Where Can You Fly Drones In Colorado 2023: Top Full Guide

Coloradans are dissatisfied with the absence of comprehensive drone restrictions. Some municipalities have banned drones due to safety concerns. Other counties are considering enacting their own set of rules. To develop a statewide framework, the Colorado State Legislature has been contemplating legislation that would take precedence over other municipal rules.

 Where can you fly drones In Colorado? This topic is exacerbated by the lack of national drone regulations. In this article, Lucidcam will give you clear information about that

Drone Laws – General Rules For Flying Drones In Colorado

Specific additional drone use laws by the Colorado State legislature

HB 1070: Public Safety Agencies Should Study Drone Use

The study must be conducted by the center for excellence in the department of public safety. The study should identify ways to integrate UAS into local and state government functions relating to firefighting and search and rescue, accident reconstruction and crime scene documentation, emergency management, and situations involving serious property damage, injury, or death.

Privacy concerns, costs, and timeframes for deployment must all be considered in the study. A pilot program is also required by the legislation. It requires the deployment of at most one UAS operator to a state region that has been designated a fire hazard. They will receive training on how to use UAS for the specified functions.

406-0 #004 AIDS IN TAKING WILDLIFE

It shall be unlawful to use a drone to look for, scout, or detect wildlife as an aid in the hunting or taking of wildlife.

Drones are defined for the purposes of the regulation as any device that can be used or invented to navigate or fly in the air unmanned or remotely. A drone can also be called “Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)” or “Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System (UAVs).

Additional UAV laws may be enacted by Colorado State governments

City of Boulder | Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP)

Boulder prohibits recreational drone operation in its Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) or on city-managed land outside of designated areas. Only special permit holders with authorization to fly drones for research purposes or other approved purposes are exempt. These include wildlife management, search and rescue, and management of public land.

Village of Cherry Hills | Ordinance No. 13

All drones that operate in Cherry Hills Village must be FAA-registered. They must also adhere to FAA guidelines. It bans all UAVs from flying over city property. This includes parks, streets, and public buildings.

City of Denver | Municipal Law

All flying objects, including drones, are prohibited from Denver park facilities. Drones may be flown in park facility areas designated by the DPR Executive Director for such flying objects, such as a designated model airplane or helicopter flying area, subject to compliance with rules and regulations that may be posted in or near the designated area. There may be exceptions for drones flown at special events or other activities with authorized permits.

Town of Telluride | Municipal Law

Without prior approval, the drone operator cannot fly over private properties or the town. Drone pilots are prohibited from flying their drones in dangerous ways or recklessly. This ordinance prohibits the use of UAVs when under the influence of marijuana.

Notes For Recreational Drone Pilots Flying In Colorado

You can fly recreationally with a small drone weighing less than 55 pounds by following the Drone Laws of the USA as defined by FAA Part 107 guidelines.

Colorado law approves recreational UAS operations, i.e., flying for recreational purposes, under Part 107 of the FAA. For additional clearance, licensing, or permissions, please check the state jurisdiction.

These rules will keep your drone and you safe. They will also help to keep airspace open for everyone.

1. Only fly for recreation (enjoyment).
2. Follow safety guidelines issued by an FAA-recognized Community Based Organization. Not yet officially recognized CBOs. Recreational flyers should adhere to safety guidelines provided by existing aeromodelling organizations, or refer to the FAA’s safety guidelines per advisory Circular 91–57B.
3. You can keep your drones in the visual line of sight or you can use a colocated visual observer, which is physically next to you and indirect communication.
4. Crewed aircraft are not to be interfered with.
5. Fly below 400 feet in controlled airspace ( Classes B, C, and D) with prior authorization using LAANC, or DroneZone.
6. Fly below 400 feet in Class G (uncontrolled airspace). Not all drone flights are allowed in certain areas. You can search for navigable airspace and other classes of airspace by a drone pilot on the B4UFLY app, or on the UAS Facility Maps website.
7. Take the Recreational UAS Safety Test and keep proof of passing.
8. You must have a valid registration and mark (PDF), for your drones. Also, you should bring proof of registration.
9. Your drone should not be operated in a dangerous manner. You can use this example:

• Do not interfere in emergency response or law enforcement activities.
• Flying under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not a good idea.
• Avoid flying close to or above critical infrastructure.

