DENVER — The name of the holiday may elicit a chuckle from some, but others plan to celebrate National Nude Hiking Day in earnest on June 21.
Those who enjoy hiking in the nude call the experience an opportunity to bond with nature, but authorities on many of Colorado trails say it's more of an opportunity to be ticketed.
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPAW), their parks and trails are off limits for those seeking a nude experience.
Lauren Truitt, a spokesperson for CPAW, the family atmosphere comes first for parkgoers and guests. Truitt said nobody has made a request to conduct a nude hike and warned that anybody who embarks upon such a journey could be ticketed for indecent exposure.
"We would ask them to leave or put on clothing," Truitt said, noting park rangers and district wildlife managers could choose to issue a warning or a ticket.
The U.S. Forest Service, which also manages 11 national forests and 2 grasslands in Colorado, said their lands have individual rules. Nudity may violate rules in some of those areas.
"Each national forest and grassland has occupancy and use rules in place to protect public health and safety. Before heading outdoors, visitors need to contact the national forest or grassland they plan to visit to check conditions and restrictions," Lawrence Lujan, Forest Service regional press officer, said. "National forests and grasslands provide an abundance of opportunities for people to connect with the outdoors. Visitors are encouraged to be safe, responsible and considerate of other visitors."
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), however, said they would take the situation on a case-by-case basis based on if the nudity presents a nuisance or hazard to public land users.
"Anyone participating should remember that state and county law apply on public lands, as well," Courtney Whiteman, public affairs specialist with BLM, said.
Although mostly frowned upon on public lands, a quick search online turns up dozens of sites that support hiking in the nude in Colorado, including a nudist group with over 200 members.
So would you ever consider going on a nude hike? Weigh in by answering our poll below.
