Does Colorado Have Constitutional Carry Law

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is Constitutional Carry?
3. The Current Status of Colorado Carry Laws
4. Open Carry in Colorado: A Patchwork of Rules
5. Where You Can and Cannot Carry
6. How to Get a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit
7. The Importance of EDC and Alternative Defense
8. Self-Defense and the "Make My Day" Law
9. Myth vs. Fact: Colorado Carry
10. How to Stay Prepared in the Rocky Mountains
11. Recent Changes to Colorado Gun Laws
12. Conclusion
13. FAQ

Introduction

If you have ever packed your truck for a multi-state scouting trip or a long weekend in the backcountry, you know the drill. You check your stove, your water filtration, and your medical kit. But for those who carry a firearm for protection against two-legged or four-legged threats, there is one more essential check: the local laws. Crossing a state line can turn a legal everyday carry setup into a legal liability in a matter of seconds. We often see members of the BattlBox community asking about the specific rules in the Rocky Mountain region. Colorado is a popular destination for hikers and hunters, but its firearm laws have shifted significantly in recent years. This post will clarify the current standing of "constitutional carry" in the Centennial State and what you need to know to stay compliant, while you get expert-curated gear delivered monthly.

While many neighboring states have moved toward permitless carry, Colorado maintains a strict permitting system for concealed weapons.

Quick Answer: No, Colorado does not have constitutional carry law. You must possess a valid Permit to Carry a Concealed Weapon (CCW) to carry a concealed firearm in public, and local municipalities may have their own specific restrictions on open carry.

What is Constitutional Carry?

Constitutional carry, also known as permitless carry, refers to the legal right to carry a firearm—either openly or concealed—without a government-issued permit. The term comes from the idea that the Second Amendment itself is the only "permit" a law-abiding citizen should need. In states with these laws, anyone who can legally own a firearm can carry it for self-defense without undergoing additional state-mandated training or paying application fees.

In the last decade, a wave of states across the U.S. have adopted this model. As of 2024, more than half of the states in the country allow some form of permitless carry. However, Colorado is not one of them. In Colorado, the act of carrying a concealed handgun without a permit remains a class 2 misdemeanor for a first offense. This is a critical distinction for travelers coming from "free carry" states like Wyoming or Utah, and a good place to start is BattlBox's EDC collection.

The Current Status of Colorado Carry Laws

Colorado is a "shall-issue" state for concealed carry permits. This means that as long as an applicant meets the legal requirements, the local sheriff must issue the permit. However, the state does not recognize the right to carry concealed without that specific piece of paper.

Concealed Carry Permits (CHP)

To carry a concealed firearm in Colorado, you must obtain a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP). This process is handled by the sheriff of the county where you reside. The requirements generally include being at least 21 years old, being a legal resident of Colorado, and demonstrating competence with a firearm.

Training Requirements

Colorado recently updated its training requirements. You cannot simply take an online course and call it good. The law requires in-person training that includes a live-fire component. This ensures that anyone carrying a concealed weapon has at least a baseline level of proficiency and safety knowledge. We always advocate for regular training, as gear is only as effective as the person using it.

Reciprocity with Other States

If you are visiting Colorado from out of state, you need to check if Colorado honors your home state’s permit. Colorado only honors permits from states that also honor Colorado permits. Furthermore, Colorado only recognizes resident permits. If you have a non-resident permit from another state, it is not valid for carrying in Colorado.

Open Carry in Colorado: A Patchwork of Rules

While Colorado does not have constitutional carry for concealed weapons, open carry is technically legal at the state level without a permit. However, this is where things get complicated for the average outdoorsman. Colorado law allows local governments to enact their own bans on open carry.

Local Control and SB21-256 In 2021, Colorado passed Senate Bill 21-256. This law effectively ended state preemption. Before this, local cities could not pass gun laws that were stricter than state law. Now, cities and counties can create a "patchwork" of regulations.

Prohibited Cities Denver has a long-standing ban on the open carry of firearms. Other cities like Boulder, Edgewater, and Fort Collins have followed suit with various restrictions. If you are hiking a trail that crosses city limits, you could unknowingly walk into a zone where your open-carry holster is a legal violation.

Key Takeaway: Never assume that state law protects you in every city. In Colorado, local municipalities have the power to ban both open and concealed carry in certain public spaces. If you want a simple survival framework to keep your priorities straight, The Survival 13 is a solid reference point.

Where You Can and Cannot Carry

Even with a valid permit, there are "off-limits" locations in Colorado. Understanding these boundaries is part of being a responsible gun owner. Ignorance of the boundary line is rarely a valid defense in court.

