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Incidents of off‑road driving, porta‑potty fires and vandalism reported at town trails; deputies and staff responding
Summary
Commissioners and trustees described multiple recent incidents at local trail and parking areas — vehicles driving on trails and performing donuts, porta‑potty fires that melted plastic fixtures and other damage. Staff said deputies responded, and the town plans cameras, fencing and repairs.
Town staff and trustees briefed the Parks and Recreation Commission on a series of vandalism and misuse incidents at local trail areas reported in the weeks before the March 12 meeting, including vehicles driven onto trails, extensive tire ruts that may require heavy equipment to repair, and two incidents of porta‑potty fires.
According to the report, a recently built parking lot that provides direct vehicle access to trailheads was driven onto at least four times; in one episode a group of youths drove vehicles along a groomed trail, performed “donuts,” and later became stuck, requiring that others hike in to tow the vehicle out. Town staff said a member of the public notified 911, and Pitkin and Garfield County sheriff’s deputies met the vehicles as they left the trail area; staff said they are determining appropriate follow‑up and consequences.
On a separate occasion staff reported that pallets and other combustibles were set on fire in the parking lot area, and a porta‑potty sustained burning and melting damage that required cleanup. Staff said the plastic remains are being removed from the parking surface and that the town will install cameras in the parking lot area, complete fencing and consider additional deterrents.
Why it matters: staff said the incidents cause safety risks, create extra maintenance costs and damage trail surfaces that town staff seek to protect for skiing and other seasonal use. Repair costs could include heavy equipment work on the most damaged sections.
Town response and next steps
Staff said they will pursue installation of parking‑lot cameras and fencing, evaluate repair scope (including regrading or small dozer work on rutted trail segments), and coordinate with sheriff’s offices for possible citations or restitution. The commission asked staff to track repair costs and consider signage and other measures that reduce unauthorized vehicle access.
Ending
Staff urged residents to report suspicious activity immediately and said the town will pursue both repairs and preventive measures; deputies had initial contact with vehicle operators the morning after one incident, and town staff said they are still evaluating consequences.
