How to Open Carry in Colorado

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Colorado Open Carry Laws
3. Local Restrictions and the End of State Preemption
4. Prohibited Places for Firearms
5. Vehicle Carry Nuances in Colorado
6. Essential Gear for Open Carry
7. Practical Safety and Interaction with Law Enforcement
8. The Importance of Training and Situational Awareness
9. Comparing Carry Methods in Colorado
10. Choosing the Right Setup for the Backcountry
11. Building Your Self-Reliance Kit
12. Conclusion
13. FAQ

Introduction

Standing on a ridge in the Colorado Rockies, you quickly realize how much the landscape commands respect. Whether you are scouting a trail in the backcountry or prepping for a long-distance hike, personal protection is often top of mind. For many residents and visitors, carrying a firearm is a practical part of their outdoor kit. However, the laws surrounding how to open carry in Colorado have become increasingly complex over the last few years. At BattlBox, we believe that being prepared means more than just having the right gear; it means having the right knowledge. If you want that readiness delivered monthly, subscribe to BattlBox. This post covers the legal requirements, local restrictions, and gear considerations you need to stay safe and compliant, and the emergency preparedness collection is a useful place to start building the rest of your kit. Understanding the intersection of state law and local ordinances is the first step toward responsible carry in the Centennial State.

Understanding Colorado Open Carry Laws

Colorado is traditionally an open-carry state. This means that, generally speaking, any person who can legally possess a firearm may carry it openly without a permit. In this context, "open carry" means the firearm must be partially or fully visible to the casual observer. If you cover the weapon with a jacket, shirt, or bag, it becomes a concealed weapon. Carrying a concealed weapon in Colorado requires a specific permit issued by a county sheriff.

Quick Answer: To open carry in Colorado, you must be at least 18 years old and legally allowed to possess a firearm. While state law generally permits open carry without a permit, local municipalities like Denver have specific bans that you must follow.

The foundational law is straightforward, but the application is where it gets tricky. You do not need to register your firearm with the state. There is also no requirement to obtain a license specifically for open carry. However, you must be a law-abiding citizen. If you have certain criminal convictions, or if you are subject to a protection order, you are prohibited from possessing a firearm entirely. For a broader framework on prioritizing what matters most, read The Survival 13.

Age Requirements for Possession

While federal law requires a person to be 21 to purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer, Colorado state law allows individuals 18 and older to possess a handgun. This creates a gap where an 18-year-old may legally open carry a handgun gifted to them or purchased via a private sale, provided they meet all other legal criteria. However, always check the most recent statutes, as legislative sessions often see attempts to raise these age limits.

The Definition of "Open"

For a carry to be considered open, the holster and the firearm should be visible. In a vehicle, the rules change slightly. Colorado law allows you to carry a weapon in your vehicle for protection while traveling. This weapon can be concealed or open while you are inside the car. Once you step out of the vehicle, the firearm must be visible if you do not have a concealed carry permit, and our EDC gear can help round out the rest of your daily carry setup.

Local Restrictions and the End of State Preemption

For decades, Colorado had "state preemption" laws. These laws prevented cities and counties from passing gun regulations that were stricter than state law. This made it easy for hikers and travelers to move between jurisdictions without worrying about a patchwork of different rules.

In 2021, the landscape changed with the passage of Senate Bill 21-256. This bill effectively ended state preemption regarding many firearm regulations. Now, local governments can create their own rules for carrying firearms in public spaces. This means that "legal" in one county might be "illegal" in the next.

The Denver Open Carry Ban

Denver is the most prominent example of local restriction. Open carry is completely prohibited within the City and County of Denver. This ban applies to everyone, regardless of whether you have a permit for concealed carry. If you are traveling through Denver, your firearm must be cased or otherwise stored according to local transport laws.

Other Restrictive Municipalities

Since the preemption law changed, several other cities have moved to restrict open carry. Boulder, Louisville, and Edgewater have all implemented various restrictions or bans on carrying firearms in public places or specific government-owned properties.

Key Takeaway: Never assume that state law applies uniformly across all Colorado cities; always verify the local ordinances of the specific city or county you plan to visit.

Prohibited Places for Firearms

Even in areas where open carry is generally legal, certain locations are strictly off-limits. Violating these restrictions can lead to serious legal consequences, including felony charges in some cases.

Federal Property and Schools

You cannot carry a firearm onto federal property. This includes post offices, federal courthouses, and many buildings within national parks. While you can often carry in the open spaces of National Forests and National Parks (if you follow state and local laws), federal buildings remain gun-free zones.

