DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado is known for its natural beauty and offers nature enthusiasts just about every outdoor experience possible.

The state is so popular that over eight million people have already visited Colorado state parks this year, and it's only a couple of days past the halfway point of 2025.

Gov. Jared Polis and Colorado Parks and Wildlife are celebrating the 2025 milestone, highlighting the state park's diversity and a positive economic impact on Colorado.

“Whether it's floating the Arkansas River or cozying up by a campfire, Colorado State Parks have something for every kind of adventure. Every summer, visitors from around Colorado and around the world come to visit our 43 State Parks, providing everyone, from adventurers to families and casual visitors, with a range of outdoor recreation opportunities. Our parks and outdoor spaces also play an important role in our state’s economy, and we look forward to continuing to expand access so even more people can enjoy our incredible outdoors,” said Polis, in a press release on Wednesday.

Numbers for 2025 are nearly on par with 2024, which saw about 18 million people visit Colorado state parks. CPW said that number typically surges during the summer, with the Fourth of July weekend being one of the busiest points of the year.

In 2024, those 18 million visitors generated $147 million in revenue for Colorado.

“Wherever you go in Colorado, there’s a state park waiting to welcome you,” said CPW Director Jeff Davis. “Mountains or prairies, rivers or forests, out in the eastern plains or near the city — Colorado’s state parks are as diverse as the state itself, and they offer something for everyone.

The Keep Colorado Wild Pass was introduced in 2021 and offers car, bike and foot entry into Colorado state parks at a discounted price, reducing the cost from $80 to $29 for Coloradans.

In the first year the pass was discounted, more than 1.5 million Coloradans purchased it, generating $39.7 million.

CPW sets a yearly goal of reaching $36 million from Keep Colorado Wild Pass sales. The first $32.5 million accumulated goes towards park maintenance and development, while $2.5 million goes to local search and rescue teams and the remaining portion is contributed to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.