STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-May 1, 2020-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 muddy trails. The City of Steamboat Springs Open Space and Trails crew is monitoring the city trail network and will mark trails open when appropriate.
Currently all city-maintained Emerald Mountain singletrack trails are closed due to muddy conditions. With warm weather forecasted for the weekend, several of the lower mountain trails may be ready to open early next week, but we ask that you continue to respect these closures until notified otherwise.
In the meantime, some local trail options to enjoy include:
- Blackmer to the Quarry
- Spring Creek Trail (currently snow free till bridge #3)
- Neighborhood trails such as Sailors Way, Butcherknife, and Blue Sage
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 and current public health guidelines:
- Use good judgement, if you are creating ruts, or mud is sticking to your shoes or tires, turn around.
- Use authorized and open 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 of 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.
- Stay home if sick.
- Do not loiter or gather in groups at trailheads.
- Help protect others by wearing a facemask when you are at busy trailheads.
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.
-WeServeTheCity-
Contact
Jenny Carey, Open Space & Trails Supervisor, 970.871.7014 or email
Emily Hines, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, 970-871-7031 or email