Final Update
August 17, 5:00 p.m. MT
Nearly three weeks after the Alexander Mountain fire sparked in Larimer County, the flames have been 100% contained, fire officials announced on Saturday. The fire, which is believed to be human-caused, started on July 29 and spread rapidly, burning 9,668 acres of private and national forest land just west of Loveland, leading to evacuations and road closures.
We deeply appreciate all the love and support we’ve received during this time. We’re incredibly grateful to the BTE and GTE campers and staff who finished the summer strong at LOP, as well as to the Family Camp campers and staff who made the most of their week at LOP instead of GTE—we can’t wait to be back next summer. We’re relieved to report that there was no damage to any Cheley property.
A huge thank you to all the emergency personnel who worked tirelessly to protect camp and the surrounding areas.
And remember, the Cheley Spirit is Non-Burnable!
Previous Updates
August 2, 11:30 a.m. MT
Morale is high at camp this morning! LOP campers are continuing with their normal schedule, packing up today, participating in closure activities, and enjoying their final banquet in their respective dining halls. The day began with a PJ breakfast in both dining halls, filled with dancing, singing, and running around.
BTE spent the morning up Cathedral at Sky View, engaging in closure activities, and will be playing games, like Steal the Bacon, this afternoon. Following Lower Ski Hi, Ski Hi, and Haiyaha, BTE will have their banquet later this evening in the Ski Hi Dining Hall.
GTE spent the morning participating in closure activities, like Touch of Warmth and Plane Notes, and will have a blast with a scavenger hunt this afternoon. GTE will hold their banquet at Woods Kitchen, which has been beautifully decorated to resemble their lodge, with tables arranged in the shape of TE and ample time for speeches. We’re also ordering pizza for them to recreate the counselor pizza night experience.
Just so you know – the Final Saturday schedule has been updated and published. Please read through it carefully as there have been a few changes to accommodate BTE and GTE’s lunch, Chapel, and Recognition Receptions at LOP.
We remain dedicated to providing a sense of normalcy and a high-quality camp experience for all our campers and staff. Thank you for your continued support and understanding. Stay tuned for more updates!
August 1, 9:00 a.m. MT
It is a beautiful day in Estes with just a little smoke. Both BTE and GTE slept well last night! They are enjoying a semi-normal final day of program, with all activities going out as scheduled. LOP campers are also enjoying a great final day of program with Early-Breakfast hikes (EBs), multiple scavenger hunts around Estes/RMNP, Pikas in the Park, Chopped, our traditional in-camp activities like archery and riflery, and more. All horseback rides are going out as planned!
We are looking forward to seeing those of you who will be coming on Saturday! Due to the evacuations at Boys’ Trail’s End and Girls’ Trail’s End, the Final Saturday schedule has changed. We will send our updated schedule by Friday, August 2nd, at noon. Please note that no events will be held at the Trail’s Ends. Out of respect for our neighbors and law enforcement and in compliance with the evacuation notices, we kindly ask that you do not visit the Trail’s Ends. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed via email and updates on this page.
July 31, 6:45 p.m. MT
We are pleased to share that all Boys’ Trail’s End (BTE) and Girls’ Trail’s End (GTE) campers and staff have safely arrived at Land O’ Peaks (LOP). Both groups have been warmly welcomed by the LOP campers and staff, and they are settling into their new quarters. All horses have been moved to Fish Creek Ranch, and all rides will go out as planned.
BTE: Campers and staff are staying in tents on our soccer field, with accessible porta-potties and their luggage. They will be eating in the Ski Hi Garden and Dining Hall, enjoying treats at the Ski Hi store, and showering in Haiyaha.
GTE: Campers and staff are staying in lean-tos near Lower Chipeta, with accessible porta-potties and their luggage. They will be eating in Chipeta Garden & Dining Hall, enjoying treats at the Chipeta store, and showering in Chipeta.
Both BTE and GTE campers are excited about their Square Dance tonight and will participate in the final day’s program as planned! Despite the circumstances, we are committed to maintaining a sense of normalcy and a quality camp experience.
We will send out a Final Saturday update soon, along with updates on the best routes to get here.