Recreational drone pilots need to be aware that they can be held responsible for violating any safety regulations and/or operating their drones recklessly or carelessly.

Recreational drone operators should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) rules regarding the safe use of recreational drones. They should also use common sense when operating drones in areas with wildlife or historic resources.

Colorado State Pre-Flight Planning

All drone pilots in Colorado are responsible for pre-flight planning. It is important to be aware of all Colorado State and Local policies or laws before you fly. To plan your routes, you might consider B4UFLY or Kittyhawk apps. These apps will provide the most current information about Colorado’s airspace and any temporary flight restrictions.

Where Can You Fly Drones In Colorado

Shoshone National Forest

If you’re looking for an area with lots of space for your drone to fly, this is the place for you. This large forest covers an incredible 2.4 million acres and is legal to fly drones. This place is known for its stunning scenery with many lakes and trees nearby that you can take amazing aerial photos.

The Shoshone National Forest is the perfect place to fly your drones in Colorado if you love nature. It is classified as a Class G airspace, meaning it is uncontrolled. Drone pilots can fly there at their leisure.

Bighorn Medicine Wheel

This historic monument is quite impressive when viewed from above. The Bighorn national forest is home to the medicine mountain national historical landmark. ​ You can fly your drone over the area and film images of the large stone structure which are made of local white limestone.

Hanging Lake

Hanging Lake, located in Colorado’s White River National Forest, is a great spot for drone pilots. The beautiful waterfalls and crystal clear water allow you to capture perfect photos. It is legal to fly your drone in this area, so there are no worries about the authorities. It is classified as a Class G airspace, meaning it can fly uncontrolled.

Ketring Park

Ketring Park is located in Littleton, Colorado. It has a ClassG airspace class which allows drone pilots to fly wherever they want. Ketring Park is located opposite Ketring Lake and has ample green space, which gives drone pilots plenty of room to fly their drones. Ketring Park is known for its trees and mountaintops, which provide stunning drone shots.

William Frederick Hayden Park

William Frederick Hayden Park is located in Lakewood, Colorado. It covers approximately 2,400 acres and is located on Green Mountain. It offers stunning views of the Colorado skyline. This park is great for capturing and seeing the aerial view of Denver. William Frederick Park is the perfect place to fly your drones if you’re a Denver drone pilot looking for shots of the Denver landscape. It is classified as a Class G airspace, meaning it is uncontrolled and allows drone pilots to fly wherever they please.

Chatfield State Park

Chatfield State Park in Littleton is another fantastic location. Chatfield State Park covers 3,889 acres and offers stunning views that allow for drone shots. It is a great place to fly your drones. It is classified as a Class G airspace, meaning it is uncontrolled and allows drone pilots to fly wherever they want.

Dillon Reservoir

You can also fly drones in this area, but you must register your drones with the Denver water authority to avoid the drone being confiscated. You can hover close to the water using the drone controls. Cool water wheel footage can be captured in Idaho Springs.

Garnet Ghost Town:

This abandoned mining community is located approximately 11 miles from Garnet Range Road. This area is home to many trails that can help you perfect your drone flying skills.

Mount Evans

For drone enthusiasts in Colorado, it is legal to fly your drones inside the Colorado Rockies. This includes the highest points. Mount Evans, at 14,240 feet above the ground, is a popular spot in Colorado for capturing footage.

The highest road that leads to Mount Evans is paved, and you can fly your drone there. Winter storms can close the road, so make sure you check it before driving.

You can film the mountainous terrain and nearby Echo Lake.

Perrine Bridge

Perrine Bridge is located next to Shoshone falls and makes a great place to fly your drone. You can enjoy beautiful views of the Snake River Canyon from it. It also serves as a base jumper. You can legally fly your drones in the surrounding environment there.

Devils Tower

The Devils Tower can be reached by hiking. You can also use your drone to take 3D images at the top. You will enjoy the breathtaking view from the top and be able to capture images of the surrounding areas.

Thistle Ghost Town

Thistle Ghost Town is a small community with scattered buildings that were abandoned following a landslide. You can visit it and take photos of the scenic scenery.

