Teton County plans Coal Creek Trailhead pathway to enhance public land access

Teton County officials discussed significant developments regarding the Coal Creek Trailhead pathway project during a recent government meeting. The proposed pathway aims to enhance access to public lands and improve safety for non-motorized users along a busy highway.

The pathway will run along the south side of the highway, with an underpass planned near the Coal Creek Parking Area. This design is intended to facilitate both winter and summer recreational activities, allowing residents and visitors to access backcountry areas and the national forest safely. The project is part of a broader initiative to extend the pathway system from Victor to the state line and up to Coal Creek, addressing a growing need for safe travel options in the area.

Commissioner Gardner raised an important question about the purpose of the pathway, emphasizing its role in providing safer access for recreational users who currently navigate a highway with fast-moving traffic. The pathway aims to create a safer alternative for those seeking to reach the Coal Creek Trailhead for backcountry access, highlighting the community's need for improved infrastructure.

Additionally, the meeting touched on a separate project aimed at enhancing fish passage in Coal Creek, which may be integrated with the pathway project but will be managed under a different contract. The design of the pathway presents challenges due to steep slopes and varying topography, but officials expressed confidence that it will meet accepted design parameters.

Looking ahead, there is a vision for a more extensive connection over Teton Pass as part of the Greater Yellowstone Trail System. However, officials acknowledged that this ambitious goal may be far in the future, given the current priorities for completing the pathway network in Teton County.

As Teton County moves forward with these projects, the focus remains on improving safety and accessibility for residents and visitors alike, ensuring that the community can enjoy the natural beauty of the area without compromising safety.