Boulder County's rangers are gearing up for an assessment of the local parks and open spaces this Saturday, tackling the areas that have been off-limits to the public west of Highway 36. According to Boulder County, this includes the Ron Stewart Preserve at Rabbit Mountain. However, they won't be hiking each trail; parks will be reopened if the initial overview from parking areas doesn't reveal any safety red flags.
As trail-goers await the green light, they're urged to proceed with "extreme caution." It's clear the trails might be peppered with obstacles like fallen trees and branches. There's a very real risk that trees and limbs may still succumb to gravity, even when the winds lie low, so situational awareness is crucial. "Be alert - trees and branches can fall at any time, even after winds have calmed," cautions Boulder County.
On the flip side, Heil Valley Ranch remains firmly shut for the time being. The aftermath of the Cal-Wood Fire has left a treacherous landscape in its wake, with "hundreds of hazardous trees" likely still haunting the damaged trails. County staff will be hands-on with clearing up and cutting down potential dangers before that area reopens to the public, ensuring safety first and foremost.
