Muddy trail closures
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Other Trail Closures and Advisories
Fourth of July Flagstaff Drive Access
The City of Boulder is not planning to close Flagstaff Drive at Sixth Street on the Fourth of July in 2024 because there is no firework or drone show occurring at Folsom Field. Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) want to stress that the decision to not close Flagstaff Drive at Sixth Street at this time could change if fire risks rise significantly, particularly if the Fourth of July is a Red Flag Warning Day. OSMP will remain in consultation with City and County Wildland Fire officers to make this decision. All ignition sources – including fireworks, smoking and campfires – are prohibited on City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks lands. It is illegal in the City of Boulder to use or possess fireworks of any kind.
Vesper Trail Temporary Closure
OSMP will temporarily keep the new Vesper Trail and a surrounding area on Gunbarrel Hill closed to protect burrowing owls. The owls began breeding close to the new trail just as the department was completing trail construction. The area and trail closure to help protect burrowing owls could last through Thursday, October 31, a date recommended by state wildlife officials. City staff recognize community interest in accessing the new trail northeast of Boulder and will monitor nesting owls and may open it earlier than October 31 based on staff wildlife observations. Learn more why OSMP instituted this temporary closure to protect burrowing owls.
East Boulder - Gunbarrel Trail now open
The East Boulder - Gunbarrel Trail is now open. The Vesper Trail and surrounding area remains closed.
Weekday Royal Arch Trail Closures
Starting Wednesday, June 12, City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) will institute closures along the Royal Arch Trail to resume maintenance work along the popular Boulder trail. The trail will be closed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday. There are no trail closures on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Weekday trail closures are expected to be in place through early September. OSMP trail crews will continue work to rebuild the area along Sentinel Pass, near the top of the Royal Trail, which leads to the “Royal Arch” formation.
East Boulder - White Rocks trail section weekday closures
The northern section of the East Boulder - White Rocks Trail is closed from 8 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday from June 24 to July 5.
North Sky Trail construction impacts
The area north of Foothills North Trail between Hogback Ridge and US 36 is closed for construction of the North Sky Trail. More information is available on the North Sky Project page.
Boulder Star Area closure
The City of Boulder reminds everyone to view the Boulder Star from afar as it remains closed. No designated trail currently leads to the Boulder Star. Learn more about viewing the Boulder Star from afar.
Marshall Fire-related trail restrictions
On-trail-use-only regulations in the Marshall Mesa area continue to be enforced as the area has changed since the Marshall Fire and hazards may be present. Some properties affected by the Marshall Fire remain closed while staff monitor ongoing ecological and agricultural needs on those properties.
Creek closures to limit spread of invasive mudsnails
The City of Boulder has closed access to South Boulder Creek at the South Mesa Trailhead to prevent the spread of a highly invasive aquatic species, New Zealand Mudsnails (NZMS). The South Mesa Trailhead and the Mesa Trail will remain open. Learn more about the NZMS closures.
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.