10 years later, Waldo Canyon still recovering after one of Colorado’s worst wildfires

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- A decade after the destruction and recovery of Waldo Canyon is still underway.

The burn scar and dead trees standing in the canyon are still very apparent today.

The historic, seven-mile Waldo Canyon Trailhead, which began at Highway 24, never reopened after the fire. Ten years later, it remains closed. The fire damage, and the erosion and flooding that followed the flames, have nearly obliterated the trail, creating accessibility and safety concerns.

The Forest Service told KRDO that the City of Colorado Springs recently purchased a piece of land and is working to find a new trailhead location.

However, there isn't a timeline as to when the recreational areas of Waldo will re-open to the public.

The last few years have focused on restoring the land to promote new growth and reduce flooding and runoff. With little vegetation, heavy erosion of the soil has made it difficult for any new vegetation to grow.

Forest experts say a full recovery is likely to take many decades.