DENVER - Colorado State Parks will celebrate Colorado Day by offering free entrance at all 42 state parks on Monday, Aug. 3. Colorado Day was created by the state legislature to mark the anniversary of statehood, granted in 1876 by President Ulysses S. Grant. Free entrance at the state parks is an annual Colorado Day tradition. “Colorado Day is annual opportunity for all Coloradans to get outdoors at the state parks, enjoy the natural beauty of these places and experience all the recreational activities that the parks have to offer,” said Dean Winstanley, Colorado State Parks Director. All other fees will remain in effect on Aug. 3. The state parks throughout Colorado showcase the state’s diverse landscapes, including the prairies of the eastern plains at John Martin Reservoir State Park, the alpine beauty of the mountains at Sylvan Lake State Park and the unique geological landscapes at Roxborough State Park. There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy Colorado’s rivers at James M. Robb-Colorado River State Park and Yampa River State Park, as well as the state’s reservoirs at Lake Pueblo State Park and North Sterling State Park. There are a huge variety of recreational opportunities at all Colorado State Parks. Recreational activities include, bird and wildlife viewing, boating, jet skiing, sail boarding, water skiing, swimming, fishing, whitewater rafting, geocaching, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, off-highway vehicle riding and many more. This Colorado Day, be sure to get out to a state park for a fun-filled day that the whole family can enjoy. Throughout 2009, Colorado State Parks is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state’s favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Attracting more than 11 million visitors per year, Colorado's 42 state parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado's economy and quality of life.Colorado State Parks encompass 242,531 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,000 campsites, and 57 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visitwww.colorado.gov/parks