Boulder County opens two more Heil Valley trails closed due to CalWood fire

Two more trails at Heil Valley Ranch in Boulder County have reopened after being closed after the CalWood fire.

A portion of the Wild Turkey trail and the entire Ponderosa Loop are now open, Boulder County announced in a Thursday news release. The Picture Rock Trail reopened on Friday.

The county is urging visitors to be respectful of remaining closures “due to safety hazards in the burn areas.” 

“The area remains fragile and will be subject to muddy trail closures, particularly after snowstorms,” the release stated, and asked visitors to adhere to all rules and regulations to prevent:

• Trail widening and plant damage caused by walking around muddy trail areas.
  “While we understand visitors may need to temporarily step off trail to maintain physical distance, we strongly encourage everyone to wear a mask and quickly pass other visitors in the trail corridor,” the county stated in the news release. “If you must step off the trail, please step onto a rock or a bare spot to let others pass, then step back on the trail. Please avoid stepping on vegetation.”
   
• Disturbing sensitive habitat areas by illegally entering wildlife closure and other areas closed to the public. 
  “People in wildlife closures and other sensitive closed areas can cause significant disturbances to local wildlife,” the county stated in the release. “While recreation is an essential component of our open space program, wildlife habitat protection is also a critical function.”

The county also reminded would-be visitors that while exercise and getting outside are recommended by public health officials, those who hit the trails must have face coverings with them and must cover their mouths and noses when they can not maintain 6 feet of separation from others. It also asks visitors to move on if they find a trailhead parking lot full and to plan their visits by checking trail rules and regulations before heading out. 

“Heil Valley Ranch will be in recovery for many months, and trails may need to close for restoration efforts. Check boco.org/trails before your visit for up-to-date information for possible visitor restrictions or closures in response to trail and park conditions,” the release states.

The release also urged people to stay home if they are sick to help protect others.