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Open Space staff report on trailheads, signage and trail projects, including Flatirons Vista improvements
Summary
OSMP staff told the board about visitor-infrastructure operations — 37 trailheads, 160 miles of trail and more than 5,000 signs — and highlighted near-term projects (Teller Farm North trailhead, Lower Big Bluestem reroute, Hidden Valley, climbing‑access trail restoration) and recent Flatirons Vista trailhead upgrades to increase parking and separate equestrian parking.
Open Space staff presented a comprehensive visitor‑infrastructure update on July 8, covering trailheads, signs, trails, crew operations and current capital projects.
Scope and condition: Hillary Deese, visitor‑infrastructure senior manager, said OSMP manages 37 trailheads, 76 access points, 160 miles of trail and more than 5,000 signs, and tracks trail and trailhead condition with a Trail Condition Index to prioritize maintenance. Staff described how they estimate replacement costs and labor requirements, noting more than 100,000 staff and volunteer hours go into trail maintenance each year.
Key projects and operations: Deese listed projects in design and construction, including a Boulder Falls viewing-area design (Q4 2026 preliminary design anticipated), Lower Big Bluestem reroute, South Mesa and Dry Creek trailhead designs, and ongoing work at Hidden Valley. Teller Farm North trailhead will be reconstructed in the fall to add restrooms and equestrian access. Staff highlighted a multi‑year LWCF project at Sunidas East Ridge and climbing‑access trail restoration funded by a Conservation Youth Corps grant.
Flatirons Vista trailhead: Staff described recent regrading, added parking, improved ADA access and separation of horse‑trailer parking at Flatirons Vista to reduce conflicts and roadside parking. A new outhouse is pending final permitting and will be installed soon.
Signs and visitor messaging: OSMP has updated trail maps to a color‑blind palette, bilingual (English/Spanish) legends, and increased iconography; staff changed language on scrambling/climbing signage after recent incidents. Staff also described sign repair and vandalism rates and practices for reusing posts and aluminum blanks to control costs.
Volunteer and crew operations: Trailheads crew (3 FTE + 4 seasonal), sign shop, and trails crews work year‑round and seasonally; staff contract with conservation corps and partner groups (Boulder Mountain Bike Alliance, Mile High Youth Corps) and use junior rangers for capacity.
Questions from trustees addressed drainage and coordination with multi‑modal planning on reroutes, vandalism deterrents (small flags reduce vandalism on boundary signs), and how trails work fits into broader stormwater and accessibility goals.
Next steps: Staff will continue project delivery and report back as design milestones and construction schedules progress.
