GOLDEN, Colo. – Starting Wednesday, parts of some Jefferson County parks will be closed to the public to protect sensitive wildlife.
The seasonal closures happen every year and they’re meant to provide a safe, undisturbed environment for elk, eagles and other birds that call the natural areas home.
The following areas will be closed beginning Feb. 1:
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Centennial Cone Park
- Elk Range Trail and interior of park closed through mid-June to protect elk during calving season.
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Clear Creek Canyon Park
- Closed uphill of Highway 6 corridor near mile marker 270 through July 31 to protect golden eagle nesting territory. Includes Bumbling Stock, Stumbling Stock, Skinny Legs, Blonde Formation and Ghost crag rock climbing sites and the Fault Caves.
- Near Tunnel 2, closed uphill of Highway 6 between Feb. 1 and July 31. Includes Highlander, Evil Area and Tetanus Garden rock climbing sites.
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North Table Mountain Park
- Rim Rock Trail closed through July 31 to protect raptor nesting areas and ground-nesting bird habitat.
The following areas will be closed beginning March 1:
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Cathedral Spires Park
- Park closed through July 31 to protect peregrine falcon nesting territory.
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Crown Hill Park
- Wildlife refuge closed through June 30 to protect nesting and brooding waterfowl.
The city of Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks Department is also implementing seasonal closures beginning Feb. 1. You’ll find a full list online here.
Anyone caught violating seasonal closures aimed at protecting bald or golden eagles could face a fine of up to $100,000, time in prison, or both.
For more detailed information on the closures, visit Jefferson County’s website here.