The popular Grizzly Creek area east of Glenwood Springs, the scene of a historic wildfire last fall, is set to reopen on Thursday.
The Grizzly Creek fire, which began Aug. 10 and wasn’t reported fully contained until snow came in December, burned 32,631 acres. The fire burned near Hanging Lake, one of Colorado’s most scenic hikes, but most of the Hanging Lake area was spared severe damage. The Hanging Lake trail will reopen May 1, by reservation only.
“We appreciate the public’s patience as we continue to manage the impacts from the largest wildfire in the history of the White River National Forest,” forest supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams said in a news release. “We are continuing to work closely with our partners on post-fire recovery and monitoring.”
The area will look a lot different than it did before the fire.
“People who choose to recreate in the burned areas should be aware of the higher risk from hazard trees, rock fall and debris flows,” the release said. Long-term recovery efforts will include “natural regeneration” and targeted work projects, including reseeding in some areas.
The Jessie Weaver, No Name and Grizzly Creek trails will reopen this week, along with areas south of Coffee Pot Road. Boat access in Glenwood Canyon also will reopen.
