Pitkin County Open Space and Trails

Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Pitkin County Open Space and Trails is a department of Pitkin County government. Our purpose is to acquire open spaces and develop trails.

Pitkin County Open Space and Trails was established by the voters of Pitkin County in 1990 through the passage of a ballot initiative, creating a county program supported by a property tax. Since 1990, water rights, mineral rights, the Aspen-Snowmass Nordic System, and the ability to care for historic resources on open space have been folded into the department's scope. The most recent reauthoriza

tion of our services extends the open space tax through 2040. To date, Open Space and Trails has preserved over 20,000 acres of scenic open space, wildlife habitats, and agricultural landscapes. Some of these lands are purchased by Pitkin County, and others remain in private ownership but are protected as open space through conservation easements. Open Space and Trails also provides more than 80 miles of recreational trails (paved and unpaved). All Open Space and Trails acquisitions are reviewed and recommended by a volunteer citizen board.

05/14/2026

Did you know the spread of aquatic nuisance species (ANS) in our lakes and rivers could threaten Colorado’s drinking water and ecosystems if we don’t take action?

A great first step is to visit a cleaning station:

📍Boat Cleaning Stations
Carbondale Boat Launch
Two Rivers Parks and Recreation Dept., Glenwood Springs

📍Wader Cleaning Stations
Frying Pan Anglers, Basalt
Roaring Fork Conservancy, Basalt

This will allow you to clean, drain, and dry your equipment, helping to prevent the spread of these invasive species in our water.

Prevent the spread! Be a pain in the ANS.

More info cpw.info/PainIntheANS

Thanks to our regional partners for being a pain in the ANS: Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Roaring Fork Conservancy, City of Aspen Government, Pitkin County Healthy Rivers & Streams

Bike season is here, and so is our reminder for all of us on wheels.Whether you're on a cruiser, a road bike, or an e-bi...
05/13/2026

Bike season is here, and so is our reminder for all of us on wheels.

Whether you're on a cruiser, a road bike, or an e-bike with a little extra zip, here's how we’re keeping our shared paths fun, safe, and friendly for everyone:

✔️ Slow Down: E-bikes are zippy. The person around the next bend isn't. Ease up near others.
✔️ Say Hello: Ring your bell AND use your voice. "On your left!" goes a long way.
✔️ Show Up: Be visible. Signal. Stay right. Be the rider others see coming.
✔️ Tune In: One earbud out. Know the rules before you roll.
✔️ Stay in Control: Know your bike. Know your speed. Wear a helmet.
✔️ Leave No Trace: Stay on designated paths. Pack it all out. Every time.

We're all part of this community, just trying to have a good time and get to where we're going. Slow down. Say hello.

Learn more at slowandsayhello.co

Slow & Say Hello! is part of a regional safety initiative to reduce multimodal conflicts and increase safe travel behaviors on our pathways. Pitkin County Open Space and Trails is proud to support the campaign alongside our other partners: City of Aspen Government, Town of Carbondale, CO, RFTA Roaring Fork Transportation Authority, WE-cycle

05/04/2026

Our May 2026 Open Space & Trails E-Newsletter is out!

This edition includes articles about:

⚬ The updated North Star Management Plan
⚬ Slow & Say Hello! Steps for safer, friendlier travel
⚬ Taking a questionnaire about regional conservation and recreation priorities
⚬ New Crystal Valley trail
⚬ Staff spotlight: Zack Tripp

Check your inbox for the full edition!

Not on our list? Subscribe here 👉 PitkinCounty.com/1708/Stay-Connected

04/30/2026

The trails are calling. It’s time to go!

Starting May 1, these trails are open for the season:

🔛 Bionez Gulch (no bikes or dogs)
🔛 Glassier Open Space Trails (no dogs)
🔛 Red Canyon Trail
🔛 Red Wind Point Open Space
🔛 Wheatley Gulch (no bikes or dogs)
🔛 Janeway Open Space (May 2; no bikes until May 22)

Trails coming online May 16:
🔜 Rim Trail North
🔜 Seven Star
🔜 Sky Mountain Park Trails (Airline, Cozyline, Deadline, Incline, and more)
🔜 Brush Creek Trail (reopens to dogs)
🔜 Congo (Memorial Day Weekend)

Trailhead parking is already filling up fast. Get your warm-up in early and ride from home when you can.

Way to hold on strong! Our wildlife thanks you.

For a full list of opening and closing dates, and trail-specific restrictions, check out our website: https://pitkincounty.com/1695/Trail-Closures

Here's a little Field Trivia to start your week, with a lamb pic to brighten your day! 🐑Which of these sheep facts is NO...
04/27/2026

Here's a little Field Trivia to start your week, with a lamb pic to brighten your day! 🐑

Which of these sheep facts is NOT a fact?

a. Not all sheep have wool. Some have hair.
b. In the 1920s, there were more sheep in the Roaring Fork Valley than in New Zealand.
c. Sheep have one stomach with four compartments.
d. President Woodrow Wilson grazed sheep on the White House South Lawn.

