Updated at 4:25 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, 2025.
The popular North Cheyenne Cañon Park in southwest Colorado Springs is currently closed to all vehicles following a significant road washout that was discovered by a park ranger on Wednesday morning.
City crews are assessing damage on North Cheyenne Cañon Park Road about a mile and a half from the Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center, according to a statement from the city. The damage was caused by large amounts of rain and other factors. More rain in the forecast may slow the evaluation of the affected area.
The closure includes both gates to the park and extends from the visitor center near the park entrance to beyond the Chutes and Ladders trailhead on the north side of the park.
Both North Cheyenne Cañon Park Road and Gold Camp Road are closed to the public until further notice. Residents who live in the Gold Camp Road area will be allowed to access their homes.
The trails into the park from Stratton Open Space are still open, however the city is asking the public to stay off the roads and avoid the area.
City officials are encouraging people to use other recreational areas and trails.
The city is also working with representatives from Pikes Peak APEX bike race to still stage the Sunday event at the park or consider alternate routes due to weather and safety concerns.
More information will be provided at the APEX rider meeting on Thursday at 6 p.m. at Scheels in Colorado Springs or livestreamed on the APEX Instagram channel.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with more information on the cause of the washout and impact on the park's access for recreational users and scheduled events due to more rain forecast.
