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Closure after people reportedly drove on fragile tundra terrain at national park in Colorado

By Spencer McKee July 29, 2025 | updated 3 days ago

While some high-elevation alpine tundras may resemble a grassy field to someone unfamiliar with Colorado's mountainous terrain, the ecosystem found in these areas is notably fragile. It doesn't take much off-trail walking to damage grass and create unofficial (or social) foot paths.

Image: National Park Service (NPS)

Image: National Park Service (NPS)

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Those traveling up Rocky Mountain National Park’s Old Fall River Road this summer might happen to spot a sign that announces the closure of the Marmot Point Area. The reason? The creation of unauthorized trails.

Image: National Park Service (NPS)

Image: National Park Service (NPS)

Image: National Park Service (NPS)

Image: National Park Service (NPS)

While some high-elevation alpine tundras may resemble a grassy field to someone unfamiliar with Colorado’s mountainous terrain, the ecosystem found in these areas is notably fragile. It doesn’t take much off-trail walking to damage grass and create unofficial (or social) foot paths.

In the recent case at Rocky Mountain National Park, officials said the network of unofficial trails in the now-closed area was created in a short amount of time. People reportedly walked and parked on the fragile alpine terrain, leaving negative impacts and damage behind. Some people had even attempted to drive up a steep section of unauthorized trail, with the area now closed for the sake of alpine tundra restoration.

“While hiking in Rocky [Mountain National Park], especially in the alpine tundra, it’s important to stay on official marked trails to protect the sensitive plant community,” reads a notice from the park on the matter. “Park only in designated parking areas.”

When trails and parking lots are created in natural spaces around Colorado, it’s done so with care and attention. Factors like potential erosion and damage to animal habitat are considered, with development in these spaces designed to limit impacts.

Read more about how to travel and camp in a way that limits impacts to the landscape on the Leave No Trace website here.

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