The final mile of the Fishers Peak State Park summit trail near Trinidad reopened to the public August 1 after Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologists confirmed this year's peregrine falcon chicks had successfully fledged and reached independence.

The reopening marks the fifth consecutive year the nesting pair has successfully occupied the site and raised young at Fishers Peak, Colorado's highest state park at 9,633 feet. Every spring, the final mile of the summit trail closes while peregrine falcons establish territories, incubate eggs and raise their young. Park staff observe the same closure restrictions expected of visitors throughout the nesting season.

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Once CPW Resource Stewardship biologists cleared the trail to reopen, park staff, Southeast Region trail specialists and volunteers from La Veta Trails spent July 29 and 30 inspecting and preparing the final mile for hikers. Persistent drought meant less vegetation than in wetter years, but crews still cleared encroaching brush, restored trail tread and reinforced rocky sections.

"We honor the peregrine closure just like we ask the public to," said Crystal Dreiling, Fishers Peak State Park manager. "Our staff stays out of this area whenever possible throughout the nesting season. We don't know what the final ascent to the peak at 9,633 feet looks like until we're close to reopening day, so it's all hands on deck during those final days before the trail opens."

Three peregrine falcons circled overhead as the maintenance crew worked the trail July 29.

"Looking up and seeing three peregrines flying above us while we were getting the trail ready was pretty special," said Tappan Brown, CPW Southeast Region Trails Coordinator. "It reminded us the closure worked exactly as intended and it's time to prepare the trail and welcome people back."

"We're thrilled to confirm this year's peregrine falcon chicks have officially fledged," said Donovan Spaulding, CPW Biological Monitoring Coordinator. "That marks five consecutive years of occupancy and breeding success at Fishers Peak, a major win for local conservation. Careful monitoring during these critical months ensures we only reopen the trail once the young are fully independent and taking flight. This milestone reflects both our dedicated Fishers Peak park staff and a community that continues to respect the space these birds need to thrive."

"We all share the same passion for maintaining the trails we love to hike," said Adam Battaia, stewardship coordinator for La Veta Trails. "Working together gives us the opportunity to help care for these places."

"One of my favorite parts of reopening day is watching hikers encourage one another and celebrate together when they reach the summit," Dreiling said. "There's a special camaraderie among the people who make the climb. Every year, reopening the summit trail feels like a new beginning for the park."

The approximately 16-mile round-trip hike gains about 3,000 feet in elevation and is considered strenuous. Visitors should begin early, carry plenty of water and food, prepare for rapidly changing mountain weather and remain on the designated trail throughout the hike. Leaving the trail greatly increases the risk of becoming lost and may result in a search-and-rescue response.

Fishers Peak State Park is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. For current park information, trail maps and conditions, visit https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/fishers-peak-state-park