Temporary Closures, Advisories and Fire Bans

Trail Map

Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP's) interactive trail map includes longer-term trail closures - an easy option to check before your trip!

Muddy Trail Closures

Other Trail Closures and Advisories

Xcel Energy electric transmission work-related closures beginning as soon as the week of July 22, 2019
Xcel Energy is continuing its multi-phased project to replace and reconstruct most of its electric transmission infrastructure southwest of Boulder. Xcel anticipates beginning the next phase of its work on National Center of Atmospheric Research (NCAR) land and city open space as soon as the week of July 22, 2019. This electric transmission work will require a long-term closure of the NCAR-Bear Connector Trail on federal lands. Visitors along the NCAR-Bear Canyon and Mesa trails may also see intermittent and short-term  -- less than 15 minutes --  closures while work is underway. Visitors may see heavy construction equipment and helicopters while this utility work is occurring. 

Xcel will also resume work on OSMP lands in Bear Canyon west of Mesa Trail starting in early August, and anticipates completing its work in Bear Canyon in late September – weather permitting. This work will lead to the closure of the Bear Canyon Trail west of Mesa Trail from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

View a map of the planned trail closures and impacts . 

Xcel anticipates that this project may take up to two years to complete because of several factors – including the transmission line’s location, electrical service requirements, weather, and raptor nesting closures. If you have a question or comment regarding this work, please send an email to [email protected] or call 303-571-7089. 

Fourmile Canyon Creek Trailhead closure July 25, 2019
The Fourmile Canyon Creek Trailhead will be closed from 6 am to 4 pm on Thursday, July 25 for maintenance and hazard tree removal. All trails will remain open, only the parking lot will be closed to vehicles. 

Boulder Falls closure effective July 8, 2019
Boulder Falls is closed while OSMP completes additional trail-related repairs in the area. OSMP completed significant repairs to the Boulder Falls Trail last year, but there are several necessary remaining repairs to help improve visitor experiences in the area. These repairs will build on what the department completed following the 2013 floods and will include the installation of railing along the entire length of the trail, stair construction and some fence installation in the area. This closure is planned to continue through Sept. 6 – weather permitting. 

Chapman Drive and Boulder Falls impacted by work in Boulder Canyon
Visitor access to these areas – either by bike, by car or by foot – will be limited while the Colorado Department of Transportation conducts work in Boulder Canyon. For specific closure times, please visit the project website.

1st/2nd Flatiron Trail weekday closures beginning June 3, 2019
The 1st/2nd Flatiron Trail will be closed 8 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Thursday every week while repair work is done. The closure will start at the base of the 1st Flatiron. Climbers may climb the 1st and hike down the trail, but may encounter significant delays. The closure is expected to last until the fall.

Rock Island 1 in Boulder Canyon closed
Rock Island 1 is closed. The rock fractured and part fell onto the Boulder Canyon Creek path. Sections of the remaining rock have been evaluated as unstable so it is closed until recommended bolting can be completed.   

No parking along Highway 170 near Doudy Draw and South Mesa Trailheads
Please remember that parking is not allowed on Highway 170 at any time.