Wahweap Hoodoos

The Hoodoo weathered rock pillar was created after a soft rock had been eroded, leaving behind a hard rock. Although it is difficult to climb up to the Wahweap Hoodoos rock, you can fly your drone around and take images of the rock.

Here is the full information of where you can fly a drone in Colorado if you are interested in knowing more about others Here you can read: 

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Notes On How To Operate Commercial Drone Services In Colorado

You can fly a small drone weighing less than 55 pounds to work or for business purposes by following the Drone Laws of the USA as set out by FAA Part 107 guidelines.

The FAA Part 107 approves commercial drone operations in Colorado State. For additional clearance, licensing, or permissions, please check the jurisdiction of each state.

To fly under Part 107 rules, drone owners must take three steps:

Step 1: Read the Rules

1. Part 107 rules are confusing. Make sure you know what is allowed and what isn’t. View a summary of the Part 107 regulations (PDF). Are you still unsure if Part 107 works for your UAS operation? Use the FAA’s user identification tool.
2. Part 107 does not cover all operations and may require waivers. These are just a few examples of Part 107 sections which are subject to waiver.

• Operation from a moving aircraft or vehicle (SS 107.25)
• Daylight operation (SS 107.29)
• Visual line of sight operation for aircraft (SS 107.31)
• Visual observer (SS 107.33)
• Multiple small unmanned aircraft systems operated (SS 107.35)
• Yielding the right-of-way (SS 107.37(a),)
• Operation over People (SS 107.39)
• Operation in certain airspaces (SS 107.41).
• Operating limits for small unmanned aircraft (SS107.51)
• * This section is not to be waived by the FAA ( federal aviation administration) in order to allow carriage of property of another aircraft for compensation or hire.
• Read about the Part 107 waiver application process if your operation requires a waiver.

3. Commercial drone pilots should not fly near airports as it is difficult for manned aircraft to see or avoid drones while flying. UAS operators must not fly near crewed aircraft. They are responsible for any safety hazards their drone causes in an airport environment. Learn more about flying close to airports.

Step 2: Pass the Knowledge Test to Become an FAA Certified Drone Pilot

1. You must be at least:

• Minimum 16 years of age
• Ability to understand, read, write, speak and comprehend English
• To safely fly a UAS, you must be in good physical and mental health

2. To get your Remote Pilot Certificate or Drone License, please review the entire process.

3. Review the Test Prep Materials provided by the FAA to prepare for the Knowledge Test.

4. Before you register for a knowledge exam, create an Integrated Airman Certificate and Rating Application profile to obtain an FAA Tracking Number.

5. Make an appointment to take the Knowledge Test in an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center.

6. After passing your test, fill out FAA Form 8710-13 to obtain a remote pilot certificate (FAA Airman Certificate/or Rating Application) via the electronic FAA Integrated Airman Certificate/or Rating Application (IACRA).

7. Now you are eligible to fly commercial drones

Step 3: Register your drone at the FAA

• Registering costs $5 and is good for three years. To register, you will need a credit card or debit card as well as the make and model number of your drone.
• To register your drone, create an account at dronezone.faa.gov.
• After you have registered, mark the drone with your registration number in case it is lost or stolen.

FAQs

Colorado drones are banned where?

It is illegal to fly drones or other UAS within all Colorado State Parks. Only parks with designated areas for drone operation are exempt. The Cherry Creek State Park has designated areas for drone operation.

Can I fly a drone in Maroon Bells Colorado?

Maroon Bells is a US Forest Service property. They do not prohibit the use of recreational drones so long as you follow FAA and State guidelines

How can I register my drone in Colorado?

Drone Registration – Colorado

Colorado drone regulations require you to register your drone at the FAA before your aircraft can fly. Federal law requires that small unmanned aircraft (drones) weighing less than 50 pounds must be registered with the FAA.

You can find more information about registering your drone: Where Do I Register My Drone 2020: Top Full Guide

Conclusion.

Drone flight regulations are quite stringent. It is critical to adhere to them. Only use your drone for its intended purpose. When flying to the destinations listed above, take the necessary measures. People flying drones must Comply with FAA regulations.

Every time you do this, you will have a great experience flying. We hope this article will be helpful for you. Thank you for reading! ><