Today isn't a terrible day to get your miles in, but you'll need to pay attention and probably adjust your usual loop.
- That "clear" weather comes with a catch: a Fire Weather Watch is active for Jefferson County from 11 AM to 5 PM, so watch for dry conditions and any sudden gusts.
- Air quality is sitting in the moderate zone due to ozone, which might be a drag if your lungs are particularly sensitive.
- Good luck hitting your favorite sections of the Bear Creek Trail without a detour – construction and wildlife closures are still messing with routes all over Lakewood.
Environmental Breakdown
| Pollutant | Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tree/Grass/Weed | Low | Allergy sufferers, rejoice! |
| AQI | 68 (Moderate) | Dominant Pollutant: Ozone |
| Weather (Lakewood) | ||
| Temperature | 8.4°C (47°F) | Expected to warm into the low 60s today. |
| Condition | Clear | But remember, dry conditions are a factor. |
Fire Weather Watch in Effect
Listen up, folks: The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Jefferson County, including Lakewood, active from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM today. This means conditions are ripe for rapid fire spread if anything sparks. You're out there breathing hard, kicking up dust – don't be the idiot who flicks a cigarette butt or parks their hot exhaust over dry grass. Even if you don't smoke, be vigilant. Report anything suspicious.
Trail Chaos Continues
If your morning ritual involves cruising the Bear Creek Trail in Bear Creek Lake Park, you're still playing dodgeball with construction cones. Portions of the trail are closed for improvements, specifically from S. Estes to S. Kipling Streets, and the Stonehouse Bridge is also out of commission. Phase two of these repairs was supposed to wrap up yesterday, February 23rd, but let's be real, "weather dependent" usually means "it takes longer." Check the Lakewood Together website or their trail conditions map before you head out, because detours are definitely still a thing.
And it's not just Bear Creek. Seasonal wildlife closures are in effect at multiple Jefferson County Open Space parks until July 31st, so respect those signs. If you were planning on hitting the Two Brands Trail at Hildebrand Ranch or the Dakota Ridge bailout switchbacks at Matthews/Winters Park, forget it – they're closed too. Wright Park is also completely shut down for improvements until spring, so no loops there either.
DO NOT IGNORE "TRAIL CLOSED" SIGNS. Seriously. They aren't suggestions. Whether it's for construction, habitat protection, or your own damn safety, going around these signs is a quick way to get yourself injured, lost, or fined. Find an alternate route. There's plenty of pavement in Lakewood, even if the trails are a mess right now.
What About the Air?
AQI is sitting at 68, which is "Moderate," and ozone is the main culprit. For most of us, this means it's fine. But if you're prone to respiratory issues, keep it easy today. Maybe dial back that sprint workout and opt for a steady run or walk.
General Wisdom for Today
Hydrate. Even though it's not scorching, that Fire Weather Watch means dry air. Your body will thank you. Plan your route before you leave. With all these closures, winging it could lead to frustrating dead ends and wasted time. Sunscreen. Clear skies mean UV rays, even in February. Don't be a lobster.
Data grounded with AccuWeather, Google Weather, City of Lakewood, and Jefferson County from February 26, 2026.