The new North Sky Trail west of US Highway 36 in Boulder County is one step closer to being open, with anticipated completion in mid-July.

The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Department plans to close the Foothills North Trailhead and the northern section of Foothills North Trail, starting as early as Wednesday, to install a bridge for the new North Sky Trail.

The closure is expected to last one week.

“As part of this work, the department plans to use a helicopter for about one hour on Thursday, May 2, to haul materials to the bridge construction site and erect the bridge over the Foothills North Trail; weather permitting,” the City said.

OSMP is nearing completion of the new 3.5-mile long trail, which will connect OSMP’s Foothills Trail in north Boulder to the Joder Ranch Trail near US 36 and Neva Road. 

“The North Sky Trail will be open to hikers, bicyclists and equestrians and will provide visitors with an opportunity to bike, walk or ride from Boulder to Left Hand Canyon,” the City said.

 Once the trail is constructed, visitors must:

• Remain on trail to protect rare plants and habitats in this area.

• Leash their dogs when dogs are allowed on the trail from Aug. 1 to April 30. Dogs are not allowed on the trail from May 1 to July 31 to protect nesting bird habitat.

OSMP is planning to host a National Trails Day Volunteer project on June 1 to help complete the construction of the trail. OSMP invites community members to sign up for the National Trails Day project.