Category: Open Space & Recreation

All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions Near Sunshine Canyon

Boulder County Parks & Open Space has closed all trails and trailheads west of Highway 36 due to sustained winds exceeding 80 mph and extreme fire danger conditions. The closure includes all mountain parks, open space properties, and county trails in the foothills. Closures will be reassessed when wind conditions subside.

Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Public Works, or in person at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. Written comments received by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing will be included in the public record.

Transportation access remains a key concern. Boulder County’s Via mobility program provides door-to-door transit service for residents in Lafayette and surrounding communities who cannot access fixed-route bus service. RTD routes B, J, and BOLT serve major corridors.

Eligibility

A community information session will be held at the Lafayette library on Monday, May 18 at 6:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

Volunteers contributed over 14,682 hours to this program last year. The Public Works coordinates with 24 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Next Steps

For questions about this program, contact Amanda Foster at Public Works: (303) 441-2760 or email Public [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Lafayette office without an appointment.

September: Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work

Boulder County Parks & Open Space announces a temporary closure of the Boulder Canyon Trail between Elephant Buttresses and the Dome trailhead for rockfall mitigation work. Crews will be scaling loose rock and installing mesh netting along a 400-foot section of cliff face above the trail. The closure is expected to last approximately three weeks, weather permitting.

Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 40% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $109,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Environmental review of the project area near Niwot Road found 11 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Justice Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Community Impact

The program is modeled after similar successful initiatives in Larimer County and Jefferson County. Boulder County’s version includes additional provisions for wildfire mitigation, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.

Water quality monitoring at 14 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Community Justice Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director — Jamestown Area

Boulder County is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Parks & Open Space Director. The incoming director brings over 20 years of experience in public land management and conservation. They will oversee the department’s 100,000+ acres of protected land and 150 miles of multi-use trails.

The Public Health processed over 11,706 applications last year, with an average processing time of 4 business days. Staff are available at the Superior office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

The application deadline is June 14, 2026. Late applications will be accepted on a space-available basis. Incomplete applications will be returned with a list of missing items. Average review time is 17 business days.

Community Impact

Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 60% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $79,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Superior Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,303 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Public Health, or in person at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. Written comments received by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing will be included in the public record.

According to David Thompson, director of Public Health, this program served 61% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Superior and the surrounding area,” David Thompson said.

Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director — August 2024

Boulder County is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Parks & Open Space Director. The incoming director brings over 20 years of experience in public land management and conservation. They will oversee the department’s 100,000+ acres of protected land and 150 miles of multi-use trails.

Safety data from the Erie area shows 29 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 13% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along South Boulder Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

Volunteers contributed over 12,519 hours to this program last year. The Community Justice Services coordinates with 16 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

What You Need to Know

Transportation access remains a key concern. Boulder County’s Via mobility program provides door-to-door transit service for residents in Erie and surrounding communities who cannot access fixed-route bus service. RTD routes B, J, and BOLT serve major corridors.

The Walden Ponds open space property encompasses 1,425 acres and features 14 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

Details

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 11 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 34% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 2,405 responses from residents across the county.

Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work Near Hygiene

Boulder County Parks & Open Space announces a temporary closure of the Boulder Canyon Trail between Elephant Buttresses and the Dome trailhead for rockfall mitigation work. Crews will be scaling loose rock and installing mesh netting along a 400-foot section of cliff face above the trail. The closure is expected to last approximately three weeks, weather permitting.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 29% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

The Caribou Ranch open space property encompasses 1,979 acres and features 5 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

What You Need to Know

Colorado state law requires all counties to provide these services to eligible residents. Boulder County exceeds minimum state requirements by offering expanded hours, multilingual support, and online access. In 2026, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

Water quality monitoring at 12 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Community Planning & Permitting publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Community Impact

Safety data from the Superior area shows 5 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 17% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Sunshine Canyon Drive and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — Follow-Up Report

Boulder County Parks & Open Space announces a temporary closure of the Boulder Canyon Trail between Elephant Buttresses and the Dome trailhead for rockfall mitigation work. Crews will be scaling loose rock and installing mesh netting along a 400-foot section of cliff face above the trail. The closure is expected to last approximately three weeks, weather permitting.

Colorado state law requires all counties to provide these services to eligible residents. Boulder County exceeds minimum state requirements by offering expanded hours, multilingual support, and online access. In 2025, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

The Heil Valley Ranch open space property encompasses 2,371 acres and features 10 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

Eligibility

Water quality monitoring at 17 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Human Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Safety data from the Lyons area shows 7 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 17% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along SH-7 / Ute Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

Background

For questions about this program, contact James Rodriguez at Human Services: (303) 441-3520 or email Human [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Lyons office without an appointment.

January: Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director

Boulder County is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Parks & Open Space Director. The incoming director brings over 20 years of experience in public land management and conservation. They will oversee the department’s 100,000+ acres of protected land and 150 miles of multi-use trails.

Safety data from the Gunbarrel area shows 15 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 15% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along SH-7 / Ute Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

According to Michael Kowalski, director of Human Services, this program served 79% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Gunbarrel and the surrounding area,” Michael Kowalski said.

Next Steps

The project includes improvements along SH-7 / Ute Highway between Gunbarrel and the intersection with Foothills Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 18 months.

The Legion Park open space property encompasses 922 acres and features 6 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

Details

Volunteers contributed over 9,073 hours to this program last year. The Human Services coordinates with 15 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

January: Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons

Boulder County Parks & Open Space has acquired a 340-acre conservation easement on a working ranch near the town of Lyons. The easement permanently protects critical wildlife habitat along the St. Vrain Creek corridor and preserves agricultural land from future development while keeping the property in private ownership.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,630 affordable housing units since its inception, with 262 additional units in the development pipeline.

The Public Health processed over 1,263 applications last year, with an average processing time of 21 business days. Staff are available at the Superior office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

What You Need to Know

Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Public Health, or in person at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. Written comments received by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing will be included in the public record.

Water quality monitoring at 15 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Public Health publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons — Follow-Up Report

Boulder County Parks & Open Space has acquired a 340-acre conservation easement on a working ranch near the town of Lyons. The easement permanently protects critical wildlife habitat along the St. Vrain Creek corridor and preserves agricultural land from future development while keeping the property in private ownership.

Environmental review of the project area near Coal Creek Canyon Road found 10 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Health worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $118,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Background

A community information session will be held at the Boulder library on Monday, April 20 at 5:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 24% of properties in the Boulder area are within the wildland-urban interface. Free home assessments are available through the Wildfire Partners program, with rebates of up to $2,500 for mitigation improvements.

All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions Near Superior

Boulder County Parks & Open Space has closed all trails and trailheads west of Highway 36 due to sustained winds exceeding 80 mph and extreme fire danger conditions. The closure includes all mountain parks, open space properties, and county trails in the foothills. Closures will be reassessed when wind conditions subside.

Colorado state law requires all counties to provide these services to eligible residents. Boulder County exceeds minimum state requirements by offering expanded hours, multilingual support, and online access. In 2024, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

Volunteers contributed over 11,369 hours to this program last year. The Parks & Open Space coordinates with 24 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Timeline

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their April 27 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Safety data from the Erie area shows 33 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 6% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along SH-7 / Ute Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.