July 31, 3:15 p.m. MT
Due to poor air quality from smoke in Glen Haven, we have made the decision to evacuate the Girls’ Trail’s End (GTE) campers and staff and bring them to Land O’Peaks (LOP) after program today. All staff, nurses and medications, and personal belongings will be transported to LOP. Campers are currently packing all their belongings as we may not have them return.
We will be modifying their program as necessary. After health and safety, our focus continues to be on keeping the camp experience as normal as possible. They will be sleeping in lean-tos, eating in Chipeta Garden & Dining Hall, and taking showers in Chipeta. Their luggage will be available to them. All horses will be moved to Fish Creek Ranch, and all rides will go out as planned.
July 31, 12:10 p.m. MT
We are pleased to report that we have successfully evacuated Boys’ Trail’s End, including all campers, staff, horses, and belongings. Everyone is safe and has been relocated to Land O’Peaks. We are now enjoying afternoon program.
While camper safety is our primary concern, we are also keeping things as normal as possible for the campers. They will be staying in tents on our soccer field, we have porta potties set up and their luggage is there and accessible to them. They will be eating in Ski Hi Dining Hall and showering in Haiyaha.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. Thank you for your continued support and trust.
July 30, 6:20 p.m. MT
We want to provide an update regarding the Alexander Mountain Fire in Larimer County and a new fire, the Stone Canyon Fire in Boulder County, which is farther away from any Cheley property. The Alexander Mountain Fire has continued to grow today. The additional burned area continues to move away from Cheley properties. We have made the decision to move Boys’ Trail’s End (BTE) to Land O’ Peaks (LOP) Wednesday morning based on a voluntary evacuation order from the local authorities. They will be packing Tuesday night and will bring all their belongings with them tomorrow. We are taking this precaution in case we are not able to get back into BTE prior to the end of the term. We will be modifying the program as needed with a focus on keeping our schedule as normal as possible. All staff, nurses, medications, and personal belongings will be transported to LOP. Food, showers, and bathrooms will be provided at LOP.
Girls’ Trail’s End (GTE) will pack up their belongings Wednesday morning and will be on standby until further notice. GTE is three miles farther away from the evacuation area, and we have not received any communication regarding the Fox Creek area. As there are many homes in this area, the authorities will continually evaluate the need for evacuation.
We have an experienced leadership team that has planned for these types of situations. Our priority is the safety of the campers and staff while also continuing a quality camp experience. Additional updates will be sent as situations warrant.
Please visit NocoAlerts, InciWeb, and U.S. Forest Service for more detailed and up-to-date information.
July 29th, 6:30 p.m. MT
We wanted to update you on the Alexander Mountain Fire currently burning in Larimer County. Rest assured, all campers and staff are safe, and our closest property, Boys’ Trail’s End, is over 8 miles away from the evacuation line. The fire is moving away from our properties, and we are closely monitoring the situation. At this time, we do not anticipate taking any action, but we will keep you updated if our plans change.
It’s a beautiful day in Estes Park as we begin the final week of our second term, and all camp activities are proceeding as planned.
Latest Forest Service Updates
The fire is currently at approximately 1,820 acres, and significant resources are on the scene, including ground crews and aviation assets, working to secure the perimeter and protect values at risk. High temperatures and low humidity are contributing to near-critical fire weather in the area. Smoke is expected over the next few days, with heavier impacts in the morning to sensitive populations. Please visit NocoAlerts, InciWeb, U.S. Forest Service for the Alexander Mountain Fire for more detailed and up-to-date information.
Maps for Context
Below is a map to help give context to the location of Boys’ Trail’s End (BTE) and Girls’ Trail’s End (GTE) relative to the fire. The map shows BTE and GTE relative to the “Fire Location,” compared to the mandatory evacuation areas (shaded in maroon) and the “voluntary evacuation” areas (shaded in yellow). The solid red line identifies road closures to the public. A significant number of resources are fighting this fire, including multiple aircraft and fire engines.
Again, while we remain outside the evacuation areas, we continue to monitor the situation and receive updates. We will notify families and staff if there are any changes to normal Cheley operations as a result of the fire.
Stay safe and enjoy the beautiful day in Estes Park!
