The U.S. Forest Service said on Thursday that the Severy Creek Trail on the northeast side of Pikes Peak, closed since 1999 to protect an endangered trout species, will probably be open for hiking in summer 2011.

The Colorado Division of WIldlife recently informed the Forest Service that it no longer believes a wild population of greenback cutthroat trout will be threatened if opened to public foot traffic. The greenback cutthroat, a native to the eastern slope of Colorado's Rocky Mountains, was once thought to be extinct.

The Forest Service has build three foot bridges to prepare for the reopening. However, some parts of the trail are overgrown and will need work. There are also parking issues at one of the trailheads to be worked out.

Severy Creek was one of the most popular and secluded hikes on Pikes Peak. It's eventual reopening is certainly welcome.

Click here to read a story by The Gazette's R. Scott Rappold.