CLEAR CREEK COUNTY’S ROADS RE-OPENED on May 28 for non-local use. The original County Public Health Order, which began on April 11, was put in place to protect the community and first responders by temporarily restricting access to Clear Creek County’s roads to non-residents for non-essential travel. With the loosening of the State’s Safer at Home Order and phased re-opening of County government and many local businesses, the County Commissioners, acting as the County Board of Health, approved the re-opening.
Guanella Pass Road remains closed at the Naylor Lake and Duck Lake gates until 2pm on Thursday, June 4, while Clear Creek County, Park County and the United States Forest Service (USFS) coordinate the summit opening. The USFS is working diligently to secure the appropriate protective equipment and cleaning supplies for safe and strategic re-opening of their facilities. Mount Evans Highway (Colorado Highway 5) will not open until at least early July due to delays related to COVID-19, and depending on the current situation and weather conditions, that timeline could change. Click here for more USFS information.
In accordance with the USFS Fire Ban Order enacted on April 7, Clear Creek County continues implementation of county-wide Temporary Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. This means no fires and no discharging of firearms. Fire restrictions are in place to enhance public and firefighter safety, protect natural and cultural resources and help minimize human-caused wildfires.
During this ongoing public health crisis, please respect the health and safety of our small mountain community. Providing law enforcement and emergency services due to tourists and visitors adds a high level of potential exposure to COVID-19 to first responders. The Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Authority and Alpine Rescue Team want to remind the public of the County’s limited emergency response resources and of risks associated with participating in backcountry recreational activities. Please be safe and follow Colorado Department of Natural Resources guidelines.
Visit Clear Creek Tourism Bureau and Clear Creek County Open Space for more information/updates on outdoor recreation in Clear Creek County. Check out COTREX to see what trails, trailheads, and activities are permissible on state and federal public lands.