TRINIDAD, Colo. – The sharp calls of peregrine falcons drew every eye skyward as Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff and volunteers put the finishing touches on the final mile of the Fishers Peak State Park summit trail July 29.
Three peregrine falcons circled above the mountain, soaring over the same cliffs that had remained undisturbed throughout the spring and early summer. For the crew below, the sight needed little explanation.
On Aug. 1, the final mile of the Fishers Peak State Park summit trail reopened to the public after CPW Resource Stewardship biologists confirmed this year’s young peregrine falcons had successfully fledged and reached independence. The reopening marks the fifth consecutive year the nesting pair has successfully occupied the site and raised young, and the fifth reopening of the Fishers Peak summit trail since the property became a Colorado state park, allowing visitors to once again reach the summit of Colorado’s highest state park.
Every spring, the final mile closes while peregrine falcons establish territories, incubate eggs and raise their young. During the closure, CPW Resource Stewardship biologists monitor the nesting pair from a distance while park staff honor the same restrictions expected of visitors.
“We honor the peregrine closure just like we ask the public to,” said Crystal Dreiling, FPSP manager. “Our staff stays out of this area whenever possible throughout the nesting season. We don’t know what the final ascent to the peak at 9,633 feet looks like until we’re close to reopening day, so it’s all hands on deck during those final days before the trail opens.”
Once Resource Stewardship biologists cleared the trail to reopen, park staff, Southeast Region trail specialists and volunteers began preparing the summit trail for hikers July 29 and 30.
Before heading up the mountain on July 29, Jenn Green, seasonal park technician, gathered the trail maintenance team to review weather, trail conditions, tool safety and the plan to inspect and clear the final mile of trail to the summit. After more than four months without routine maintenance, no one knew exactly what they would find until they reached the work site. The team departed in utility task vehicles on a service road to the final mile of summit trail and heading up on foot, equipment in hand.
Persistent drought meant less vegetation than in wetter years, but crews still cleared encroaching brush, restored trail tread and reinforced rocky sections before the reopening.
“Looking up and seeing three peregrines flying above us while we were getting the trail ready was pretty special,” said Tappan Brown, CPW Southeast Region Trails Coordinator. “It reminded us the closure worked exactly as intended and it’s time to prepare the trail and welcome people back.”
“We’re thrilled to confirm this year’s peregrine falcon chicks have officially fledged,” said Donovan Spaulding, CPW Biological Monitoring Coordinator. “That marks five consecutive years of occupancy and breeding success at Fishers Peak, a major win for local conservation. Careful monitoring during these critical months ensures we only reopen the trail once the young are fully independent and taking flight. This milestone reflects both our dedicated Fishers Peak park staff and a community that continues to respect the space these birds need to thrive.”
Volunteers from La Veta Trails joined CPW staff for the final push before reopening.
“We all share the same passion for maintaining the trails we love to hike,” said Adam Battaia, stewardship coordinator for La Veta Trails. “Working together gives us the opportunity to help care for these places.”
For Dreiling, reopening day never gets old.
“One of my favorite parts of reopening day is watching hikers encourage one another and celebrate together when they reach the summit,” Dreiling said. “There’s a special camaraderie among the people who make the climb. Every year, reopening the summit trail feels like a new beginning for the park.”
Visitor Information: The Fishers Peak summit trail reopened to the public on Aug. 1. The approximately 16-mile round-trip hike gains about 3,000 feet in elevation and is considered strenuous. Visitors should begin early, carry plenty of water and food, prepare for rapidly changing mountain weather and remain on the designated trail throughout the hike. At Fishers Peak, the trail is the shortcut. Leaving the trail greatly increases the risk of becoming lost and may result in a search-and-rescue response.
Fishers Peak State Park is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. For current park information, trail maps and conditions, visit the Fishers Peak State Park website.
By Dean Miller, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Southeast Region Public Information Officer
