New Projects, New Progress

The years of work that went into establishing partnerships are now paying off. Salida Mountain Trails is building new singletrack, and for the first time we have more approved projects than we know how to complete. We will be able to build approximately 20 miles worth of singletrack without having to work for more approval.

In November of 2008 we completed a half mile section of singletrack that takes a very gentle path from the parking area at the Spiral Drive Gate up to the back of Tenderfoot Hill at the first loop of Spiral Drive. We are calling this new section Little Rattler.

Little Rattler heading north away from the Spiral Drive gate

Little Rattler nearing its intersection with Spiral Drive on the back side of Tenderfoot

Also in November of 2008 we have broken ground on the Backbone Trail. Eventually the Backbone will be approximately 10 miles long, from Ute Trail near Piñon Hills to Sweetwater Gulch near the Salida Wastewater Treatment Facility.

Newly dug full bench trail, flags still in place, with tire tracks from early testers

Another bit of the new Backbone Trail

More and more trail will be built as we find the resources to get it done. We are being driven by volunteers at this time, but we hope to fund more work, and quicker progress, with grant and contribution funds. Stay tuned!