As you lace up your favorite pair of hiking boots, pump-up your bike tires, or pick out your favorite riding saddle, know that recreation in Boulder County during the coronavirus pandemic looks and feels very different.
In addition to your water bottle, park map, and trail mix, remember to pack your trusty face covering and a hefty amount of patience as you navigate crowded trailheads and narrow, busy trails.
After weeks of home schooling, Netflix marathons, jigsaw puzzles, and spring cleaning, county residents have returned to Boulder County trails and open spaces in droves. Since public health stay-at-home orders were issued in mid-March, park rangers have seen record-breaking crowds, increased regulation violations, and hundreds of curious visitors new to open space.
With warmer summer temperatures and expected high visitation likely through the coming months, open space agencies along the Front Range have instituted management actions to address crowding, such as temporary closures at crowded trailheads and full parking lots. Agencies may implement additional closures to mitigate trail and natural resource damage. Parks and open space agencies request your cooperation to help maintain Front Range public lands.
Help Keep Parks and Trails Open
Bring a face covering.
Face coverings are required at trailheads, when passing other visitors, and when six feet of distancing cannot be maintained.
Give space to others on the trails.
Please visit in groups of four or fewer and stay at least six feet away from people who are not from the same household.
Follow all rules and regulations.
Park in designated spaces only and follow trail directional arrows. Rangers are issuing fines for violations.
Stay close to home when recreating outdoors.
Consider using neighborhood trails rather than driving to a trailhead.
Arrive early to avoid crowds.
Parks and trails are generally less crowded in the early morning.
Shelter and picnic areas are closed.
No gatherings are permitted at this time. Most restrooms remain open, but some are closed. Restrooms are cleaned daily