Prohibited Places

• Federal Buildings: This includes post offices and federal courthouses.
• K-12 Schools: Carrying on school grounds is generally prohibited, though there are specific exceptions for permit holders in vehicles.
• Public Buildings with Security: Any building with fixed checkpoints and electronic screening.
• Private Property: If a business or private residence has "No Weapons" signs posted, you must respect them.

Carrying in the Backcountry

For those of us who spend our time in the mountains, the rules for National Forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land are usually more permissive. Generally, you can carry a firearm in these areas for protection. However, National Parks (like Rocky Mountain National Park) follow state law. Since Colorado requires a permit for concealed carry, you must have your permit to carry concealed inside the National Park boundaries. If you are building out a pack for that kind of trip, the VFX All-In-One Filter is the kind of backcountry backup that belongs there.

Car Carry Rules

In Colorado, you can legally carry a handgun inside your private vehicle for self-defense without a permit. The state views your vehicle as an extension of your home. However, once you step out of that vehicle with the firearm concealed on your person, you must have a valid permit.

How to Get a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit

If you live in Colorado and want to carry legally, you must go through the formal application process. It is a systematic procedure that ensures you are vetted by local law enforcement.

Step 1: Complete a Training Course. Find a certified instructor who offers an in-person class with a live-fire requirement. Ensure the certificate meets the criteria set by Colorado Revised Statutes.

Step 2: Schedule an Appointment. Contact your county sheriff’s office to schedule an appointment for your application. You will need to bring your training certificate, a valid ID, and the required fees.

Step 3: Background Check and Fingerprinting. During your appointment, the sheriff’s office will take your fingerprints and initiate a background check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the FBI.

Step 4: Wait for Approval. The sheriff has 90 days to approve or deny your permit. Once approved, your permit is typically valid for five years.

The Importance of EDC and Alternative Defense

Because Colorado’s laws are nuanced and permit-dependent, many people choose to round out their everyday carry (EDC) with non-firearm tools. We often include high-quality EDC items in our Basic and Advanced subscription tiers to ensure our members are prepared for any environment, so if you want that kind of setup arriving month after month, build your BattlBox subscription.

Folding Knives and Fixed Blades A reliable blade is a staple of any survival kit. In Colorado, concealed carry of a knife with a blade longer than 3.5 inches is generally restricted. However, a well-crafted folder or a small fixed blade is a legal and practical tool for utility and self-defense. For a compact pocket option, the Opinel No. 8 Stainless Steel Folding Knife with Lanyard - Green fits the bill.

Flashlights and Tactical Pens A high-lumen flashlight can be a powerful deterrent in a low-light encounter. It allows you to identify a threat from a distance and can temporarily disorient an aggressor. Tactical pens provide a discreet, legal striking tool that can go where firearms are prohibited. If you want a dependable light for your kit, the Powertac Valor 800 Lumen AA Battery Waterproof EDC Flashlight is a practical choice.

Medical Gear Preparation isn't just about defense; it's about life-saving. We believe every person carrying a weapon should also carry a trauma kit or at least a tourniquet. If you have the tools to make a hole, you should have the tools to plug one. The MyMedic MyFAK Standard is a serious option for that role.

Bottom line: When legal restrictions limit your ability to carry a firearm, your EDC strategy must evolve to include legal, effective alternatives that still provide a tactical advantage. For a deeper look at field-ready med setups, 12 Professional First Aid & Trauma Kits for Remote Prep is worth a read.

Self-Defense and the "Make My Day" Law

Colorado is famous for its "Make My Day" law, officially known as Title 18-1-704.5 of the Colorado Revised Statutes. This law provides legal protection for homeowners who use deadly force against an intruder.

Home Defense vs. Public Defense The "Make My Day" law is specific to your dwelling. It states that an occupant of a dwelling is justified in using any degree of physical force, including deadly force, against a person who has made an unlawful entry into the dwelling. The occupant must have a reasonable belief that the intruder might use even slight physical force against any occupant.

Public Self-Defense Outside of your home, Colorado follows a standard of "reasonable belief." You are justified in using physical force to defend yourself or a third person from what you reasonably believe to be the use or imminent use of unlawful physical force. Deadly force is only justified if you reasonably believe a lesser degree of force is inadequate and you have reasonable ground to believe you or another person are in imminent danger of being killed or receiving great bodily injury.

The Duty to Retreat Colorado does not have a "duty to retreat" statute. Case law in Colorado has generally upheld that a person who is not the aggressor has no duty to retreat before using force in self-defense. However, this is always subject to a jury's interpretation of "reasonableness."

