Colorado Governor Announces 16 Highest Priority Trail Projects

Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper announced yesterday the state’s highest priority trail projects as part of Colorado the Beautiful’s “16 in 2016” initiative, which was highlighted in his State of the State address last week.

The projects represent the state’s 16 most important trail gaps, missing trail segments and unbuilt trails, and reach from the Front Range to southwestern Colorado. Identification of these 16 trails is designed to build upon strong existing support and partnerships to push them to completion.

The “16 in 2016” initiative was created to start a more focused, coordinated conversation to support trails and promote outdoor recreation across Colorado. Moving these projects forward means a better connected network of trails statewide, improved links to expanded outdoor recreational opportunities, safe alternative transportation routes and economic development opportunities for adjacent communities.

The initiative is a key component of Colorado the Beautiful’s broader goal to ensure, within a generation, every Coloradan will live within 10 minutes of a park, trail or vibrant green space.

Projects were selected based on several criteria, including their economic development potential, their proximity to underserved communities, the need for new paved and natural surface multi-use trails, the potential for greater partnerships across all levels of government, nonprofits and the private sector, and the project’s ability to support environmental stewardship. Most of the selected projects have been under development for years and already benefit from local support and partnerships. Some trail projects are larger and will need significant additional investment; others are more localized and need a push to get over the finish line. The “16 in 2016” initiative is intended to focus attention and resources on those projects.

The initiative is only the first step in a public process to develop a statewide plan for trails. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is undertaking a strategic planning effort for their Trails Program that will set values and goals for expanding and maintaining recreational trails across Colorado. Additionally, CPW will publish a statewide trail map this spring, making it easier for Coloradans to plan and experience an outdoor recreational activity.

While no new state dollars are tied to these projects, Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) is investing $30 million in trails over the next four years as part of its Connect Initiative that will improve walkable and bikeable paths and trails for projects across the state. This special initiative is part of GOCO’s new five-year strategic plan to protect land for people and wildlife, connect people to trails and other outdoor opportunities, and inspire kids to get outside more often. GOCO has dedicated the first $10 million of funding for Connect in 2016; these 16 priority projects, along with other qualifying projects, are eligible to apply for funding. Additional trails funding is available to eligible entities through other competitive sources, including Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Department of Local Affairs and Colorado Department of Transportation.

A list of the 16 trail projects identified in the “16 in 2016” initiative is available on the Colorado the Beautiful page of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources website. This includes the cross-state, Colorado Front Range Trail, the Fremont Pass Trail, the 74-mile Crested Butte to Carbondale Trail, and the Ring the Peak trail, which will circumnavigate Pikes Peak. The list includes a brief summary of each proposal and a map locating each project.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
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Undiscovered Hikes: Ring the Peak Trail

A couple years ago Backpacker Magazine ran an article that highlighted several "Undiscovered Hikes" around the country. One of those hikes was the Ring the Peak Trail in Colorado. The article stated that the trail, which circumnavigates Pikes Peak, will "give Colorado an answer to Rainier's Wonderland Trail".

According to the Friends of the Peak website,

"the Ring the Peak trail is a collection of trails, four wheel drive roads, and a few paved roads that circumnavigates Pikes Peak. The trails cross federal, state, county, city, and sometimes private lands. The total length of the trail system is approximately 63 miles with approximately 80% of the route completed. Evaluation and planning is ongoing for the remaining 20%. The altitude ranges between 6,400 feet in Manitou Springs to 11,300 feet east of Portal 8 on Trail Segment 8-9; consequently, many trails are obscured by snow during the winter months. Currently, 9 portals provide access to the Ring trails, although there are numerous other ways to find your way to the Ring."

Here's a map of the trail as it stands today:

In addition to being a great way of enjoying the Pikes Peak area via day hikes or extended backpacking excursions, there are a couple sections along the way that provide access points that lead to the summit of the 14,110-foot peak.

You can also enjoy the Ring the Peak on a mountain bike. An unofficial, roughly 100K mountain bike challenge, is scheduled for Saturday, September 7th.






Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Pikes Peak Highway open to bicyclists year round starting Jan. 1

Pikes Peak, in cooperation with the United States Forest Service, will open the Pikes Peak Highway to unescorted bicyclists year round beginning January 1, 2013.

“After a successful pilot program in September 2012, we are very excited to open the Pikes Peak Highway to cyclists year round,” says Karen Palus, City Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director. “We know avid cyclists from the Pikes Peak Region and around the world will come to experience the challenge and beauty that Pike’s Peak - America’s Mountain has to offer.”

All riders must complete a use agreement and liability waiver available at the Pikes Peak Highway tollgate. Because of the extreme nature of the mountain, children under the age of 18 must be escorted by a parent or legal guardian. Riders need to be aware that there will be vehicular traffic and construction on the Highway and should be prepared for changing weather conditions.

There is no parking near the tollgate so any riders planning to drive to the highway and then bike to the summit are encouraged to park at the Crystal Reservoir Visitors Center parking lot or above. All riders must follow all safety and traffic rules, use regulations and hours of operation.

Participants are required to pay the regular admission fee or use one of the Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain passes. North Slope fees and passes are not eligible for this opportunity.

More information can be found at: www.springsgov.com/pikespeak or www.pikespeakcolorado.com.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com