Mushroom foraging laws in Colorado
Compiled from official sources; not legal advice. Rules change. Confirm with the land manager or the agency before you pick.
Summary
Colorado has no rule that names mushrooms on state land. State park and wildlife area rules ban removing plants or vegetation, so ask the land manager before you pick. Restaurants and stores face tight limits on selling wild mushrooms.
Public land
State parks and recreation lands: a Colorado Parks and Wildlife rule bans removing, destroying or defacing any "tree, shrub or other plant or vegetation" or any object of "natural/environmental value or interest." It does not mention mushrooms, so it is unclear whether it covers picking them. State wildlife areas: a similar rule bans removing "tree, shrub or other vegetation," and mushrooms are not mentioned. State trust land leased by Parks and Wildlife: public access is limited to hunting and fishing. Federal lands follow their own rules.
Selling
Colorado's retail food rules follow the FDA Food Code. Under the Food Code, a food establishment cannot offer wild-picked mushrooms for sale or service unless it has been approved to do so. There are exceptions for cultivated wild mushroom species and for packaged products from a regulated food plant. Check the exact approval steps with your local health department.
Sources
- 2 CCR 405-1-100, Parks and Outdoor Recreation Lands (Colorado Parks and Wildlife park rules, via Cornell LII)
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Chapter W-9 Wildlife Properties (rule text)
- Colorado Board of Health rulemaking memo, 6 CCR 1010-2 Retail Food Establishment Regulations (Colorado Secretary of State)
- FDA Food Code 2022, section 3-201.16 Wild Mushrooms
Last verified: November 11, 2026