Myth vs. Fact: Colorado Carry

Myth: You can carry a gun anywhere in Colorado as long as it is visible. Fact: Local municipalities like Denver and Boulder have banned open carry. Even in areas where it is legal, private property owners can prohibit firearms on their premises.

Myth: A permit from any state is good in Colorado. Fact: Colorado only recognizes permits from states with which it has reciprocity, and only if the permit holder is a resident of that state and at least 21 years old.

How to Stay Prepared in the Rocky Mountains

Survival in the Colorado wilderness or navigating its urban centers requires more than just a piece of gear; it requires a mindset of readiness. Laws change, and environments shift. The best way to stay prepared is to stay informed and keep your skills sharp.

At BattlBox, we curate gear that helps you meet these challenges head-on, and if you want the right tools showing up every month, start your BattlBox subscription. Whether you are looking for the entry-level essentials in our Basic tier or the professional-grade equipment found in our Pro and Pro Plus tiers, our goal is to put the right tools in your hands. We have shipped over 1.7 million boxes to outdoorsmen and survivalists who know that being "ready" is a full-time job.

Training Over Gear

No matter what the law says about carrying, the gear is useless if you don't know how to use it.

• Practice your draw: If you carry concealed, practice your draw from your actual carry holster.
• Know your limits: Understand your accuracy at different distances.
• Study the law: Regularly check for legislative updates. Colorado's gun laws have been changing rapidly over the last few years. If you want to sharpen the rest of your carry setup, What Is Everyday Carry? A Practical Essentials Guide is a useful next step.

Building Your Kit

If you are visiting Colorado or live there, build a kit that accounts for the legal landscape.

1. A Valid Permit: If you live there, get the CHP.
2. Legal EDC: Carry a 3.5-inch or shorter blade and a high-output flashlight.
3. Communication: Always have a way to call for help, especially in areas with poor cell service.
4. Medical: A basic IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) should be in your vehicle and your day pack, and the medical and safety collection is a smart place to compare options.

Recent Changes to Colorado Gun Laws

The legal landscape in Colorado is active. In the last few sessions, the state legislature has introduced and passed several bills that impact gun owners.

Waiting Periods Colorado now has a mandatory three-day waiting period for firearm purchases. This does not affect how you carry, but it is a significant change for anyone looking to buy a new self-defense tool while in the state.

Red Flag Laws Colorado’s Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) law allows family members or law enforcement to petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from someone deemed a threat to themselves or others.

Ghost Gun Bans The state has also moved to ban firearms without serial numbers, often referred to as "ghost guns." If you enjoy building your own firearms from 80% lowers, you need to ensure they are serialized by a licensed dealer to remain legal in Colorado. For the bigger preparedness picture, the emergency preparedness collection covers the kind of gear mindset this section points toward.

Conclusion

Colorado does not have constitutional carry law. While the state was once very permissive, it has transitioned into a "permit-required" state with a growing list of local restrictions. For the hunter, hiker, or everyday citizen, this means you must be proactive. Get the necessary training, apply for your permit, and always be aware of the city or county lines you are crossing.

Preparation is about more than just having a tool; it is about knowing when and how you can legally and effectively use it. We are dedicated to helping you navigate these complexities by providing expert-curated gear and the knowledge to use it. Whether you are building your first emergency kit or refining your EDC, end with a BattlBox subscription. Adventure. Delivered.

FAQ

Does Colorado recognize my out-of-state concealed carry permit? Colorado honors permits from states that share reciprocity with it, provided the permit holder is a resident of that state and at least 21 years old. It does not recognize non-resident permits from any state. You should check the current reciprocity map on the Colorado Bureau of Investigation website before traveling.

Can I legally carry a gun in my car in Colorado without a permit? Yes, you can legally carry a handgun inside a private vehicle for self-defense purposes under Colorado state law. The handgun can be loaded and concealed within the vehicle. However, the moment you exit the vehicle and carry the gun concealed on your person, you must have a valid Colorado CHP or a recognized out-of-state permit.

Is open carry legal in Denver? No, Denver has a specific municipal ordinance that prohibits the open carry of firearms within city limits. This ban is strictly enforced. Even though open carry is generally legal in many other parts of Colorado, Denver and a growing number of other cities have enacted their own local bans.

What is the maximum blade length for a knife in Colorado? For concealed carry, Colorado law generally prohibits carrying a knife with a blade longer than 3.5 inches. Knives exceeding this length are often classified as "concealed weapons" under state statute. It is important to measure your EDC blade to ensure it falls within these legal limits if you plan to carry it in your pocket or under your coat. If you want to compare pocket-friendly options, the folder blades collection is a good place to start.