National Park Knife Laws?

XMP

XMP

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Feb 9, 2007
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I'm going to be spending Nov. in and near Rocky Mt. National Park. I just heard that Colorado has some rather draconian knife laws (I think all blades must be less than 3.5"). Does anyone know: Is there a standard applicable to all national parks or is each park governed by the laws of the state in which it is located?
 
I don't know the answer but I spent a fair amount of time hunting elk outside Grand Junction several years ago. All of the hunters had knives in the 3.5-6" range and I never heard anyone raise a concern. Most were locals.

DancesWithKnives
 
I think the 3.5" rule applies to concealed weapons.

I've carried 4-6" knives in Colorado--in Rocky Mountain National Park--without any problems. But then again, I don't draw the attention of Rangers while I'm in the Parks.

I had a 7" knife with me in my pack in Yellowstone NP and a 3" knife on my belt. Never got questioned by a Ranger about them despite having nice conversations with several.

If you are concerned, you could probably contact a Ranger there and inquire.
 
I've never had an issue in Yellowstone either, but its been a few years since I've been to RMNP. Wyoming and MT have much more friendly laws than CO, so when I heard the 3.5" thing I was concerned.
 
Did a quick search. http://knife-expert.com/co.txt

I did a little more searching, and it only matters if it's concealed. You could carry a 4 foot samurai sword on your back if you wanted to, as long as it wasn't concealed. Just as long as you don't "alarm" the sheeples. :D
 
I was there in june doing some backpacking and carried a 6 inch knife, tomahawk and 12 inch ontario machete. no questions asked.
 
So in cold weather I usually wear a thigh length anorak. If I have a sheath knife on my belt is that considered "concealed"?
 
You might also consider a shoulder sling rig. That would avoid cinching down your anorak at the waist and diminishing ventilation.

DancesWithKnives
 
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