Makeshift rock barriers at Boulder Reservoir maintenance road have become the latest flashpoint in a growing community fight over trail access.

Why it matters: The dispute is about more than a few boulders. It exposes deepening friction between city officials and cyclists over how to balance recreation, public safety and access around one of Boulder's busiest outdoor destinations.

Driving the news: Members of the Boulder Mountainbike Alliance said in a post they recently discovered large rocks blocking access to a gravel maintenance road on the reservoir's east side.

• A sign at the gate says the road is for maintenance and is "not a designated or established recreational trail."

Friction point: The city says the barriers are meant to slow cyclists entering the crowded south shore area and to discourage people from bypassing the paid entrance.

• City spokesperson Kate Hernandez said officials have seen large groups of riding the route at high speeds.
• "We have blocked a social trail to enforce slower speeds upon entry and have bikers enter along the road," she said.
• Officials also say some people have used the road to access the reservoir facilities without paying the entry fee.

The other side: Mountain bikers argue the city is cutting off a longtime trail connector while unfairly singling out cyclists.

• Wendy Sweet, executive director of the Boulder Mountainbike Alliance, said riders and hikers have used the road as part of the area's trail network for decades.
• While she agreed people using reservoir amenities should pay to enter, she said the rock barriers target cyclists rather than addressing broader issues.

What's next: Hernandez said the rocks are a temporary measure and that the city is working on new signage with requests cyclists ride slowly and in single file.

• City officials also plan to meet with mountain biking groups to look for a longer-term resolution.

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Rattlesnake bites are climbing this summer after a record warm, dry winter caused the venomous reptiles to emerge earlier than usual to seek hydration.

Why it matters: State wildlife officials say hikers, trail runners and dog owners should be extra vigilant.

By the numbers: The CU health system has treated 25 patients with rattlesnake bites through the end of June, per figures provided to Axios.

• That's up from 20 patients during the same period last year and 19 in 2024.
• The increase comes as more Coloradans head outdoors.

Pro tips, via Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson Bridget O'Rourke:

• Leave headphones off so you can hear a rattlesnake's warning rattle.
• Keep dogs leashed to prevent them from wandering into snake habitat.
• Pay attention to trail signs warning of rattlesnake activity.
• Watch where you place your hands and feet, especially around rocks and logs.

The bottom line: If you're bitten, call 911 immediately, remove rings or other tight jewelry before swelling begins, and keep the bitten limb below your heart, the U.S. Forest Service urges.

Alert a hiker

🌎 Boulder's updated Climate Action Plan says the city would need to roughly double its current pace to reach its goal of cutting emissions 70% below 2018 levels by 2030. (Boulder Reporting Lab)

🎆 Longmont police fielded 353 fireworks-related calls from June 28 through Sunday, but police gave 33 warnings and didn't issue any citations. (Longmont Times-Call 🔑)

🗳️ Victor Marx has held a roughly 2,000-vote lead over state Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer for several days, but the race remains too close to call as the window for voters to fix deficient ballots is still open. (Denver Post 🔑)

If you think you've been hot this week, imagine being a big, furry bear.

State of play: One bear in Boulder decided to take a refreshing dip in a small creek near the National Weather Service's local office yesterday.

• Thankfully, the NWS took the time to get the bear's dip on camera.

The big picture: After a dry winter, wildlife officials worry bears may venture further into urban areas this year.