OSMP makes every attempt to keep this page as up to date as possible. However, some closures and trail advisories are made on an emergency basis for the safety and well-being of our visitors, wildlife and natural resources. Please watch for these signs during your visit.
The Boulder Falls trail reopened on August 2, 2010. The trail was closed in March, 2009 due to falling rocks and the high potential for injuries to hikers. The slope above the trail has recently been professionally scaled to remove loose rocks above the trail. Although precautions have been taken to reduce the potential for falling rocks, visitors to Boulder Falls should remain cautious and alert for changing conditions and natural hazards.
Due to safety concerns, the previously existing closure of the slope above the trail will continue to be in effect to prevent rocks being loosened by hikers/climbers. In addition, the trail will be closed between Nov. 1 and May 1 due to ice and snow on the trail making for very slippery conditions. OSMP will use the seasonal closure for trail maintenance, including scaling of the upper slope to bring down rocks loosened over the winter months.
Boulder Falls is located 11 miles west of Boulder on the north side of Canyon Boulevard (SR119) between Boulder and Nederland.
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.
Social Trail Restoration
Efforts are underway in the Eldorado/Doudy Draw and Marshall Mesa/Southern Grassland areas to restore social trails. Please observe the "Keep off the trail" signs and avoid traveling on these social trails and eroded sites that are being restored. "Social trails" are often unsustainable and result in the trampling of fragile vegetation, soil compaction and erosion and disturbance to wildlife.
Wildland Restoration Volunteers working in Eldorado/Doudy Draw Click here to see more photos of the project!
The following areas will be closed for the protection of grassland ground nesting birds from May 1 to July 31:
both sides of the Greenbelt Plateau Trail from Community Ditch trail to Highway 128. Dogs will be allowed on the Greenbelt Plateau Trail only if they are on-leash (area is normally voice and sight control);
Community Ditch Trail west of Highway 93 and north of Community Ditch Trail;
Seasonal Bat roosting site closures in effect April 1
OSMP closes Mallory and Harmon Caves, accessible from NCAR trailhead at the end of Table Mesa Road from April 1 to October 1 of every year. They are closed to protect Townsend's Big Eared bats. OSMP also closes the east face of Der Zerkle rock formation, accessible from the NCAR trailhead from April 1 to September 1 to protect the roosting sites of Fringed Myotis bats.
Female bats locate roosting sites in caves and rock crevices along the foothills, where the pups are raised in maternity colonies. The pups suffer high mortality rates even under normal conditions, so these seasonal closures help ensure they will remain undisturbed by humans during roosting season. Thank you for your cooperation!
OSMP closes the Kolb property in the White Rocks area (near 75th and Valmont) and the Coal Creek Property (east of Hwy 93 and near Marshall Lake) temporarily between Nov. 1 and July 31 to protect bald eagle nesting and roosting activity.
Kolb Property Closure - this closure was lifted April 29, 2010 due to a failed nesting attempt.
Cliff Nesting Raptors:
All cliff-nesting raptor closures were lifted by July 19, 2010. Thanks to OSMP visitors and volunteers for supporting these closures and the cliff-nesting raptor program! The 2010 final report will be available soon.
The following areas are closed every year from Feb. 1 - July 31 (opened July 19 in 2010) to protect cliff nesting raptors:
Back Porch-Skunk Canyon and Sacred Cliffs: Skunk Canyon, Ridge 2 and all areas west of Ridge 2; Sacred Cliffs, south rib of Green Mountain, and the Back Porch are closed.
Gregory Canyon Amphitheater: Amphitheater Express Trail and the 3rd Pinnacle are closed. The 4th and 5th Pinnacles and the Amphitheater Trail to Saddle Rock remain open.
The entire Third Flatiron: all routes, including: The Descent Trail, Queen Anne's Head, W.C. Field's Pinnacle, 1911 Gully, The Ghetto, The East and West Ironing Boards, The Fin, Green Thumb, and Jaws are closed.
Shadow Canyon: The entire Devil's Thumb Ridge, Towers of the Moon and Jamcrack Spire are closed. The Maiden is OPEN to climbing with access from the EAST side only.
OSMP is working at the Doudy Draw Trail (between the parking lot and the picnic area). Rock will be removed from the outside of the trail, and replaced with other support; three pull outs will also be installed to improve passing opportunities on the trail. The work will include heavy equipment in the area, and may include cutting the fence around the parking lot. At this time the trail remains open, when the work necessitates closing the existing trail, a temporary trail will be created for visitor use. The work is expected to take approximately 10 weeks.
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Open Space & Mtn Parks 
Gregory Canyon, Saddle Rock and Amphitheater Trails
Respecting all area closures.
