As part of the City of Boulder’s efforts to protect sensitive wildlife habitats, the Open Space and Mountain Parks Department (OSMP) will institute seasonal raptor closures on Sunday, Feb. 1.
These closures, which protect peregrine falcons, prairie falcons and golden eagles raising their young in nests located on OSMP, will be in effect from Feb. 1 to July 31. No designated trails will be closed as part of these protective measures.
The following areas will be closed starting Sunday:
- Lefthand Canyon Palisades at the intersection of Lefthand Canyon Drive and Olde Stage Road. The Buckingham picnic area remains open;
- Mount Sanitas Summit, accessible from the Mount Sanitas Trailhead a half mile west of Fourth Street and Forest Avenue. All designated trails in this area will remain open except those closed for the Sanitas Valley Trail repair project. A map of the closed trails is available at osmp.org.
- Third Flatiron, including the East and West Ironing Boards, Queen Anne’s Head and Jaws, and WC Pinnacle, accessible from Chautauqua Trailhead;
- Flagstaff Mountain, the north side of Flagstaff Mountain will be closed. The Boy Scout Trail will remain open;
- Skunk Canyon, including Ridges 2, 3 and 4, the Aechean Pronouncement, the Dreadnaught, the North Ridge and the entirety of Sacred Cliffs, accessible from NCAR Trailhead at the west end of Table Mesa Road;
- The Back Porch and The Box, accessible from the NCAR Trailhead at the west end of Table Mesa Road;
- Bear Creek Spire, accessible from the NCAR Trailhead at the west end of Table Mesa Road;
- Fern Canyon, accessible from the NCAR Trailhead at the west end of Table Mesa Road The designated Fern Canyon Trail will remain open;
- Shadow Canyon and the Matron, accessible from the South Mesa Trailhead. The Maiden will remain open and accessible from the east; Shadow Canyon Trail will remain open.
- The Sphinx and The Wings, accessible from the NCAR Trailhead at the west end of Table Mesa Road;
- The entire Mickey Mouse wall, accessible from the Goshawk Ridge Trail.
The convergence of mountains and grasslands along Boulder’s mountain backdrop results in dramatic topographic changes that help to create a wide-range of ecosystems and high-quality habitats for a multitude of species. In fact, the cliffs that make up the Flatirons, and the rich food resources found there, make those iconic formations a regionally important area for nesting birds of prey.
OSMP relies heavily on the public to respect the closures, and the cooperation of visitors is greatly appreciated. OSMP raptor volunteers and staff will monitor the closure areas to determine if raptors are nesting. Closures may be lifted if monitoring indicates that raptors are not present or if nesting attempts fail. Trespassing into closed areas can result in a summons with penalties up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
For detailed closure maps and additional information about OSMP’s efforts to protect wildlife habitats, go to osmp.org or call the department at 303-441-3440.