On Thursday, July 7, 9 p.m. to Friday, July 8, 5 a.m., the Colorado Department of Transportation and the I-25 North Express Lanes Project will close the southbound I-25 on- and off-ramps at Colorado Highway 56 to shift southbound I-25 traffic to a new alignment. This will allow crews to complete work on the new ramps of the improved interchange. The new interchange will improve motorist safety and efficiency. Please follow posted detour signage in the area. Southbound traffic exiting I-25 will continue south to exit 245 at Weld County Road 34/Mead, turn around and travel north to exit 250. Traffic intending to travel southbound on I-25 will travel north to exit 252 at Colorado Highway 60/Johnstown, turn around and re-enter southbound I-25.

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Following the unfortunate record high Motor Vehicle Thefts reported in Colorado during 2021, Colorado continues to exceed the number of vehicles stolen each month when compared to the previous year. The most recent numbers available, January through May 2022, show an 18% increase this year to date from the record-setting numbers of 2021.

“The most recent data shows that over 3630 vehicles were stolen across Colorado in the month of May with metropolitan communities along the front range from Ft. Collins running south through Trinidad feeling the impact,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “While law enforcement had a 91% success rate in recovering stolen vehicles in May, the damage or condition of these vital pieces of property were too often beyond repair.”

This year-to-date recovery rate of 91% is important to note, while Colorado has experienced record-high vehicle thefts, the recovery rate greatly exceeds that of the national average (roughly above 50% recovery rate). However, this exceptional recovery rate does not lessen the economic, emotional, and personal loss experienced by the victim.

Law enforcement encourages residents to do a few simple things to help prevent auto theft. These include locking your vehicle at all times and keep windows up, even a cracked window could be used to steal a vehicle. Park cars in well-lit areas including driveways with strong sconce lights or flood lights. Never leave valuables in your vehicle including cash, computers, clothes or cellphone accessories. Consider adding an outdoor camera to your home and possibly take a step further by adding a sign on your property that indicates someone is on camera. If you have a garage use it and make sure the doors to the garage are locked.

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All areas in Chaos Canyon to the west of Lake Haiyaha are closed in Rocky Mountain National Park to all users due to significant rockfall activity and continuing potential impacts from forecasted precipitation.

On June 28, 2022, at approximately 4:30 pm a large rockfall event occurred on the south slope of Hallett Peak, resulting in sliding rock falling into Upper Chaos Canyon. The area of the rockfall event is highly unstable. Additionally, rainstorms are in the forecast for this area through July 3, which may contribute to additional rockfall activity. This closure will remain in effect until the projected rainstorms pass and the slope can be evaluated by National Park Service geologists.

The hiking trail to Lake Haiyaha, Lake Haiyaha itself, and hiking trails on the north side of Hallett Peak remain open. The bouldering area in lower Chaos Canyon, on the north and east shore of Lake Haiyaha, will remain open.

There have been no reported injuries from Tuesday’s rockfall event and there are no designated hiking trails in the closure area. Chaos Canyon is a popular area for bouldering. The cause of this rockfall event on Hallett Peak remains unknown.

Park visitors planning to recreate in rocky terrain areas of the park are reminded to always practice due diligence and use caution. Rocky slopes on and near mountain peaks can be unstable. Recreation users should know their own limits and choose routes that are within the abilities of everyone in their party.

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Old Fall River Road will open to vehicles on Friday, July 1. Old Fall River Road normally opens by fourth of July weekend. Old Fall River Road was built between 1913 and 1920. It is an unpaved road which travels from Endovalley Picnic Area to above treeline at Fall River Pass, following the steep slope of Mount Chapin’s south face.  Due to the winding, narrow nature of the road, the scenic 9.4-mile route leading to Trail Ridge Road is one-way only.  Vehicles over 25 feet and vehicles pulling trailers are prohibited on the road.

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Starting on Jan. 1, 2023, Colorado residents can get a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass during their annual vehicle registration through the Division of Motor Vehicles.​

​The Keep Colorado Wild Pass is an annual state park pass that:

• ​Provides entry to all Colorado state parks​​
• Protects wildlife, lands and water
• Supports search and rescue programs​​
• Funds trails and local community projects
• Helps make the outdoors safe and available to all​​