The Arapaho National Forest’s Boulder Ranger District will add five miles of climbing route trail access within Boulder Canyon to its official trail system thanks to a dynamic partnership between the Boulder Ranger District and the Boulder Climbing Community.

“Improving access routes and incorporating them into our official transportation system will help us address the increased use we’ve experienced in recent years and the resulting erosion and vegetation impacts,” said the ranger district’s recreation program manager Matt Henry. “The engagement and support of local climbing has been incredibly valuable in helping us reach this point.”

Trail restoration work is already underway near Avalon and Upper Dream Canyon and will continue in other popular climbing areas in Boulder Canyon, such as Blob Rock, Sherwood Forest, and Security Risk to mitigate the impacts of erosion while protecting local vegetation and riparian habitat.

Heavy maintenance on all the future trails is expected to occur over the next five years, which will allow for better trail alignment, trail surface hardening and stabilization, easier route finding, improved signage, and restoration of old trail alignments.

“The Boulder Climbing Community is grateful for the ongoing partnership with the Forest Service that led to officially recognizing Boulder Canyon Climber’s Access Trails as part of the trails system,” said Executive Director Kate Beezley. “This is a huge moment for Boulder Canyon and we are excited for the stewardship work it will allow us to complete.”

To view the Decision Memo please visit: https://www.fs.usda. gov/nfs/11558/www/nepa/114209_ FSPLT3_ 5643473.pdf

As a reminder, please recreate responsibly on your National Forest by staying on established trails and practicing Leave No Trace principles when you explore your public lands.