El Paso County Parks

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TEMPORARY TRAIL CLOSURE
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BLACK FOREST – SECTION 16
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Partial Area Closed
Mondays & Tuesdays Only
June 15 – July 7
To ensure visitor safety, portions of Section 16 will be closed while crews perform essential tree‑mitigation work.
📍 Refer to the purple section on the attached map for the exact closure location.
We appreciate your patience as we work to keep the forest healthy and safe for all.

🌳 Notice of Intermittent Parking Access – Friday, June 12
Please be aware that parking in front of El Paso County Parks Headquarters will be intermittently limited on Friday, June 12, due to a scheduled tree‑trimming project.
Crews will be working throughout the day, and brief closures of parking spaces may occur to ensure everyone’s safety.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to maintain a healthy and beautiful area!

El Paso County is pleased to announce that Janna Tidwell has been selected as the new Executive Director of the El Paso County Parks Department, which oversees more than 7,800 acres of open space, regional parks, trails, and nature centers serving residents across the county.

To read more about the announcement, visit: https://www.elpasoco.com/el-paso-county-announces-new-executive-director-of-parks-department/

El Paso County adds accessibility upgrades to Fountain Creek Regional Park El Paso County Facilities and Strategic Management has started accessibility improvements at Fountain Creek Regional Park, which is located off of North Santa Fe Avenue.

🚧 Temporary Closure Alert – Duckwood Trailhead Parking Area 🚧
Please be advised that the Duckwood Trailhead parking area will be temporarily closed through next week to allow crews to safely complete essential fence replacement work.
🔒 Parking Closure: Temporary
🛠️ Reason: Fence Replacement
🚶 Trail Access: Please use alternate parking areas or nearby trailheads during this time.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to keep our parks safe, well-maintained, and enjoyable for everyone. Updates will be shared as the project progresses!
🌳 Thank you for supporting our local trails and open spaces! Let us know if you need help suggesting nearby alternative trailheads.

Friendly reminder for all visitors: 🐾🐴
To help protect the fragile landscape and wildlife, dogs and horses are not allowed at Paint Mines Interpretive Park — with the exception of trained service animals.
Thank you for helping keep the Paint Mines beautiful and safe for everyone! 🌄💛

Reminder: El Paso County offices closed today, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day.

This Memorial Day, The El Paso County Board of Commissioners asks all citizens to join them in honoring the brave men and women who gave their lives in defense of our nation. May we remember their sacrifice with gratitude and live in a way that honors the freedoms they died to protect.

To read more about office closures, visit: https://www.elpasoco.com/el-paso-county-offices-closed-may-25-in-observance-of-memorial-day/