Kawuneeche Valley Closure

Rocky Mountain National Park will be implementing another phase of the Poudre Headwaters Project during the week of August 24-30, 2026.

This project takes place on the west side of the park and involves the removal of all non-native fish from the Grand Ditch and upstream and downstream tributaries inside the park. Once removed, native Greenback cutthroat trout will be reintroduced into its native range in the headwaters of the Cache la Poudre River.

Young greenbacks require food, space, and protection from non-native predators and competitors, like brook trout, which outcompete greenbacks. Removal of brook trout is a key factor for recovery success.

Because of the level of activity associated with the implementation of the Poudre Headwaters Project, all areas and trails within the project zone will be closed to all uses beginning on Monday, August 24 through Sunday, August 30. The Colorado River Trail and the Grand Ditch will be closed.

While this project is underway, the following trails will remain open:

East Inlet Trail, North Inlet/Tonohutu Trail, Green Mountain Trail, Coyote Valley Trail, Onahu Trail, and Timber Lake Trail. The Holzwarth Historic Site and Harbison Meadows Picnic Area will also remain open.

Fishing access will remain open in all areas along the Colorado River located south of the Colorado River Trailhead, including near the Holzwarth Historic Site and Coyote Valley.

For more information about the closure visit the Rocky Mountain National Park news release here.