The Scenic Loop Trail adjacent to Maroon Lake has been closed for two days this week because a trio of lovelorn bull moose lounging in the area pose a danger to hikers.
Moose sightings and trail closures are common, said Peggy Jo Trish, longtime supervisor of the Maroon Lake facilities for the Aspen Sopris Ranger District. Single-day trail closures have happened about once a week since Memorial Day weekend, she said. But longer closures are rare.
Too many visitors wanted to wander too close to the animals and take pictures Tuesday, so the Forest Service closed the loop trail. Hikers were taken on guided tours in groups of five on the Crater Lake Trail, which runs parallel to a section of the Scenic Loop Trail.
On Wednesday, the loop trail remained closed but no staff were available for guided hikes. Hikers on the Crater Lake Trail were advised to stay 200 yards away from moose.
The small tribe of male moose have been hanging out at Crater Lake without any females for a few years after one cow was killed after getting struck by a vehicle and another had a broken leg and disappeared.
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