As spring slowly progresses across the valley and the terrain starts to dry out, please respect trail closures and prevent long-term damage by staying off of muddy trails. The City of Steamboat Springs Open Space and Trails crew is monitoring the city trail network on a daily basis and will mark trails open when appropriate.
“The city has an amazing system of trails for people to enjoy; however, in spring, patience is a virtue for all trail users,” said Open Space & Trails Supervisor Jenny Carey. “We appreciate everyone’s efforts to minimize damage by staying off muddy trails which is vital to the long-term protection of this valuable community asset.”
In addition to the ongoing snow melt, the National Weather Service is calling for unsettled weather for the remainder of the week with showers and thunderstorms possible each afternoon and evening through Monday. Snow is also possible, mostly above 9,000 feet with best chances for accumulation Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
Currently all city-maintained Emerald Mountain singletrack trails are closed due to muddy conditions, but as always, Blackmer is open to the Quarry. In the meantime, some local trail options to enjoy include:
- Blackmer to the Quarry
- Spring Creek Trail (currently snow free till around bridge #3)
- Neighborhood trails such as Sailors Way, Butcherknife, and Blue Sage
- Ridge and Rotary trails (Bureau of Land Management)
- Moffat County - Cedar Mountain Trails (Bureau of Land Management)
As users venture out on the above trails and later this summer on our favorite trails, Parks & Recreation staff would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of basic trail etiquette:
- Use authorized trails only.
- Stay on the existing single track of the trails. Walking on the sides of muddy trails creates trail widening, braiding and additional negative impacts.
- Afternoon rain storms are typical during summer, so stay off all wet and muddy trails to minimize damage. If mud is sticking to your shoes, tires or animals then it is too muddy.
- Educate yourself and your friends. Friends don’t let friends use muddy trails.
Up-to-date trail information, including closures, can be found on the city’s website at maps.steamboatsprings.net/trails. In addition, valuable insights can also be gained on the Routt County Trail Conditions group Facebook page.
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Contact
Jenny Carey, Open Space & Trails Supervisor, 970.871.7014 or email