As travelers explore the Centennial State, the Colorado Tourism Office is encouraging them to “Do Colorado Right,” a responsible tourism campaign aimed at helping visitors enjoy Colorado while reducing their environmental impact. 

The campaign offers practical ways to travel more responsibly, from visiting during off-peak times and choosing greener transportation to following Care for Colorado Leave No Trace principles.

From renewable energy-powered communities and electric vehicle road trips to dark-sky destinations, eco-conscious lodging and volunteer opportunities, Colorado is expanding its efforts to help visitors explore more thoughtfully while protecting the state’s natural beauty, history and culture.

LIGHT-FOOTPRINT ADVENTURES

Dark sky in the San Juan mountains.  Photo Credit: Colorado Tourism Office/Lumenati Productions

Colorado is building a reputation as a dark-sky destination, meaning places where the night sky is protected from excessive artificial light so people can experience clear views of stars, planets and the Milky Way. Colorado now has 12 International Dark Sky Parks and six International Dark Sky Communities, including Brown’s Canyon National Monument in Salida, Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area near Montrose and the town of Paonia.  

Ouray Hot Springs. Photo Credit: Colorado Tourism Office/Lumenati Productions

 Glenwood Hot Springs Resort uses geothermal energy from the Yampah Source Spring to reduce energy use and lower its carbon footprint. The spring produces 3.5 million gallons of water a day, which is cooled from 122 degrees for use in the resort’s pools and to heat its historic Stone Bath House and 107-room lodge.

Colorado Shoe School in Bellvue now offers half-day sneaker workshops for small groups. Participants can repurpose leather that might otherwise end up in a landfill and use recycled materials such as bike tires, rubber flooring and rescued conveyor belts to create custom shoes.

Meow Wolf Denver, an immersive 

art attraction known for its interactive exhibits and surreal environments, also reflects Colorado’s emphasis on responsible travel. As a certified B Corporation, it meets standards for environmental and social responsibility, supporting the state’s broader focus on sustainability and community stewardship.

SLEEP A LITTLE GREENER

At Kosmos Stargazing Resort and Spa, near Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve (also an International Dark Sky Park), guests stay in telescope-equipped villas built with hempcrete, a renewable material that absorbs carbon. The resort aims to become fully off grid by 2027.

Populus, which opened near Denver’s Civic Center Park in late 2024, describes itself as the first carbon-positive hotel in the U.S. The hotel uses low-carbon building materials, 100% renewable energy and a zero-waste dining program. Through its One Night, One Tree program, Populus has planted more than 20,000 trees in Colorado.

Riverside Colorado, in Poudre Canyon near the Mishawaka Amphitheatre, offers another eco-conscious lodging option, with accommodations ranging from canvas wall tents and tiny homes to cabins and lodge quarters.

Mesa Verde.  Photo Credit: Colorado Tourism Office/Lumenati Productions

 In Colorado Springs, SCP Hotel emphasizes wellness, social good and environmental responsibility. The hotel also plants a tree for every guest stay.

Arapaho Valley Ranchin Grand County operates off the grid and is fully self-sustaining. The family-owned guest ranch is adding yurts and glamping tents to its existing cabins and RV sites.

FARM-FRESH FLAVOR

Travelers can support Colorado agriculture through Colorado Proud, which offers a farm-fresh directory, crop calendars, recipes, agritourism ideas and a guide to restaurants serving local ingredients. Products marked with the Colorado Proud logo help support the state’s farmers and ranchers.

Elkstone Farms - Regenerative agriculture. Photo Credit: Colorado Tourism Office/Lumenati Productions

In Durango, James Ranch Grill takes the farm-to-table concept a step further with a “table on the farm” approach, sourcing many of its regenerative ingredients directly from James Ranch.

Blackbelly Market in Boulder, opened by “Top Chef” winner Hosea Rosenberg, has earned a MICHELIN Green Star. Rosenberg opened a second Denver location in spring 2024. Colorado is also home to three other MICHELIN Green Star restaurants recognized for sustainable gastronomy: Bramble & Hare in Boulder, and The Wolf’s Tailor and Brutø in Denver.

In Fort Collins, The Fox Den: No Waste Café and Roastery focuses on minimizing waste. Marble Distilling Co. in Carbondale aims to become a zero-waste distillery, and guests can stay on-site at the Distillery Inn. 

In Alamosa, Colorado Farm Brewery grows 100% of its brewing ingredients on the farm where the beer is made.

EXPLORE WITHOUT THE EXHAUST

Twenty of the state’s 26 Scenic and Historic Byways are now accessible for electric vehicle road trips, with charging stations along the route. The San Juan Skyway became Colorado’s newest EV Byway in November 2025.

Travelers looking to skip the car also have several other options. Bustang and Bustang Outrider connect mountain communities, while private shuttles run between cities, mountain towns and airports.

In Denver, RTD’s A Line connects downtown with Denver International Airport, and the broader transit system makes it easy to get around by rail or bus. Many communities across Colorado also offer free or low-cost local transit.

E-bikes and e-scooters offer a fun and convenient way to explore many of Colorado’s cities and nearby attractions.

Sangre Train. Photo Credit: Colorado Tourism Office/Lumenati Productions

 Rail travel is another option. In addition to 10 historic and scenic railroads, Colorado is served by Amtrak’s California Zephyr and Southwest Chief. 

Canyon Spirit, formerly Rocky Mountaineer’s U.S. rail journeys, offers a luxury train experience between Utah and Colorado. 

GIVE BACK WHILE YOU GO

Colorado travelers can also take part in stewardship efforts that support trails, waterways and natural habitats.

The Colorado Fourteeners Initiative organizes trail restoration and habitat protection work on the state’s highest peaks, including multiday trail-building trips and native seed collection projects.

Wildlands Restoration Volunteers coordinates projects ranging from trail maintenance to litter cleanup and habitat restoration. Colorado Mountain Bike Association helps build new singletrack and maintain existing trails. Since 1984, Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado has worked with conservation and land agencies to mobilize thousands of people each year for stewardship projects statewide. 

WHEN YOU GO