Boulder County, Colorado, is launching a community-informed pilot program that would assign specific days or times for different trail users, hikers, bikers, and equestrians, rather than allowing all activities simultaneously on shared trails.
The Boulder County Commissioners have directed Parks & Open Space staff to explore whether alternating use could improve safety and enhance the visitor experience. The pilot is temporary and will conclude by the end of 2026. No permanent changes will be made without further community input and a final decision from the Board of County Commissioners.
The program will not involve building new trails, converting multi-use trails to single-use, or vice versa. It will only apply to trails currently designated for biking, hiking, and horseback riding at the same time.
Boulder County already uses this model at Betasso Preserve, where bicycling is prohibited on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Data from the 2025 visitor study found that about 4% of visitors countywide reported experiencing a conflict on the trail, with negative interactions between cyclists and pedestrians being the most common. At Heil Valley Ranch, one of the trails under consideration, 59% of visitors reported biking as their primary activity.
Residents can weigh in through an online survey, which closes May 19th at 11:59pm. An open house will also be held Wednesday, May 13th, from 5:30 to 7pm at the Boulder County Courthouse, 3rd Floor, 1325 Pearl Street in Boulder. The event is drop-in style, and attendees can expect to spend 20 to 30 minutes participating in feedback activities. No formal presentation will take place.
Community feedback will directly shape which trails are selected for the pilot and how alternating schedules are structured. After the pilot is in place, additional feedback will be gathered before any long-term recommendations are presented to county commissioners.
Those unable to attend the open house can sign up for email or text updates through the Boulder County Parks & Open Space website.
