In a recent government meeting, officials provided updates on the current status of local mountain trails and upcoming projects aimed at enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities. The discussion highlighted the ongoing grooming efforts for ski trails, particularly the Struby and the north part of the Maze, which remain skiable despite challenging weather conditions. Officials noted that further grooming would depend on snowfall, with light snow expected mid-next week.
Austin Burgess from the Colorado West Trail Alliance (CWTA) presented an end-of-season update on single track trail construction. He reported significant progress, including the completion of beginner-friendly trails such as Fool's Gold and Mineshaft in the Maze area, as well as the Lower Pinball connector trail, which spans over 0.8 miles.
Burgess also introduced a new advanced trail, Spillway, designed to optimize mountain biking experiences, which has tripled the length of the previous trail. He mentioned that the old Spillway is being phased out, and the new trail has already become popular among hikers and bikers alike.
Additionally, the CWTA is working on a double black trail, which is intended for one-directional mountain bike traffic. This trail is awaiting signage before it can be officially opened. The meeting concluded with discussions about the McMurray Outer Loop trail, where a quarter mile of finished trail and four miles of roughed-in trail have been completed, thanks to a recent equipment donation.
Overall, the meeting underscored a commitment to improving local trails and enhancing outdoor recreational activities for the community, with a focus on accessibility and sustainability.