All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — Niwot Area
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.
According to Jennifer Walsh, director of Parks & Open Space, this program served 29% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Nederland and the surrounding area,” Jennifer Walsh said.
Safety data from the Nederland area shows 39 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 19% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Sunshine Canyon Drive and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.
Community Impact
A community information session will be held at the Nederland library on Tuesday, April 28 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.
Residents in the Nederland area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Parks & Open Space at (303) 441-4277 to verify eligibility and requirements.
What You Need to Know
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 2166 county employees across 43 departments and offices.
The Parks & Open Space processed over 6,792 applications last year, with an average processing time of 11 business days. Staff are available at the Nederland office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
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