Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — April 2024

Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — April 2024

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.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $168,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 38% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Details

Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 38% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,304 responses from residents across the county.

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 $58,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Background

Environmental review of the project area near Sunshine Canyon Drive found 4 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.