Regulations

Parks & Open Space Regulations

Regulations are important tools in place for the protection of wildlife, the natural environment and all users of County Parks and Open Space. Regulations may vary depending on the property. Users are responsible for knowing and obeying all regulations. Violations are punishable by fines of up to $300.

Emergency Phone Numbers

  • 911 for an emergency or any situation requiring immediate attention.
  • 303-441-4444 to contact a park ranger or report unlawful activity.

Frequently Addressed Regulations

Dogs & Pets

  • Dogs are not permitted at Hall Ranch, Heil Valley Ranch, Caribou Ranch, and Dodd Lake.
  • All pets must be on a leash and under the physical control of its owner or guardian at all times.
  • Any person who brings a dog into a Parks & Open Space area shall pick up, carry out, and dispose of that dog’s excrement.
  • Dogs are allowed off-leash only at Reynolds Ranch on trails shared with the US Forest Service and the West Twin Lakes Trail. Any owner/guardian accompanying a dog in an off-leash area must have the ability to restrain his or her dog when requested by staff.
  • It is unlawful to confine any animal in a motor vehicle in such a manner that places it in a life or health threatening situation by exposure to a prolonged period of extreme heat or cold.

Smoking & Marijuana

  • Smoking is prohibited within any Parks & Open Space area.

Hours

  • Parks & Open Space areas close at sunset and open at sunrise.
  • The Longmont-to-Boulder (LoBo) Trail, Coalton Trail, Coal Creek Trail, Rock Creek Trail, Meadowlark Trail, US 36 Bikeway, Boulder Canyon Trail, Open Sky Loop trail adjacent to Pike Road, Mayhoffer-Singletree Trail, and neighborhood connecting spurs are open 24 hours per day. Trailheads close at sunset and parking is not allowed between sunset and sunrise.

Fishing

  • A valid Colorado fishing license is required for all persons 16 years of age or older whenever fishing in ponds, lakes, creeks, and rivers.
  • Ice fishing is prohibited.
  • See Fishing on Open Space for more information.

Boating

  • Boating is allowed at Lagerman Reservoir and Pella Crossing.
  • Watercraft must be in compliance with all state laws.
  • See the Boating Section for more information.

Swimming

  • Swimming and wading are prohibited.

Camping

  • Camping is prohibited in all Parks & Open Space areas.

Parking

  • Parks & Open Space areas are open from sunrise to sunset. Unattended vehicles left after dark will be ticketed and/or towed.
  • Vehicles must be parked in designated areas only.
  • Unauthorized motorized vehicles are prohibited beyond parking lots.

Biking

  • Mountain biking is allowed on officially designated trails. Bicycle riders must yield the right-of-way to other trail users.
  • Downhill riders must yield to uphill riders.
  • Gas and electric assisted bicycles (e-bikes) are prohibited within any Parks & Open Space area except where such use is specifically designated or as defined under OPDMD rules. View the E-bikes page to see where e-bikes are allowed.

Equestrians

  • Horseback riding is allowed.
  • Equestrians are strongly encouraged to stay on designated trails.
  • Horses must be on a lead and may not be tied and left unattended.
  • All feed provided to livestock while on trails and trailheads must be free of weeds and weed seeds.

Wildlife

  • Do not feed, disturb, molest, or kill wildlife.
  • Hunting and trapping are prohibited.
  • Relocating or releasing animals onto Parks & Open Space areas is prohibited.

Firearms

  • No firearms allowed including concealed weapons, projectile weapons, or explosives of any kind including, but not limited to, hand guns, rifles, shotguns, fireworks, BB guns, pellet guns, rockets, air guns, paint ball guns, blow guns, crossbows, longbows, and slingshots.
  • Carrying a concealed weapon or openly carrying a firearm on Parks & Open Space areas is a violation of Boulder County Ordinance 2022-4.

Resource Protection

  • Do not collect, remove, destroy or deface any natural or manmade object including trees, down timber, branches, shrubbery, plants, flowers, antlers, fences, signs, kiosks, restrooms, cultural resources or shelters.
  • Do not install or replace rock bolts, plant trees or other landscaping, or construct trails or other structures.
  • The collection of deer and/or elk antler sheds and the creation of antler traps is prohibited.

Fires

  • Do not build camp fires or collect firewood. Charcoal fires are allowed in grills provided at picnic shelters and picnic areas.

Drones

  • It shall be unlawful to take-off, land, or operate any unmanned aircraft system (drone) on Parks & Open Space areas.
  • Boulder County allows limited use of unmanned aircraft systems for scientific research, operational monitoring, and agricultural uses with an approved Drone Permit.

Special Use Permits & Commercial Activity

  • Special Use Permits are required for all groups larger than 25 people.
  • Races, events, filming movies, equipment demonstrations, and other commercial activity are prohibited.
    • Individuals engaging in still camera photography are exempt as are nonprofit tax exempt entities.
  • Posting advertisements or brochures on Parks & Open Space areas, in the parking lot, or on vehicles is prohibited.

Complete Regulations Listing

Resolution No. 2023-024

Contact Us

Parks & Open Space


303-678-6210