Fishers Peak State Park summit trail reopened after new falcons leave the nest

TRINIDAD, Colo. (KRDO) -- Fishers Peak State Park's summit trail is officially reopened after Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) confirmed this year's peregrine falcons had successfully fledged and left the rest.

Officials say the reopening of the summit is the fifth consecutive year the peregrine falcon pair has raised young birds. It is also the fifth reopening of the summit trail since it became a Colorado state park.

The final mile of the summit trail closes every spring when the falcons establish territories, incubate eggs and raise their young, according to CPW. During the closure, CPW's Resource Stewardship team monitor the nest from a distance.

Once CPW clears the trail to reopen, park staff, trail specialists and volunteers help to prep the summit for reopening. Crews haven't gone up to the top in more than four months, so they use utility task vehicles to help clear the road and reinforce the rocky sections, according to officials.

The Fishers Peak summit trail reopened to the public on Aug. 1. It is now open every day from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

More information on the reopening and current trail information is available on CPW's website.

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