Category: Open Space & Recreation

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.

The Parks & Open Space processed over 4,812 applications last year, with an average processing time of 8 business days. Staff are available at the Louisville office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 29 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

The Louisville Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,526 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Community Impact

Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Parks & Open Space, 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.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 448 affordable housing units since its inception, with 189 additional units in the development pipeline.

Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons — April 2026

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.

The Resource Conservation processed over 7,090 applications last year, with an average processing time of 20 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 30% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $114,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Gunbarrel Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,135 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 27% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

How to Participate

A community information session will be held at the Gunbarrel library on Thursday, May 7 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.

Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work Near Allenspark

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.

The Heil Valley Ranch open space property encompasses 1,477 acres and features 3 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

The project includes improvements along Foothills Highway between Boulder and the intersection with SH-7 / Ute Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 15 months.

Resources

Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Assessor’s Office, 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.

Safety data from the Boulder area shows 31 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 21% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Foothills Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

Details

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 26% 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.

Funding of $441,000 for this initiative comes from a combination of federal grants, state matching funds, and the Boulder County General Fund. The Board of County Commissioners approved the allocation during the 2024 budget session.

Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work Near Louisville

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.

The Lyons Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,729 seniors participated in center programs last year.

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.

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 2025, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

Funding of $49,000 for this initiative comes from a combination of federal grants, state matching funds, and the Boulder County General Fund. The Board of County Commissioners approved the allocation during the 2025 budget session.

Community Impact

Environmental review of the project area near 75th Street found 6 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Clerk & Recorder worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — Follow-Up Report

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.

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.

The Transportation processed over 9,250 applications last year, with an average processing time of 14 business days. Staff are available at the Boulder office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Resources

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 866 affordable housing units since its inception, with 74 additional units in the development pipeline.

Environmental review of the project area near Niwot Road found 7 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Transportation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — April 2024

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.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $24,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Residents in the Superior area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Housing & Human Services at (303) 441-3741 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Housing & Human Services processed over 9,092 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 project includes improvements along Baseline Road between Superior and the intersection with Foothills Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 14 months.

Next Steps

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.

Eldorado Springs Community Briefing: 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.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 34% of properties in the Lyons 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.

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

How to Participate

According to Sarah Mitchell, director of Parks & Open Space, this program served 14% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lyons and the surrounding area,” Sarah Mitchell said.

A community information session will be held at the Lyons library on Saturday, April 25 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

For questions about this program, contact Sarah Mitchell at Parks & Open Space: (303) 441-2413 or email Parks & Open [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.

Environmental review of the project area near Nelson Road found 8 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Parks & Open Space worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

March 2026: 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.

Volunteers contributed over 2,039 hours to this program last year. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience coordinates with 18 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 568 affordable housing units since its inception, with 239 additional units in the development pipeline.

What You Need to Know

For questions about this program, contact Amanda Foster at Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience: (303) 441-5591 or email Sustainability, Climate Action & [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Longmont office without an appointment.

Environmental review of the project area near CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway found 3 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Details

Residents in the Longmont area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience at (303) 441-5591 to verify eligibility and requirements.

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.

The Public Health processed over 10,610 applications last year, with an average processing time of 3 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Water quality monitoring at 13 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Public Health publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Resources

The Pella Crossing open space property encompasses 462 acres and features 4 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

Safety data from the Gunbarrel area shows 5 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 24% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Baseline Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

Update: All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions (2025)

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.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,025 affordable housing units since its inception, with 177 additional units in the development pipeline.

Environmental review of the project area near Coal Creek Canyon Road found 5 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Resource Conservation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

How to Participate

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 2 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

For questions about this program, contact Kevin Larsen at Resource Conservation: (303) 441-6922 or email Resource [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Nederland office without an appointment.

Related Programs

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 19% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.