Boulder County, Colorado – Trails and open space areas west of Highway 36 will close beginning Friday evening due to high winds and extreme fire danger, affecting large sections of Boulder County’s foothills.
According to Boulder County Parks & Open Space, all county-managed trails and open space areas west of Highway 36 will close at sunset Friday and remain closed throughout Saturday, March 14 as officials monitor wildfire risk conditions.
County officials said strong winds combined with extremely dry conditions significantly increase the likelihood that a fire could start and spread quickly in open space areas. The closure is intended to reduce ignition risk and protect both visitors and emergency responders.
The impacted areas include numerous trail systems and open space properties stretching across the foothills west of Boulder, including regions near Jamestown, Nederland, and other mountain communities shown on county trail maps.
Park rangers will inspect closed areas on Sunday and determine whether trails can safely reopen. Officials said parks will reopen only if no immediate safety concerns are visible from parking areas or access points.
Even after reopening, visitors are urged to use caution. Boulder County warned that high winds may leave trails blocked by fallen trees or limbs, and additional branches could still fall after winds calm.
Residents who encounter fallen trees or hazardous trail conditions are asked to report them to email and include a photo and precise location when possible so crews can respond.
The closure may also affect weekend hikers, runners, and students who frequently use the foothill trail systems for recreation.
More information and trail status updates are available through Boulder County’s interactive trails map at boco.org/trails.
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