Public and private K-12 schools are also prohibited areas. Carrying a firearm on school grounds is a high-level offense in Colorado. This often extends to administrative buildings and school-sanctioned transportation like buses.

Government Buildings and Public Spaces

Following the shift in preemption laws, many local governments have banned firearms in "sensitive locations." These typically include:

• City halls and legislative buildings.
• Courthouses.
• Public parks and recreation centers (in specific jurisdictions).
• Polling places during elections.

Private Property and Businesses

Private property owners have the right to prohibit firearms on their premises. If a business has a "No Weapons" sign posted, you must respect it. If an owner or manager asks you to leave because you are carrying a firearm, you must do so immediately. Failure to comply can result in a trespassing charge.

Myth: A "No Weapons" sign doesn't have the force of law in Colorado. Fact: While the sign itself might not lead to an immediate weapons charge, ignoring it allows the owner to charge you with trespassing, and in some jurisdictions, it can lead to direct legal penalties.

Vehicle Carry Nuances in Colorado

Carrying a firearm in your vehicle is a common practice for those traveling to remote trailheads. Colorado law is relatively protective of your right to carry a handgun in a vehicle for self-defense.

Handguns in Vehicles: You may carry a handgun in your vehicle, either concealed or openly. You do not need a permit to have a loaded handgun in your car for protection. This applies to both residents and non-residents traveling through the state.

Rifles and Shotguns: Long guns are treated differently. For hunting safety and to prevent poaching, Colorado law generally requires that rifles and shotguns be carried without a round in the chamber while in a vehicle.

Exiting the Vehicle: The moment you step out of your car, the "vehicle carry" protections end. If you are open carrying, the firearm must be visible. If you intend to carry it concealed, you must have a valid Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) or a permit from a state that Colorado recognizes through reciprocity.

Essential Gear for Open Carry

If you choose to open carry, your choice of gear is vital. It is not just about comfort; it is about security and safety. Carrying a firearm openly makes it a potential target for "snatch-and-grab" attempts.

Retention Holsters

We strongly recommend using a holster with active retention. Holsters are categorized by "Levels":

• Level 1: Uses friction to hold the gun in place. This is generally insufficient for open carry.
• Level 2: Includes a physical barrier, like a thumb break or a button, that must be deactivated to draw the weapon.
• Level 3: Requires multiple distinct movements to release the firearm, providing the highest level of security against unauthorized access.

Gun Belts

A standard leather belt is rarely enough to support the weight of a full-sized handgun and a retention holster. You need a dedicated gun belt. These are reinforced with internal stiffeners (like kydex or steel) to prevent the belt from sagging or twisting. A sturdy belt ensures the holster stays in the same position, which is critical for a consistent draw and all-day comfort.

Our Expert Curation

At BattlBox, our team of outdoor professionals understands the balance between accessibility and security. Get expert-curated gear delivered monthly. We often include high-quality EDC tools and accessories in our missions. Whether you are looking for a rugged belt or a reliable holster, the gear you find in our collections is tested in the field to ensure it stands up to the demands of the Colorado backcountry. Our Pro and Pro Plus tiers often feature premium items that complement a well-rounded carry setup.

Bottom line: Open carry requires a holster with at least Level 2 retention and a reinforced gun belt to ensure the firearm remains secure and accessible only to you.

Practical Safety and Interaction with Law Enforcement

Openly carrying a firearm can sometimes lead to interactions with law enforcement, especially in populated areas or near trailheads. How you handle these moments can dictate the outcome of the encounter.

Interacting with Police

If you are stopped by an officer while open carrying, remain calm and keep your hands visible. Do not reach for your firearm or your identification unless instructed to do so.

Step 1: Keep your hands away from the weapon. Place them on the steering wheel or keep them visible at your sides. Step 2: Verbally disclose. It is often helpful to calmly state, "Officer, I want to inform you that I am openly carrying a firearm on my right hip." Step 3: Follow instructions. If the officer asks to temporarily secure the weapon for their safety, comply calmly.

Muzzle Discipline and Handling

Safety is paramount. The four rules of firearm safety apply at all times:

1. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
2. Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
4. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

When you are open carrying, you are a representative of the 2A community. Professionalism and safety help maintain the public's trust and your own legal standing.

The Importance of Training and Situational Awareness

Buying a holster and a handgun is only the beginning. Carrying a firearm for self-defense requires a commitment to ongoing training.

