News Release

Rocky Mountain National Park to Implement the Poudre Headwaters Project; Some Areas in the Kawuneeche Valley Will Be Closed During the Week of August 25-31

RMNP Area Closure Map showing closure area.

NPS Graphic

News Release Date: August 12, 2025

Contact: Park Information Office, [phone]

Rocky Mountain National Park will be implementing the Poudre Headwaters Project during the week of August 25-31, 2025. This project involves the removal of all non-native fish from the Grand Ditch and upstream and downstream tributaries inside RMNP. Once removed, native Greenback cutthroat trout will be reintroduced into its native range in the headwaters of the Cache la Poudre River.    

To implement this project, some areas on the west side of RMNP will be closed to all uses, including hiking and fishing access. To remove non-native fish, aquatic biologists will apply a piscicide called rotenone to the 14.3-mile Grand Ditch system and its upstream and downstream tributaries. Rotenone is commonly used by state and federal land management agencies. This project will be led by biologists with the U.S. Forest Service. Other partners include Colorado Parks and Wildlife and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Additional funding support is provided by Trout Unlimited and the Rocky Mountain Conservancy.  

Trout that are not native to RMNP, including brook trout, currently occupy these waters. They pose threats to native greenback cutthroat trout if not removed as they could move into the greenback recovery area. Because of the level of activity associated with the implementation of this project, all areas and trails within the project zone will be closed to all uses beginning on Monday, August 25 through Sunday, August 31. The Colorado River Trail and the Grand Ditch will be closed.  

While this project is underway, the following trails will remain open in the Kawuneeche Valley: East Inlet Trail, North Inlet/Tonohutu Trail, Green Mountain Trail, Coyote Valley Trail, Onahu Trail, and Timber Lake Trail. The Holzwarth Historic Site and Harbison Meadows Picnic Area will also remain open.    

Fishing access will remain open in all areas along the Colorado River located south of the Colorado River Trailhead, including near the Holzwarth Historic Site and Coyote Valley. Water in the Colorado River may appear brown in color due to the treatments upstream. This water is safe for people and fish.   

Waterways that have been treated with rotenone may appear red in color. For your safety, do not pick up dead fish, consume fish, or drink water that has been treated with rotenone. These areas will be clearly signed.   

For additional information about Rocky Mountain National Park, please visit www.nps.gov/romo or call the park Information Office at 970-586-1206.