Category: Open Space & Recreation

September: All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions

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.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 65% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Residents in the Gunbarrel area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Transportation at (303) 441-2395 to verify eligibility and requirements.

How to Participate

Funding of $462,000 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.

For questions about this program, contact Amanda Foster at Transportation: (303) 441-2395 or email [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Gunbarrel office without an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Water quality monitoring at 18 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Transportation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

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.

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 25 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Water quality monitoring at 19 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Parks & Open Space publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Contact Information

The Lafayette Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,632 seniors participated in center programs last year.

The application deadline is July 7, 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 21 business days.

Update: Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director (2026)

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 Louisville area shows 21 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 8% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Nelson Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 30 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Related Programs

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.

For questions about this program, contact Sarah Mitchell at Assessor’s Office: (303) 441-5116 or email Assessor’s [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Louisville office without an appointment.

Contact Information

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 33% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

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

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.

For questions about this program, contact Rachel Stein at Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience: (303) 441-8884 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 Boulder office without an appointment.

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

Resources

Environmental review of the project area near Niwot Road found 5 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Volunteers contributed over 3,113 hours to this program last year. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience coordinates with 5 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — Jamestown Area

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.

Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Area Agency on Aging, 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.

The project includes improvements along SH-119 Diagonal Highway between Louisville and the intersection with Nelson Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 9 months.

Eligibility

According to Jennifer Walsh, director of Area Agency on Aging, this program served 36% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Louisville and the surrounding area,” Jennifer Walsh said.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 36% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Area Agency on Aging processed over 5,112 applications last year, with an average processing time of 3 business days. Staff are available at the Louisville office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

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

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.

Water quality monitoring at 15 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

The Legion Park open space property encompasses 2,369 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.

How to Participate

The Lyons Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,838 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Environmental review of the project area near South Boulder Road found 10 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Next Steps

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 29% 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.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 17% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

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.

Safety data from the Gunbarrel area shows 44 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 10% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along 63rd Street and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

Water quality monitoring at 17 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Clerk & Recorder publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

How to Participate

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

Historical context: Boulder County was established in 1861 and covers 741 square miles of diverse terrain from the Great Plains to the Continental Divide. The county’s population of approximately 330,000 residents is served by 2211 county employees across 45 departments and offices.

Details

The Carolyn Holmberg Preserve open space property encompasses 1,413 acres and features 15 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

September: 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.

The Public Health processed over 5,892 applications last year, with an average processing time of 6 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 990 affordable housing units since its inception, with 130 additional units in the development pipeline.

Next Steps

Volunteers contributed over 2,264 hours to this program last year. The Public Health coordinates with 8 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

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

According to Kevin Larsen, director of Public Health, this program served 65% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lafayette and the surrounding area,” Kevin Larsen said.

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.

Water quality monitoring at 13 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Community Justice Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

The Superior Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,644 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Next Steps

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 70% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $55,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

May: All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions

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 application deadline is June 9, 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 29 business days.

The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience processed over 3,357 applications last year, with an average processing time of 10 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 40% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,814 responses from residents across the county.

What You Need to Know

A community information session will be held at the Erie library on Thursday, June 4 at 7:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.