Pitkin County Open Space and Trails

08/14/2026

Big things are happening at the Snowmass Creek Trailhead. Starting August 17 (next week!), we are breaking ground on a trailhead and parking upgrade.

Know before you go!

⚬ Parking will be limited from August 17 through November.
⚬ Vehicles parked illegally, including along the access road, are subject to ticketing and/or towing. We know it's tempting, but it's not safe for hikers, horses, or our construction team.
⚬ Carpool if you can, or aim to visit on a weekday.
⚬ The surrounding trails will be open for business as usual.

Thanks for your patience during construction. We are stoked to partner with the U.S. Forest Service - White River National Forest on this project and can’t wait to unveil the new layout. It will include organized day, overnight, ADA, and trailer parking, a double-vault toilet, a new trailhead kiosk, and separate hiker and equestrian portals.

Learn more at PitkinCounty.com/1751/Snowmass-Creek-Trailhead-Improvements.

08/13/2026

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

This edition includes articles about:

⚬ E-bikes vs e-motos
⚬ North Star Mandatory River Closure
⚬ Staff Spotlight: Natural Resources Summer Seasonal Team

Check your inbox for the full edition!

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

08/13/2026

Woohoo! Redstone Bridge South is now open! Thanks to our partners and the Redstone community for your patience, flexibility, and support as Pitkin County worked to replace the oldest bridge in our inventory. And, thanks to all who came to cross the new bridge and celebrate at the ribbon cutting last night!

08/11/2026

Heads up, river users - the flows are up on the Roaring Fork!

If you're out on the river, please use extra caution. Higher, faster flows change the game for wading, fishing, rafting, etc. Stay alert, know your exit points, and check conditions before you head out.

The phone is ringing off the hook here at Taylor Creek with the news that increased flows are projected on the beloved Fryingpan. The uninitiated are concerned, whereas local anglers are excited. Can flows become unsafe at certain levels? The answer is yes,...

08/10/2026

One thing that all great green chile recipes have in common: heavy on the onion, zero on the zebra mussels.

Learn how to help keep Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) from affecting Colorado’s chile crop from Colorado Parks and Wildlife: cpw.info/PainIntheANS

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Todas las buenas recetas de chile verde tienen algo en común: llevan mucha cebolla y nada de mejillones cebra. Aprende cómo puedes ayudar a prevenir que las cosechas de chile Colorado sean afectadas por las especies acuáticas invasoras (ANS): cpw.info/PainIntheANS

08/07/2026

Grand Opening! Redstone Bridge South! August 11! 7 p.m.!

Construction of the new Redstone Bridge South has ended, and in celebration, Pitkin County is hosting a ribbon-cutting on August 11 at 7 p.m.

The Redstone Bridge South was originally constructed in 1947 and was the oldest bridge in Pitkin County’s inventory. The new structure will enhance safety, improve reliability, and ensure the bridge continues to meet the community’s long-term transportation needs in and around Redstone. And it has a 10-foot pathway that Open Space and Trails chipped in for!

We hope to see you on the bridge on August 11!

Learn more at aspentimes.com/news/redstone-bridge-to-reopen-with-ribbon-cutting-ceremony-tuesday.

07/31/2026

Our summer season is underway, with our all-star ranger line-up out in the field. In addition to our year-round rangers, you’ll see these seasonal rangers this year:

🔸 Nathalie Nevins is back for her ninth season as a Level III Ranger. Nathalie is our go-to for geeking out on maintenance and gear, keeping our equipment and operations running smoothly.
🔸Will Meany is stepping into the field for his first season and brings a deep playbook of knowledge from his time as an ACES naturalist, wildlife guide, and environmental steward. Expect sharp observations, great stories, and a genuine love for this landscape.
🔸 Henry Bent rounds out the rookie class in his first season as an Open Space Ranger. Hailing from Ridgway, he brings serious credentials in hunting, climbing, mountain biking, and emergency response experience from his time with the Aspen Ambulance.

Welcome to the team, y’all, and happy Ranger Day!

07/28/2026

North Star Nature Preserve Update. A mandatory closure for accessing the river is in effect.

River levels have dropped below 20 CFS, triggering a mandatory closure along the Roaring Fork River within North Star Nature Preserve. This Pitkin County Open Space and Trails boundary extends from just above South Gate through to Stillwater Bridge. Shallow water increases the risk of touching bottom, trespassing on private property, and damaging sensitive riparian habitat.

Your cooperation in this low-flow closure protects the integrity of the North Star Nature Preserve. Thank you for doing your part.

Find more information at PitkinCounty.com/1534/North-Star-Aspen.

07/24/2026

🚧 Owl Creek Road Under Construction 🚧

Construction on Owl Creek Road and the Owl Creek Trail will begin the week of July 27, 2026. Owl Creek Trail will remain open during construction, although impacts will be evident, and users are encouraged to exercise caution. Construction equipment will operate adjacent to portions of the trail and may be stored near the trail.

This construction is the first phase of the Airport Modernization Project.

Work is expected to wrap up by the end of October 2026.

More info: aspenairport.com/modernization