Colorado is generally firearm-friendly, but several places are completely off-limits — even with a valid Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP).
This guide outlines every prohibited carry location under Colorado law, federal law, tribal authority, and municipal rules.

1. K–12 Schools (Public, Private, and Charter)

Firearms are prohibited:

• Inside any K–12 school building
• On school buses
• At school-sponsored events that restrict firearms

Vehicle Exception (School Grounds Only)

You may keep a handgun inside your vehicle ONLY if:

• You have a valid CHP, and
• You remain inside the vehicle

Without a CHP, you cannot conceal carry a handgun in a vehicle on school grounds.

2. Federal Buildings & Federal Property

Firearms are banned in:

• Federal courthouses
• SSA, VA (posted), IRS, FBI, ICE buildings
• U.S. Post Offices (building and parking lot)
• Federal ranger stations or agency facilities on USFS/BLM land

Carry is allowed on federal land, but not inside federal buildings.

3. U.S. Military Bases

• CHPs are not recognized
• Civilian carry is prohibited
• Privately owned firearms must be declared and stored per base regulation
• Unauthorized carry = federal offense

Assume bases are no-carry zones unless specifically authorized.

4. Native American Reservations & Tribal Land

Reservations are sovereign nations.

• Your CHP does not apply unless the tribe recognizes it
• Many reservations prohibit firearms for non-tribal members
• Exiting your vehicle or stopping on tribal land places you under tribal law

Treat reservations as no-carry areas unless you verify otherwise.

5. State and County Courthouses

No firearms allowed in:

• State courts
• County courts
• Municipal courts
• Judicial chambers or secure areas

Law enforcement only.

6. Airports (Secure Areas)

• No firearms beyond TSA checkpoints
• Open carry banned on airport property
• Concealed carry permitted only in non-secure public areas

TSA violations are federal offenses.

7. Government Buildings With Security Screening

Firearms are prohibited in any state or local government building that:

• Uses metal detectors or controlled entry and
• Posts firearm-prohibited signage

Examples include:

• Municipal courts
• Some DMV offices
• Certain city or county administrative buildings

8. Colorado State Capitol & Government Legislative Meetings

Colorado prohibits carry — concealed or open — in:

Colorado State Capitol

• Legislative chambers
• Committee rooms
• Public galleries
• Offices and hallways

ANY building where a legislative body is meeting, including:

• School board meetings
• City council meetings
• County commissioner meetings
• Town trustee meetings
• Legislative committee hearings
• Special district board meetings

CHP holders are not exempt.

9. Denver-Specific Prohibitions (City & County of Denver)

Denver imposes additional bans:

Prohibited in Denver:

• Open carry citywide
• Carrying a firearm — open or concealed — inside any building owned or leased by the City and County of Denver

Exceptions:

• Police
• Authorized security personnel

This includes:

• Libraries
• Recreation centers
• Human services buildings
• City administrative offices
• Any city-operated or city-leased building

Even with a CHP → no carry.

10. Public Transit (RTD Bus & Light Rail)

• Open carry prohibited
• Concealed carry with CHP allowed

11. Colleges and Universities (Public & Private)

Concealed Carry

• Prohibited inside nearly all campus buildings
• Applies to public and private institutions

Open Carry

• Banned across almost all campuses

Outdoor Areas

Some public campuses allow outdoor CHP carry; private institutions may ban firearms across all property.

12. Municipalities With Open Carry Bans

Cities with open carry restrictions include:

• Denver
• Boulder
• Louisville
• Superior

Concealed carry with CHP typically remains legal unless:

• There is screening + signage
• A legislative meeting is happening
• A specific municipal restriction applies

13. While Intoxicated

Carrying a firearm while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or drugs is illegal.
Colorado uses impairment, not a BAC threshold.

14. Private Homes, Posted Businesses, and All Private Premises/Property

✔ This section replaces the old #13 entirely

Colorado honors private property rights. Carry is prohibited when:

A Homeowner or Tenant Prohibits Firearms

Verbal or written notice is binding.

A Business Posts “No Firearms” Signs

Signs are legally enforceable.
Examples:

• Stores
• Malls
• Offices
• Bars/clubs
• Gyms
• Private venues

Any Private Premises Prohibits Carry

This includes:

• Parking lots
• Apartment/HOA common areas
• Private colleges
• Private land or ranches
• Private events
• Industrial facilities

Refusal to comply becomes criminal trespass, even with a CHP.

15. Carrying Rifles in Public

Although legal in many areas:

• Expect 911 active-shooter calls
• Expect high-risk police stops
• Creates public panic

Not advisable outside professional or backcountry use.

Note on Transporting Rifles and Long Guns in Vehicles

In Colorado, it is illegal to transport a rifle or shotgun with a round chambered while inside a vehicle. The chamber must be empty during vehicle transport.

This rule does NOT apply to handguns — pistols are exempt and may be carried loaded in a vehicle, whether openly or concealed, unless you are on school property (where a CHP is required).

Q & A

Q: Does the legislative meeting carry ban apply if the meeting is held in a private building?

A: Yes. The ban applies regardless of property ownership.

Q: Are federal parking lots restricted?

A: Yes — Post Offices and courthouses include parking lots in firearm bans.

Q: If Denver leases only one suite in a building, is the whole building restricted?

A: Yes. The entire building becomes a no-carry zone.

Q: Do tribal laws apply if I’m only passing through on a state highway?

A: Highways are generally exempt, but stopping or exiting your vehicle subjects you to tribal law.

Q: Can a business verbally prohibit firearms without posting signs?

A: Yes. Verbal notice is legally binding.

Q: Is carrying at off-campus school events allowed?

A: Typically yes — unless the venue itself restricts firearms.

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Related Articles

• Is Colorado an Open Carry State?
• Can You Carry a Firearm Into a Bar in Colorado?
• Can You Carry a Firearm in the City and County of Denver?
• How Long Does It Take To Get Your CCW In Colorado?
• Can Your Defensively Display A Firearm In Colorado?
• Can You Carry A Firearm In Your Vehicle In Colorado?
• How Do You Get A CCW In Colorado?

Legal Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws can change, and local, state, federal, tribal, and municipal regulations may vary. Always verify current laws and consult a qualified attorney before carrying a firearm or making legal decisions related to self-defense. US Firearms Training Academy, its instructors, contractors, employees, affiliates, volunteers, and associated training locations assume no liability for actions taken based on this content.