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Summit County OST summarizes 2025 visitor-use monitoring; Willowbrook busiest monitored trailhead
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Summary
OST reported results from 2025 monitoring using 22 TRAFx counters and six trailhead monitors: Willowbrook was the busiest monitored trailhead, Lincoln reached capacity on 28% of days, and Laurium and Hoosier Pass reached capacity only 3–4% of days. OSAC discussed data gaps, future counters, Fremont Pass Recpath capacity and funding, and wildlife-closure compliance at Snake River Bluffs.
Open Space and Trails staff presented a 2025 visitor-use monitoring recap showing where trail and trailhead use is concentrated and where capacity pressures exist.
OST staff said they deployed 22 TRAFx counters in 2025 (11 natural-surface trails, eight Recpath, three vehicle counters) and monitored six trailheads (Deer Creek, Hoosier Pass, Laurium, Lincoln, Lower McCullough Gulch, Willowbrook). Willowbrook recorded the highest use among monitored trailheads (staff noted data were collected for only half the year), and the Lincoln trailhead was full on roughly 28% of monitored days. Laurium and Hoosier Pass trailheads reached capacity on only about 3–4% of days in 2025.
OSAC members asked staff to compare counter data for specific trails (for example, Meadow Creek vs. Lily Pad) and whether staff had reconciled counter totals with trailhead camera footage to estimate vehicle occupancy; staff said camera data and counter trends are similar but they have not yet calculated passengers per vehicle. OSAC raised concerns about social trails—particularly off Lower McCullough Gulch—and staff noted the STRAP plan includes formalizing the main social route to improve wayfinding and reduce resource impacts.
The Fremont Pass Recpath was discussed: OST has an MOU with Climax Mine for a conceptual alignment but lacks staffing and funding to advance the multi-million-dollar project. OSAC suggested staff pursue funding while recognizing OST’s capacity limits. On Snake River Bluffs, staff said a wildlife camera has captured people ignoring closure signage; staff had not yet downloaded the TRAFx counter data for that site since early winter. Erika Szonntag (U.S. Forest Service) asked if reports could be posted online; staff agreed to consider posting the summary.
Next steps: OST will follow up on requested comparisons (Meadow Creek/Lily Pad counters), consider posting reports online, and pursue data collection upgrades (trailhead cameras/counters) where feasible to better quantify use and inform parking, shuttle, and resource-protection decisions.