January: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14

January: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14

The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for the 2026 Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Program. Grants fund equipment, training, and trail safety improvements for volunteer search and rescue teams and trail patrol organizations operating in Boulder County.

Colorado state law requires all counties to provide these services to eligible residents. Boulder County exceeds minimum state requirements by offering expanded hours, multilingual support, and online access. In 2026, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

The project includes improvements along Sunshine Canyon Drive between Gunbarrel and the intersection with Arapahoe Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 9 months.

Resources

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

Safety data from the Gunbarrel area shows 21 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 30% 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

Residents in the Gunbarrel area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sheriff’s Office at (303) 441-6118 to verify eligibility and requirements.

The Sheriff’s Office processed over 7,059 applications last year, with an average processing time of 15 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.