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East End Connector Trail planned with Idarado/Newmont; commissioners weigh safety versus cost
Summary
Staff presented a proposed East End Connector Trail connecting the Idarado Legacy Trail to the Bridal Veil Trailhead; commissioners debated a north-side cost-saving alignment that forces two roadway crossings versus a safer but costlier south-side alignment that would require blasting a boulder and possibly building retaining structures.
Staff described the East End Connector Trail concept: a trail that would continue from the Idarado Legacy Trail and take users to the Bridal Veil Trailhead. The county has discussed the corridor with Idarado/Newmont and the companies indicated willingness to collaborate. Staff said the right-of-way narrows along a sharp turn (from roughly 60 feet down to 18 feet in places), and engineers noted a large boulder on the south side that would require blasting or removal for a continuous south-side trail.
Commissioners debated two main options. The lower-cost plan would guide users onto an existing north-side route built earlier by Idarado/Newmont and require two crossings of the roadway (crossing to north then back to south), while the more expensive south-side alignment would avoid repeated crossings but likely require retaining walls, cantilevers or rock removal. Several commissioners urged pursuing further engineering analysis because repeated crossings on a fast section of county road pose a safety concern.
Staff proposed lower-cost safety measures in the short term—speed bumps, culverts suitable for winter plowing, clearer signage and buffer boulders between trail and roadway—while deferring major structural work to partnership-funded phases. Commissioners recommended the county reopen discussion with Idarado/Newmont about whether additional investment in a south-side alignment is feasible and to consult the sheriff about enforcement and speed control on that stretch.
Other technical points discussed included trail surfacing (crusher fines to match the Legacy Trail), placement of split-rail fencing at tailings ponds, and phase 2 options to meander into a wooded area if Idarado/Newmont agrees to allow additional trail work on their property.
Next steps: staff will collect engineering alternatives and cost estimates for both north- and south-side alignments, follow up with Idarado/Newmont on possible in-kind contributions (equipment, boulders), and present options at a future meeting for a formal recommendation.
