Apex Park, the Jefferson County open space preserve on the slopes of Lookout Mountain, was shut down early Monday after rangers reported aggressive bear activity on its popular foothills trails. County officials urged hikers, bikers and equestrians to steer clear while wildlife managers sort out what is going on in the park.
Jeffco Parks & Open Space posted an alert Monday morning that the park was closed "due to aggressive bear activity." According to Jeffco Parks & Open Space, access will stay restricted until officials determine it is safe to reopen.
Local reporting says Colorado Parks and Wildlife is monitoring the situation, and park officials have not said what specific behavior triggered the shutdown or how long the closure might last. KDVR reports the closure notice went up just after 6 a.m., and that both state and county staff were notified.
What’s closed and where
Apex Park covers roughly 700 acres of foothills terrain south of downtown Golden, with rocky singletrack that climbs toward Lookout Mountain and regularly draws hikers and mountain bikers. The trail network and acreage are listed in the county’s open space guide, which describes the area as a popular and technical system for outdoor users, the Jeffco Open Space guide shows.
Heat, drought and more bears on the Front Range
State and local officials have warned that this spring’s severe drought and early heat can push bears into lower elevations and neighborhoods as they search for food. KDVR noted multiple sightings in May across the Front Range, including Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Louisville, and Keenesburg.
How to stay safe
Wildlife experts say that if you encounter a bear, you should give it space, back away slowly, and avoid running; they also advise securing garbage, removing bird feeders, and keeping pets leashed to reduce attractants. Carrying bear spray in bear country and reporting aggressive behavior to park rangers or Colorado Parks and Wildlife are also recommended, according to the National Park Service.
Jeffco Parks & Open Space said it will post updates to its Alerts & Closures page as rangers and wildlife managers assess conditions. Anyone who sees an aggressive bear or has video of an encounter is asked to report it to local authorities so wildlife staff can respond quickly; check the county alert page for reopening information.