We'll share the answer tomorrow! 🐑

Thank you to Marigold Livestock Co., one of the agricultural producers at Glassier Open Space, for sharing the sheep love!

Learn more about our agricultural lease program at pitkincounty.com/1658/Agricultural-Lease-Program

Our open spaces just got a little safer! Ranger Hunter Schwaller officially passed his EMT training and is now a nationa...
04/23/2026

Our open spaces just got a little safer!

Ranger Hunter Schwaller officially passed his EMT training and is now a nationally registered Emergency Medical Technician. The program was challenging, but Hunter rose to the occasion. He gained hands-on experience with patients (actors who dressed for the part!) and made some great friends along the way.

Before this training, Hunter's medical background was limited to basic CPR. Now he's prepared to respond to medical emergencies on the trail with new skills and added confidence.

Congrats and thanks, Hunter, for taking care of the people who visit our open spaces, and the rest of the ranger team for supporting Hunter through this journey!

📸 Colorado West Fire Photography

Look at it soar! This photo of a bald eagle flying in North Star Nature Preserve was taken by Stephen Olitsky and is fea...
04/16/2026

Look at it soar!

This photo of a bald eagle flying in North Star Nature Preserve was taken by Stephen Olitsky and is featured this month in the 2026 Open Space & Trails calendar.

Think your photo can make the cut for next year? Send your best open space and trail photos to [email protected] for a chance to be featured in the calendar or on social media.

More info: pitkincounty.com/1704/Annual-Print-Calendar

Is your household ready for wildfire season? Attend the upcoming Wildfire Community Info Night to get the latest on drou...
04/16/2026

Is your household ready for wildfire season? Attend the upcoming Wildfire Community Info Night to get the latest on drought and fire outlooks for 2026, and connect with local experts who can help you prepare.

📅 Tuesday, April 21
🕔 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
📍 Aspen Fire Station | 420 E. Hopkins Ave., Aspen

The evening will open with a brief presentation on the 2026 drought and fire outlook, followed by an open house where you can visit with experts on planned fuels reduction projects this summer, how Aspen is managing forest health, and how to prepare your home and family for an emergency.

This event is free and open to the community. Thanks to Aspen Fire, Roaring Fork Valley Wildfire Collaborative, City of Aspen Government, Pitkin County Government, and Aspen Center for Environmental Studies for hosting.

Not all of the snowbirds have flown the coop! Some of our trails are still closed. Please respect these seasonal closure...
04/14/2026

Not all of the snowbirds have flown the coop!

Some of our trails are still closed. Please respect these seasonal closures and give wildlife their space.

Find trail closure and opening dates at https://pitkincounty.com/1694/Trails.

🚧 Redstone South Bridge Construction Update 🚧If you’re driving past Redstone, you’ll notice something missing. The old R...
04/12/2026

🚧 Redstone South Bridge Construction Update 🚧

If you’re driving past Redstone, you’ll notice something missing. The old Redstone South Bridge is gone!

Construction to replace the Redstone South Bridge began earlier this summer. Most recently, the old bridge was completely removed, and work began on the new bridge, including installing micropiles at each abutment. The micropiles are what will ultimately support the new bridge structure.

Originally constructed in 1947, the old Redstone South Bridge was the oldest bridge in Pitkin County’s inventory. The new bridge will help enhance safety, improve reliability, and ensure that the community’s long-term transportation needs in and around Redstone, including trail connectivity, are met.

During construction, traffic is detoured onto the Redstone North Bridge on Redstone Boulevard, creating a one-way-in, one-way-out route through town. If you’re visiting Redstone, please park at the Elk Park Parking Lot and walk into town via the nearby pedestrian bridge.

More info: https://pitkincounty.com/1633/Redstone-South-Bridge-Replacement

Aquatic Nuisance Species have been found in our local rivers, and we need your help to slow the spread.Aquatic Nuisance ...
04/09/2026

Aquatic Nuisance Species have been found in our local rivers, and we need your help to slow the spread.

Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) are a growing threat to river health and water infrastructure across our region. New Zealand mudsnails outcompete the native insects that our fish depend on, while zebra mussels can clog water infrastructure and affect the taste of our drinking water.

Be a pain in the ANS. Every time you're out on the water, Clean, Drain, and Dry your kayaks, paddleboards, and other gear before moving between waterways.

✅ Clean: Remove all mud, plant material, and organisms from your gear.
✅ Drain: Empty every compartment that holds water.
✅ Dry: Allow everything to dry completely before your next outing.

Gear cleaning stations are available at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs, the Carbondale Boat Launch, and at outfitter locations in Basalt, with more stations opening this summer.

Find your nearest station and learn more from Colorado Parks and Wildlife: https://cpw.state.co.us/aquatic-nuisance-species.

📷 Roaring Fork Conservancy

Address

530 E. Main Street Suite 202
Aspen, CO
81611

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+19709205232

Website

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