February 2001
Jenny Lind Gulch: Closed until Further Notice
The Jenny Lind Gulch Trail, located four miles north of Rollinsville on Rollins Pass Road in Gilpin County, was closed in early December. The Toll family, the private land owner who owns the land that accesses the bowl, and Gilpin County have agreed to close the area due to excessive parking problems at the trailhead. "No Trespassing" and "No Parking" signs have been posted.
Gilpin County's reason for the closure is their concern about safety. The County does not want to be responsible for any injuries. On several occasions in the last five years, there were over 30 cars parked along the road.
The Toll Family is concerned about excessive use of the area and continuos disregard for the "no parking" signs in front of their access gate. In addition, the gate and fence have been damaged on several occasions. Both the Toll's and Gilpin County explored parking alternatives, but came to no conclusions.
The BSA has received many inquiries on this closure. Enthusiastic skiers, snowshoers, and snowboarders are disappointed over the loss of this readily accessible area within the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest. Many have volunteered time and resources to help repair fences and build parking areas. The BSA is currently gathering information from Gilpin County and the Arapaho-Roosevelt Forest recreation staff. Hopefully, some other access point can be found or a compromise can be reached with the landowners.
It is recommended that we all respect the closure and avoid this area for the time being.