The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) department has re-opened the lower portions of Fern and Shadow Canyon trails to hiking and access to several popular climbing areas on the west side of Mesa Trail. The area had been closed as a result of the June 26 Flagstaff Fire.

 

“With the lifting of closures in this particular area, the public can hike the  loop near Fern Canyon and have access to climbing routes in the area such as The Slab, Fern Canyon Boulders, and The Maiden,” said Eric Stone, division manager for OSMP.

Top of the Maiden rock formation is accessible nor

 

Some closures remain in effect. The boundary on the west is now points on both Fern and Shadow Canyon trails that are still marked with closure signs. On Fern Canyon, a new closure boundary will be placed at a point approximately 0.25 mile west of the junction with The Mesa Trail where an access to Fern Canyon Boulders exists.  The closure boundary on Shadow Canyon Trail is now approximately 0.4 mile west of the junction with Shadow Canyon North to provide access to a climbing area known as The Maiden. The summits of both Bear and South Boulder Peaks will remain closed as will the upper portions of Shadow and Fern Canyons and Bear Peak West Ridge Trail until staff has the opportunity to conduct a complete assessment of this area in regard to visitor safety and resource protection.  This area will reopen to on-trail travel only once it is determined to be safe for visitor access.

 

For questions about closures on OSMP properties, please call 303-441-3440 or visit www.OSMP.org