In celebration of Colorado Day, and the 146th birthday of the state, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is offering free entry to all Colorado state parks on Monday, Aug. 1. A few days later, visitors can explore the trails, rivers and lakes of Rocky Mountain National Park during one of its free entry slots on Aug. 4.

“Colorado Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the natural beauty of our state and spend time outside,” said Statewide Public Information Officer Bridget O’Rourke Kochel. “Coloradans have a rich tradition of embracing an outdoor lifestyle, and our state parks offer a variety of outdoor activities that people of all ages and skill levels can enjoy.

Colorado Day was created by the state legislature to mark the anniversary of statehood, granted in 1876 by President Ulysses S. Grant. The state recognizes this annual holiday on the first of the month, and state parks celebrate the occasion with free entrance on the first Monday of August.

This free entry day provides a chance to experience Colorado’s state parks and the diverse landscapes they showcase.

Rocky Mountain National Park celebrates its free entry day on Thursday, Aug. 4, in recognition of the signing of the Great American Outdoors Act. The park also offers free entry on Sept. 24 in celebration of National Public Lands Day.

Rocky offers 335 miles of hiking trails, five campgrounds, over 50 lakes and many streams for fishing, two horseback riding stables, and four visitor centers, including the highest-elevation visitor center in the U.S. 

This story is from SkyHiNews.com.