April newsletter

Spring is here, and so is mostly dry singletrack. All Arkansas Hills trails are dry with the notable exception of Beasway, which still has some mud/snow near the trailhead. On Methodist Mountain, Dead Bird, Lost, Race Track, Solstice, Little Rainbow and the Spartans are good to go. We’ve heard conflicting reports about Double Rainbow, though at least the lower part should be dry. If you run into mud, go through, not around, to prevent trail braiding.

A seasonal closure remains in effect until April 15th on Gutz, Pot-o-Gold, and (above the powerline) Sun Up, Sol Train East and Sol Train West.

We hope you get out and enjoy the trails this weekend!

Frontside: Fixed

Last week, SMT stabilized Frontside and closed a social trail that had been chewing into it. With help from our volunteer Trail Stewards, we built a crib wall to restore Frontside’s tread, and made other fixes to direct people up the better, adjacent trail to Loyal Duke’s grave. (In addition to damaging Frontside, the now-closed social trail was extremely redundant.)

Want to volunteer on our trails? Sign up here to be a Trail Steward.

Help us with events and fundraising

SMT has big plans for events and programming this year, but we need volunteers to help us put those plans into action. We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to work with us in developing two big bike races (more details soon!) our annual member party, and more.

Want to help SMT run events/programs that raise money for our trails? Get in touch with Jon: jon@salidamountaintrails.org 

New e-bike directives from the Forest Service

By default, e-bikes remain off-limits on non-motorized trails on Forest Service land. However, new directives released this month outline, “the required environmental analysis and public input required” to permit wider e-bike usage on USFS trails. Bottom line: This means e-bikes are still prohibited on SMT trails, and that won’t change before a lengthy public review.  

The Salida Ranger District of the Forest Service is reviewing the new guidance, and we’ll take it into account this year as we begin a strategic trails plan.

Salida 720 — Saturday, April 16th

The Salida 720 mountain bike race will take place Saturday, April 16 on the Arkansas Hills. This race is unaffiliated with SMT. Please be advised that all trails/roads will remain open during the 12-hour event. Organizers are looking for volunteer course marshals to work 4-hour shifts. To volunteer, contact Keith. To sign up for the race, head here.

Volunteer on a 14er

Colorado 14ers Initiative (CFI) is leading a bevy of big projects in our backyard this summer, including single- and multi-day volunteer opportunities. Among the projects: The kickoff to a major, multiyear effort to build a better route to Shavano’s summit. See all the volunteer opportunities and sign up here.

Thank you to our sponsors