State Forest State Park announces trail closures for Michigan Ditch Mitigation project

Stock photo of an alpine lake in State Forest State Park. Photo credit: CPW/R. Gonzales.

July 9, 2026

 

WALDEN, Colo. — On Monday, July 13, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) will close the Michigan Ditch Trail and segments of the American Lakes Trail to all users through late fall. The closures are in place for public safety while work on the Michigan Ditch Pre-Fire Mitigation Project is being completed in the Michigan Ditch drainage by Colorado State Forest Service and the City of Fort Collins.

“We want to thank our visitors for their understanding over the past two years while the closures of these two very popular trails have been in place,” said State Forest State Park Manager Ryan Crabb.

For those looking for similar hikes, park staff recommends Ruby Jewel or Hidden Valley trails as alternative hiking options.

 “State Forest is a popular year-round destination for day and multi-day adventures. One of the many great things about State Forest is if one trail is closed, there are so many other options to pick from,” said Crabb.

For a complete list of trails at State Forest State Park, visitors are encouraged to check out the State Forest State Park Trail Map or download the COTREX app for detailed information on each route so you can find the right trail for you.

To learn more about the Michigan Ditch Mitigation project, contact the Colorado State Forest Service or the City of Fort Collins.

For more information on current trail closures, recreation, and camping opportunities at State Forest State Park, contact the park’s visitor center at 970-723-8366 or visit our website. 

For more information and updates on the project, visit the Colorado State Forest Service website.

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PHOTO CUTLINE:
Map of Colorado State Forest closure area for the Michigan Ditch  Mitigation Project.