The Redstone – McClure trail needs your support. Why? The answer is E.S.P.

Experience. Safety. Protection.

It’s time for lovers of outdoor recreation to act on the proposed seven-mile Redstone to McClure Pass Trail. This trail is proposed as a soft-surface or natural surface trail, 3 to 5 feet wide, with a singletrack feel in many places. A couple of miles would closely parallel Highway 133, while 5 miles would utilize historic routes including the Rock Creek Wagon Road, and the Old McClure Pass Rd.

The Forest Service will hold a public meeting to answer questions from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 7 at Carbondale’s Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.)

RFMBA supports this trail’s approval. Some will choose to visit the area, take their time on the trail, and enjoy the incredible views available in this part of the Crystal Valley. Residents who live near Redstone will be able to enjoy this trail without even getting in a motor vehicle.

RFMBA is doing what we can to move this approval forward but we need your help and we need it now.

The Forest Service will hold a public meeting to answer questions from 5 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 7 at Carbondale’s Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.). The public must submit comments by Feb. 22.

The environmental assessment including maps and information about how to comment are available at: FS.usda.gov/project/?project=56913.

Please comment in support of this trail ASAP. Because this trail needs to be approved and open to the public. Why? The reasons are simple. It all boils down to E.S.P.:

Experience

Using predominantly old wagon roads and routes used by pioneers and the native Ute tribes, the Redstone to McClure Pass trail will bring a unique dirt surfaced riding experience with stunning views as it climbs this historic route.

The approval of this seven-mile corridor will allow for a pleasant 14-mile out-and-back adventure for generations of cyclists to enjoy now and into the future. Families can ride the new trail up and picnic atop the scenic pass before an exhilarating descent back to Redstone; Bike packers can ride this segment en route to the Ragged Mountain Trail and adventures beyond; local cyclists looking for a quick getaway from the valley can revel in the experience of exploring this trail as it winds through the golden aspen groves.

This trail will be a magnificent and cherished experience. A must ride for cyclists of all ages.

Safety

As anyone who has ridden Highway 133 can attest, the narrow shoulder and close proximity to high-speed traffic is a harrowing experience. 18-wheelers, camper trailers and cars driven by folks more interested in looking at the scenery instead of keeping an eye on the road makes for a dangerous place for any cyclist or family of cyclists who attempt to venture up the current McClure Pass road.

Creating the trail will effectively separate vehicular traffic from the recreational cyclists creating a safer experience for motorists and bikers alike. The old wagon road is far removed from the bustle of the sweeping Highway 133 switchback putting noise and conflicts out of sight and out of mind.

To make the trail even more bike friendly and safe, an underpass is planned near the top of the pass so riders can avoid crossing over the highway and pass safely under.

Protection

Currently, the area is in an unmanaged and unprotected state. A hap-hazard web of non-system social trails criss cross the land allowing users year round access, damaging the ecosystem, and creating an inconsistant habitat for wildlife.

Creating a management plan that restricts recreation to an established trail corridor that includes this historic wagon road would be beneficial to wildlife and riders alike.

According to the recently published environmental impact statement, the proposed trail would have limited environmental impacts, in large part because it is immediately adjacent to the busy highway or parallels the highway on historic routes that are decommissioned by the Forest Service but still moderately used.

The study said the proposed trail would have “negligible new impacts” on elk and suggested the animals might be better off with a formal trail.

Scott Condon, Aspen Times

The time to act is now. The proposed seven-mile Redstone to McClure Pass Trail is the least controversial section of the proposed Crystal River trail

The environmental assessment including maps and information about how to comment are available at: FS.usda.gov/project/?project=56913.

The Forest Service will hold a public meeting to answer questions from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 7 at Carbondale’s Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.). The public must submit comments by Feb. 22.