Colorado: Planning on going up Parry's Peak

As long as you remain in the Arapaho Natl Forest, you will be fine.

What Cranky CJ said. There are some areas including mountains that are private property. I've carried firearms all over Colorado backcountry without incident but I have been advised to purchase a small game license in case someone accuses me of "hunting" out of season.

According to the Colorado Dept. of Wildlife website a non-resident small game license is $56.00. Like I said I've never been questioned about firearms but I consider my license "insurance". Some guys I know think I'm crazy to buy a license for (mainly) that reason but I feel better.

You can carry whatever you want( if it hasn't been deemed "illegal" ie. sawed of shotgun), 365 days a year. Denver proper thinks they are above the Constitution, so take heed there.

The Dept of Wildlife might not like the Shotgun, but you can open carry the handgun.

Just curious why you plan to take a shotgun. If you plan on hiking up that mountain, the added weight of gun and ammo will be a drag. AFIK, there are no grizzlies there, so large animals will be limited to the occasional black bear or cougar. If your handgun is substantial (say .357 and up in a revolver or .40 in a semi) and loaded with the correct ammo I see no need for the shotgun as protection against two or four legged predators. Bear spray is lighter and a better option against black bears.

I would suggest as a part of your survival kit along with whichever weapon you choose to bring is a flare gun. They can be seen for miles and you never know what the Rocky Mountains have in store for you.

You can have it in your case all day. In fact, you can have it in your glove compartment in your car (or otherwise hidden), loaded, and it is specifically legal here.

I have hunted and just gone shooting in National Forest's all over Colorado without incident. I do avoid recreational hikes during hunting season to avoid interfering with others or gettting accidentally shot.

I went into the Pike National Forest for a hike during a hunting season years ago and it sounded like war was happening. I promptly left.

To be accused of hunting without proof is something I have not heard of here. I would not buy a hunting license unless I was going to hunt.

I always carry a hand gun when in the forest. I have more concern for two legged creatures than for wildlife. A can of bear spray works on both too.

I have not seen a wild bear in the forest since I was a kid back in the 60's.

Having a pistol in your pack ain't much better than a rock, IMO. If you need it, you're going to need it immediately, there won't be time for groping around for the pocket, fumbling with zippers, etc. If you're going to carry, carry where you can reach it immediately, not just "quickly". Cougars and crackheads aren't going to wait for you to dig your shootin' iron out. If you encounter a cat, you'll likely have to try to get your gun while it's chewing on you.

Would something like an M3 worn on the breast work for you?