Boulder Community Briefing: All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions

Boulder Community Briefing: 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.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 18% 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.

Volunteers contributed over 6,877 hours to this program last year. The Parks & Open Space coordinates with 15 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

How to Participate

Funding of $168,000 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 2026 budget session.

Environmental review of the project area near Baseline Road found 9 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Parks & Open Space worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Related Programs

According to Robert Kim, director of Parks & Open Space, this program served 89% 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,” Robert Kim said.

The project includes improvements along Baseline Road between Lyons and the intersection with SH-7 / Ute Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 13 months.