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Seasonal Wildlife Trail Closures

Seasonal Wildlife Closures

Every spring and winter on Forest Service land, BLM in Eagle, Eagle Open Space, Eagle County Open Space, and the West Avon Preserve there are several trail closures that may alter bikers and hikers plans.

The reasons for the trail closures are deer and elk winter range, calving, and migration. Spring is a sensitive time of year for pregnant and nursing females. It is a fact that minimizing human disturbance with seasonal trail closures gives the animals time and space to nurse calves until they are strong enough to move with the herds.

The closures are there for the protection of wildlife during the sensitive birthing period and to protect soils, vegetation, watershed and fisheries during the mud season. We ask that you respect the following closures out of concern for our natural environment.

Forest Service Seasonal Trail Closures:

Beaver Creek Seasonal Trail Closures from May 6 – July 1

Eagle Area Seasonal Trail Closures:

December 1 – April 15 (BLM trails & roads)

  • East Eagle (Pool & Ice, Dirt Surfer, Will’s Thrill, Hillbilly, Bellyache Road Gate)*Closed to mechanized (bikes) and motorized use.  Open to foot and equestrian year round.

December 1 – July 1 (Brush Creek Valley Ranch & Open Space)

  • 3 Sisters Trail
    • *Closed to all users: foot, bike, and equestrian

      Brush Creek Valley Ranch & Open Space Seasonal Closure

  • Hikers and equestrian users will still be able to utilize the Salt Creek area of the Brush Creek Valley Ranch and Open Space

December 15 – April 15 (Town of Eagle trails)

January 16 – April 15 (BLM trails & roads)

  • West Eagle – NO ACCESS from Eagle beginning December 15.  All trails must be accessed via Spring Creek Rd in Gypsum or Hardscrabble Rd until January 16 closure.
    • *Closed to mechanized (bikes) and motorized use.  Open to foot and equestrian year round.

West Avon Preserve Seasonal Trail Closures: December 15  – April 15

West Avon Preserve and Knob Hill

Other Seasonal Trail Closures:

December 1 – April 15

What Trails Are Open?

Eagle River Preserve Seasonal Closures

Muddy trails are always closed trails.  These trails are open (pending conditions):

Mountain Biking, Hiking, & Equestrian Trails:

Hiking/Equestrian Trails Only:

How You Can Help?  Become a Wildlife Trail Ambassador

Protect our wildlife, protect our trails.  Become a Wildlife Trail Ambassador.  Watch our 2020 training videos and learn about the science, data, and importance of why seasonal wildlife closures exist.  Do your part and help educate and inform trail users on the importance of respecting seasonal wildlife trail closures, trail etiquette, and leaven no trace principles.

If interested please watch the training videos on our Youtube channel here and get in touch with Michelle at adoptatrail@vvmta.org

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