Skinner Butte Summit Reopens to Vehicles, Public Feedback Sought on Future Access

The Skinner Butte summit parking lot has reopened following a temporary closure during the summer of 2024. The closure was implemented to mitigate fire risks and address concerns about illicit activities in the area.

During this period, community members shared feedback with Parks and Open Space, noting that they felt safer with vehicle access restricted. Many requested that access to the summit remain limited to those walking or rolling to the top via the main road or the two easy walking trails.

In response, the Parks and Open Space division is considering a proposal to restrict motorized vehicle access to the summit from Tuesday through Saturday each week, with the road reopening on Sundays and Mondays. This proposed schedule reflects both recent feedback from the public and ongoing concerns about illicit activities that often involve motorized vehicles, including: smoking, drinking, drug sales, vandalism and fire.

To gather more input from the community, Parks and Open Space is inviting community members to participate in a short, two-minute an online survey to share their thoughts on the proposed vehicle access schedule. The survey will help shape future decisions about keeping the summit safe and accessible.

The survey will be available at surveymonkey.com/r/skinnerbutte for two weeks, closing on Thursday, October 31.

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