El Paso County Parks and Trails Construction and Closures

Black Forest Section 16 Parking Lot Construction

July 14 – August 4, 2026

July 14, 2026 – El Paso County Parks will begin a construction project to expand the Black Forest Section 16 Trailhead parking lot beginning Tuesday, July 14, 2026. The project includes the construction of a new equestrian-only parking lot, the reconfiguration of the existing parking lot to increase capacity, and the installation of additional trailhead amenities. Construction is expected to be completed by Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

To ensure public safety during construction, Periodic weekday closures will occur between July 14 – August 4, 2026. During these closures, the main parking lot off Burgess Road and the surrounding trails will be closed to visitors. Trail users are encouraged to plan ahead, recreate responsibly, and avoid all closed or active construction areas for the duration of the project.

For updates and additional information on the parking lot and trail closure, please visit www.elpasocountyparks.com.

Bear Creek Regional Park Tennis Court Closure

April 30, 2026 – The tennis courts at Bear Creek Regional Park are closed. El Paso County Parks is planning (2) new tennis courts and (6) new pickleball courts. Additional improvements include a central plaza with shade, ADA accessibility, parking lot expansion, and renovation of the archery range. Anticipated construction is mid-2026. The courts will remain closed due to current court conditions and safety concerns. We apologize for the inconvenience as we work to improve Bear Creek Regional Park. We will share the scope of the project once the planning and construction timeline is finalized.

Check back here for project updates. Questions or concerns can be directed to Parks@elpasoco.com

Rock Island Regional Trail Bridge Closure

April 7, 2026 – The bridge on the Rock Island Regional Trail located near Woodmen and Hwy 24 is currently closed until further notice due to severe damage from a grass fire. There is no detour at this time. Please do not cross barriers to access the bridge at this time until damage is assessed. We will update once we have more information.

Check back here for project updates. Questions or concerns can be directed to Parks@elpasoco.com

Sidewalk Construction along Ute Pass Regional Trail

February 9, 2026 – El Paso County will begin construction of new sidewalks and pedestrian improvements along Ute Pass Trail including, Chipita Park Road, Fountain Avenue, Spring Street, and through the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Maintenance Yard, starting February 23, 2026. All work will take place within the existing public right-of-way.

The project is designed to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility in the area. Planned work includes tree and vegetation removal, construction of concrete sidewalks, installation of curb and gutter, ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps, retaining walls, and drainage improvements.

The required tree removals are scheduled for February 23, 2026. Trees selected for removal are located within the public right-of-way and are necessary to accommodate the planned infrastructure improvements.

Construction activities will continue throughout the year, with the project expected to be completed by December 2026. Residents and travelers are encouraged to remain aware of construction activity and potential impacts in the area. Project updates and additional information will be posted as they become available.

Detailed Project Map

Check back here for project updates. Questions or concerns can be directed to Parks@elpasoco.com

Fountain Creek Regional Trail Temporary Full Closure

July 6, 2026 – A temporary closure of the Fountain Creek Regional Trail will begin mid-January 2026 and continue through early-August 2026, to allow Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) and their contractors to complete a major power line infrastructure upgrade and subsequent trail restoration project.

Although the closure will remain in place until trail restoration is complete in early August 2026, the trail will be completely impassable the week of July 6th due to culvert replacement and drainage improvements. During the trail restoration project, the closed section of the trail will extend from Stratmoor Valley Park and Trailhead in the north to Camping World on Bandley Road in the south. Northbound trail users are encouraged to turn around at John Ceresa Memorial Park, while southbound users should turn around at Stratmoor Valley Park.

Check back here for project updates. Questions or concerns can be directed to Parks@elpasoco.com

El Paso County to Renovate Ponds at Fox Run Regional Park

El Paso County will begin renovation of the two ponds at Fox Run Regional Park in the Fall of 2025. The project will include grading and drainage improvements to the ponds and surrounding trails, installing new pond liners, and replacing the existing gazebo with a new structure near the park’s amphitheater.

In addition, minor improvements will be made to the amphitheater to enhance the new gazebo and provide ADA access. The project also includes a new irrigation system and landscaping around the ponds, electrical improvements, and construction of a new ADA-compliant concrete parking area and sidewalk connecting the restrooms, gazebo, and amphitheater.

“This project is an important investment in one of our most popular parks,” said Todd Marts, El Paso County Parks Executive Director. “These renovations will ensure that Fox Run Regional Park continues to be a safe, accessible, and beautiful space for residents and visitors for years to come.”

Construction is expected to begin in October 2025 and is anticipated to be completed in 2026.

To learn more about El Paso County Parks, visit www.elpasocountyparks.com

New Santa Fe Regional Trail Closure

The Section of the trail that runs through the Air Force Academy remains closed at this time due to orders from USNORTHCOM. Updates to access and the Trusted Traveler Program can be found here: https://www.usafa.edu/visitors/getting-on-base/

Questions or concerns can be directed to Parks@elpasoco.com

For any questions or concerns please contact the El Paso County Parks office at (719)520-7529 or by email Parks@elpasoco.com