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Colorado’s COTREX App Now Includes Real-Time Wildfire and Prescribed Burn Alerts


Description: Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) app gives wildfire alerts to outdoor recreationists...

Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) app gives wildfire alerts to outdoor recreationists

DENVER — Ahead of the dry summer season, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) wants to remind the Colorado outdoor community that the Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) mobile app displays active fire alerts, including wildfires and prescribed burns in covered areas.

The COTREX app is a free, user-friendly app that provides authoritative trail information across local, state and federal agencies. More than 236 land managers have contributed data on 45,076 miles of trail across the state. COTREX is unique in that it works directly and exclusively with land managers, parks and open spaces to ensure that the information on the platform comes from a reliable, trusted source.

Over two dozen agency partners use the COTREX app to post real-time advisories, including seasonal wildlife closures, safety hazards and other essential trail alerts. Users can plan routes, view allowed use types (such as hiking, biking, OHV and snow sports), download offline maps, and see trip recommendations from participating partners around the state — all for free, providing a convenient and stress-free experience for outdoor enthusiasts.

Fire Alert Feature
COTREX includes daily wildfire and prescribed burn alerts from trusted sources like inciweb and the National Interagency Fire Center.

  • Alerts will automatically appear on the website and app, providing descriptions, boundaries and links to additional resources when available.

  • Wildfire and prescribed burn information is checked daily by COTREX.

  • Management agencies that do not report to inciweb or the NIFC systems can post their wildfire and prescribed burn alerts, though not every agency participates.

“COTREX is a powerful tool for planning your next trip,” said State Trails Program Coordinator Joe O'Brien. “We’re committed to increasing the amount of official information we can provide to help the public recreate safely and responsibly around the state. Even if you use other trail apps, we always recommend checking COTREX for alerts or closures and downloading a free map in case of poor cell service.”

This tool is designed to help outdoor recreationists make informed decisions about exploring an area. While all information in COTREX comes directly from the best available public sources, it can still vary in accuracy and timeliness. However, users can be confident that information comes from a trusted source, and we always recommend contacting local authorities for the most up-to-date information.

Be Careful with Fire
Additional fire safety best practices:

  • Check fire restrictions or bans at www.coemergency.com.

  • Use designated campfire areas when allowed and available. 

  • Never leave a fire unattended.

  • Don’t burn trash, leftover food or garbage in campfire areas.

  • Keep the fire small. Small fires consume fewer resources and leave less impact.

  • Burn the wood completely to ash: Stop feeding the fire and give yourself an hour or more for the fire to completely burn out.

  • When you are through, saturate the ash with water and ensure it’s cool to the touch.

For more information on Colorado state parks and outdoor recreation, visit cpw.state.co.us.