Situational Awareness

The best way to win a fight is to avoid it. Situational awareness means staying "switched on" and noticing your surroundings. When you open carry, you must be even more aware of the people around you. You need to know who is behind you and maintain a "reactionary gap"—the distance needed to react if someone tries to grab your weapon. If you want a deeper dive into everyday carry habits, our EDC essentials guide is a solid next step.

Training for the Draw

Drawing from a retention holster is different than drawing from a standard range holster. You need to practice deactivating the retention mechanisms until it becomes muscle memory.

• Practice dry-fire draws (with an unloaded firearm) daily.
• Train in the clothing you actually wear while hiking or camping.
• Seek out professional instruction that focuses on defensive carry rather than just target shooting.

Comparing Carry Methods in Colorado

Deciding between open carry and concealed carry depends on your lifestyle and where you spend your time.

Key Takeaway: While open carry is accessible and requires no permit, concealed carry offers much greater legal flexibility when moving between different Colorado cities.

Choosing the Right Setup for the Backcountry

When you are deep in the woods, open carry is often the most practical choice. It stays clear of your backpack's hip belt and remains accessible if you encounter aggressive wildlife. If you are building out the rest of your backcountry loadout, our flashlights collection is worth a look.

Backpack Compatibility

Standard hip-mounted holsters often interfere with the suspension systems of large hiking packs. If you are carrying a heavy load, consider:

• Chest Holsters: These keep the firearm centered on your chest, clear of all backpack straps. This is a favorite for many Colorado hikers.
• Drop-Leg Holsters: These move the firearm lower on the thigh, clearing the hip belt of the pack.
• Paddle Holsters: These can sometimes be slid onto the webbing of a pack, though this is less secure than a body-mounted option.

Weather Considerations

Colorado weather changes in an instant. Your gear needs to be corrosion-resistant. Look for holsters made of Kydex or treated leather. Ensure your firearm is cleaned and oiled regularly, especially after a day of hiking in the rain or snow. For a dependable light that fits the same grab-and-go mindset, the Powertac Valor 800 Lumen AA Battery Waterproof EDC Flashlight is a practical fit.

Building Your Self-Reliance Kit

Open carry is just one part of a larger strategy for self-reliance. A firearm is a tool for a specific set of circumstances, but you are far more likely to need a first aid kit, a way to start a fire, or a water purification method. If you are building that part of the loadout, Aquatabs 49mg Tablets fit naturally into the conversation.

At BattlBox, we focus on providing the gear that fills these gaps. Our missions are designed to help you build a complete survival system. The Pull Start Fire Starter is the kind of simple, reliable tool that belongs in that same kind of kit.

Our community of over a million subscribers is a testament to the value of being prepared. We provide the tools you keep, not just samples. Whether you are a Basic tier member getting started with EDC essentials or a Pro Plus member receiving premium knives, the sharp edges collection is where that part of the loadout starts.

Conclusion

Navigating how to open carry in Colorado requires a mix of legal awareness and practical preparation. While state law offers broad freedoms, the rise of local ordinances means you must be diligent about where you are standing. Always prioritize high-retention gear and seek out professional training to ensure you are a safe and responsible carrier. Remember that carrying a firearm is just one piece of the preparedness puzzle. Staying informed, staying practiced, and staying equipped is the hallmark of the modern adventurer. To ensure you have the best gear for your next adventure, choose your BattlBox subscription.

FAQ

Is it legal to open carry a handgun in Colorado without a permit?

Yes, in most of the state, it is legal for any person 18 or older who can lawfully possess a firearm to carry it openly without a permit. However, local jurisdictions like Denver have passed their own bans on open carry, and federal properties also prohibit firearms. If you want to round out the rest of your readiness setup, the emergency preparedness collection is a good place to look.

Can I open carry in my car while driving through Colorado?

You may carry a handgun in your vehicle for protection, and it can be either open or concealed. However, once you exit the vehicle, the firearm must be visible to qualify as open carry, and you must ensure you are not in a city with an open carry ban.

Does Colorado recognize open carry permits from other states?

Colorado does not have a specific "open carry permit" because a permit is generally not required for open carry under state law. For concealed carry, Colorado only recognizes permits from states that have reciprocity agreements and only if the permit holder is a resident of that state and at least 21 years old.

Where is open carry prohibited in Colorado?

Open carry is prohibited in Denver, on school grounds, in federal buildings, and in any private business or property that has posted signs prohibiting firearms. Additionally, many local government buildings in cities like Boulder and Edgewater have recently implemented their own bans. For a broader safety-minded setup, the medical and safety collection is worth a look.