OT: packin' heat in Colorado

As a follow-up to an earlier post regarding car-camping and laws to be aware of, I'm wondering what the handgun laws are in Colorado. Any permit required? I know, not the most pleasant topic for discussion, but thought there might be others with the same question...Thanks in advance for the info!

No permits are required in general, but some municipalities have very strict laws (ie Denver) and the national parks do not allow the transport of firearms. There are also regulations about what qualifies as concealed carry in a car and I don't know exactly what those rules are, so you should look into that. Generally you'll have no trouble if you keep the firearm and its ammunition separate and in the trunk. Keeping it loaded in the center console may lead to issues.

Also, be aware that it is hunting season now and that it continues through maybe mid-November (I don't know the exact dates). You may want to have some blaze orange on you (hat and vest are a good idea). And if you've ever thought about wearing a bear suit in the wild, now would be bad timing.

I'll also say that while I own firearms, and shoot for sport and hunting, I do not carry any firearms with me in the wild. The only time when I though about it was when I was camping solo in an area known to be frequented by mountain lions. Attacks by animals are very, very rare in Colorado.

Thanks, Mel. I used to hunt too, but just can't shoot animals anymore - even with a bow.

I don't plan to carry anything but a can of bear spray while hiking (oh yeah, and my camera gear), but would sleep better at night having a little extra protection - since I'll be solo. FWIW, it's been rumored that there are a few anti - out-of-state folks that target vehicles with out-of-state tags. Don't know if there's any truth to that or not...

If there are any anti-out-of-state folks in Colorado they are very isolated from the mainstream. Sounds more like a myth started by someone who had a run-in with someone else and it escalated beyond what is real. Tourism is a big part of our economy and most everyone in the state realizes that and behaves accordingly.
If the can of bear spray is for possible bear encounters, I think you need to reevaluate how much useless weight you are willing to carry with you. I would personally feel thrilled, excited, and honored to come across a wild bear in the forests/canyons of Colorado, but I would never feel threatened or intimidated by one. But then, I have to chase bears off my deck every once in awhile, using only my voice and flailing arms, so I'm used to the idea of them being more scared of me than I am of them. You have a better chance of winning the Powerball Lottery than coming in contact with an aggressive black bear, and grizzlies no longer exist in Colorado. Mountain lions however are definitely a species to be concerned about in the very remote chance you would cross paths with one.
Being behind the wheel of a motor vehicle is way more dangerous than the aforementioned natural issues.
Hope your trip is productive and goes smoothly!

I agree with Don. I have never felt the need for either a can of pepper spray or a gun in over 20 years of backcountry travel. I've seen a lot of scat and exactly one bear - which was near Boulder. Unless you're sleeping with raw meat, it's pretty unlikely that a black bear will visit your tent. To each their own and all that, but we're pretty kind to out of staters who aren't flicking ciggy butts into our dry grasses.
Enjoy your time here.

It is legal in Colorado to carry a loaded, concealed handgun within reach in a vehicle. No permit is required (assuming, of course, that you're not otherwise prohibited from carrying or owning a handgun). (Colorado Revised Statute 18-12-105). Municipalities may NOT restrict the otherwise lawful carrying of a weapon in a vehicle. (Colorado Revised Statute 18-12-105.6)
A permit is required to carry a concealed handgun on your person. Concealed carry permits from other states are also valid in Colorado. (Colorado Revised Statute 18-12-213).

As far as the need for carrying a weapon, that determination is up to the person. I know that when hiking alone in areas known to be populated by mountain lions, it may be prudent. Or not.

A follow up to Bob's post, I believe, but am not certain, that Colorado offers reciprocity on concealed carry permits only when the other state accepts Colorado's permit, ie Arkansas must offer reciprocity to Colorado holders for Colorado to allow theirs.

Scott, your are correct, and I did fail to mention that. It's both ways, or nothing.
This link provides more information: http://apps.carryconcealed.net/legal/colorado-ccw-state-laws.php

William: If you do bring a gun, and you end up in Utah, be aware that the laws are very different here with regard to carrying a concealed and loaded weapon in your vehicle. Without a concealed carry permit from Utah or a state that offers reciprocity (most do) it is illegal to carry a loaded firearm ANYWHERE in your car, and it may not be concealed and within reach (loaded or unloaded), in the vehicle. Your best bet would be to leave it unloaded and in the trunk w/o a CCW permit.

It is also legal in Colorado for open carry except in Denver, but being in the woods you would be well within your right and legal status to carry openly.

I have carried numerous times and have been with other people who have carried (Openly), with no problems.

Thanks to everybody for the information and your comments. As far as black bears go, I'm probably just overreacting to a close encounter my friend had in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas earlier this year. His two dogs had gotten between a Moma and her cubs, so she decided to charge one of the dogs, then my friend, but she was bluffing and turned away at the last second. I've seen a total of two black bears in my life, and both were trying to put as much distance beween themselves and me as fast as they could.

In my travels through Colorado, I've always found that the people there were some of the friendliest and most hospitable I've ever met. You guys are excellent examples. The Fall color updates you so generously share are really appreciated - especially by photographers like me that drive over a thousand miles with little other information to go on. And, it's nice to know that vehicle break-ins are not commonplace with us "out-of-staters".

This will be my first trip to Coloado for the fall color, and I can hardly wait! First stop will be Maroon Bells Sunday morning, so maybe I'll cross paths with some of you, and will be able to personally thank you for all the information you provide on this forum. BTW, I'll be in a silver '91 Toyota 4x4 pickup...438,000 miles and still tickin'.

Couple of anecdotes, I was at Pennock Pass today near Fort Collins and a guy (hunter?) passed me on a motor bike with a rifle over his shoulder, next I see a sign on a gate which said " We don't call 911" followed by a carving of a gun.

Glad I didn't wander too far off the road!