Boulder Closes Open Space Trails Ahead of Wind, Fire Danger

Precautionary measures taken as Red Flag Warning issued for the area.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 4:51am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The City of Boulder is closing several trails and open space areas west of Highway 93, Broadway, and Highway 36 on Saturday due to anticipated high winds and critical fire conditions. This includes popular destinations like Caribou Ranch, Heil Valley Ranch, and the Boulder Canyon Trail. The closures are intended to keep visitors safe and allow first responders and open space rangers to focus on any emergencies that may arise.

Why it matters

Boulder is taking these precautionary measures in response to a Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service, which indicates dangerously high winds and extreme fire risk. Any fire that starts is likely to spread rapidly, and falling debris and downed trees could pose significant safety hazards to visitors. Closing the trails helps prevent potential ignition sources and frees up resources to address any emergencies.

The details

All Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) trails and areas west of Highway 93, Broadway and Highway 36 will be off limits until at least sunrise on Sunday. This includes popular destinations like Caribou Ranch, Heil Valley Ranch, and the Boulder Canyon Trail. Flagstaff Road will also be closed to non-residential traffic. Boulder Fire Rescue says the closures are for fire prevention and visitor safety, as the high winds could lead to flying debris, falling trees, and rapidly spreading fires.

  • The trail and open space closures will be in effect starting Saturday until at least sunrise on Sunday.
  • Xcel Energy said it will likely implement planned shutoffs affecting thousands of residents of Boulder and Jefferson counties after 2 p.m. on Saturday.

The players

City of Boulder

The local government entity that is closing the trails and open space areas as a precautionary measure ahead of the expected dangerous weather conditions.

Boulder Fire Rescue

The fire department that is advising on the trail closures to prevent potential ignition sources and keep first responders and open space rangers free to address any emergencies.

National Weather Service

The federal agency that has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Boulder area, indicating dangerously high winds and critical fire conditions.

Xcel Energy

The utility company that is planning to implement power shutoffs in Boulder and Jefferson counties on Saturday afternoon in response to the severe weather forecast.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Really in an effort for fire prevention, folks can't be on the trails and have a risk of ignition, as well as for visitor safety. The winds are gonna be pretty dangerous and there could be flying debris, falling trees, etc.”

— Jamie Barker, Boulder Fire Rescue spokesperson (9news.com)

What’s next

The city will continue to monitor the weather conditions and may extend the trail and open space closures if necessary. Residents in the affected areas should also prepare for potential power outages due to the planned shutoffs by Xcel Energy.

The takeaway

This proactive closure of Boulder's open space trails underscores the seriousness of the forecasted weather conditions and the city's commitment to public safety. It serves as a reminder that even popular outdoor recreation areas may need to be restricted during periods of extreme fire and wind risk to prevent potential disasters and allow emergency responders to focus on any emergencies that arise.