Gunbarrel Vesper Trail and closures update

On March 11, 2024, construction was set to begin on the new Vesper Trail, with portions of the East Boulder-Gunbarrel Trail to be closed for use between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through June. The trail is currently closed from the Boulderado Drive and Cambridge Street access point in the Heatherwood subdivision to a point approximately one mile east.

In addition, beginning May 13, repair and resurfacing work began on the East Boulder - White Rocks Trail between Boulderado Drive and Cambridge Street eastward culminating at 95th Street, which has also caused closures in this area. All work is still projected to be completed by the end of June.

It is apparent from Lookout Road between 75th and 79th Streets that grading has happened and the Vesper trail has been defined. It is not possible to view any work on the East Boulder - White Rocks trail as the trail from the top of Gunbarrel Mountain to 95th Street is closed to all traffic.

Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Ranger Nate Stone said that compliance to these closures has been a challenge. He was out on the trail on a Sunday afternoon seeking to interact with those hiking and to insure that the closure rules were being respected. In addition to the closures for trail construction and resurfacing, Stone also gave a heads up about the wildlife closures in the area designed to protect the nesting of the Burrowing Owl which sometimes confiscates prairie dog burrows in order to nest and produce their young. The current wildlife closure area coincides with closures for the Vesper Trail.

As the signs explain, non-compliance and disrespect of these closures can result in ticketing and fines of up to $2,650. While the trail closure barriers that are up during construction on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. may not be insurmountable, maps are clearly posted at every closure. It is incumbent upon hikers and bikers to respect the closure information posted on these maps.