

What is the minimum age to open carry in Colorado?

The minimum age to open carry a firearm in Colorado is 18 years old. While you must be 21 to purchase a handgun from a federal firearms licensee (FFL) or to obtain a concealed carry permit, the state allows 18-year-olds to possess and openly carry firearms. For a wider framework on the essentials of readiness, What Should Be in a Wilderness Survival Kit is a useful companion article.

Can private businesses ban open carry in Colorado?

Yes, private property owners and business operators have the legal right to prohibit firearms on their premises. If a business has a "no guns" policy or asks you to leave because you are carrying a firearm, you must comply or you could be charged with criminal trespass. If you are also thinking through general preparedness gear, the Fire Starters collection is a practical place to round out a kit.