Update: All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions (2026)

Update: All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions (2026)

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 Longmont Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 858 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 472 affordable housing units since its inception, with 262 additional units in the development pipeline.

Community Impact

The Coalton Trail open space property encompasses 1,505 acres and features 9 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

Water quality monitoring at 10 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Clerk & Recorder publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Eligibility

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.

Funding of $495,000 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.