Spring is less than two weeks away, and we can’t wait to get out on some soon-to-be-dry trails. In the meantime, here’s a look at what we’ve been working on this winter, and what’s coming up next.
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Shaking off the rust
Rusty Lung has been getting some trail love this winter. The focus has been loose rock and weed removal, clearing drains, and accentuating playful trail features. Rusty Lung was designed to be a fun, flowy trail. Removing loose rocks and weeds from the trail not only helps prevent trail erosion, it uncovers those fun optional lines that this trail has to offer. Enjoy!
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Run Through Time: Saturday, March 12
The 17th Annual Run Through Time is this Saturday. Please be advised: Trails will remain open, but will be busy with runners from 8am through early afternoon. There are still a few spots left if you’d like to run the marathon or 2-mile fun run; sign up here to run. To volunteer, please email Kristy Falcon at rttsalida@gmail.com, and CC us (info@salidamountaintrails.org).
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SMT is now an IMBA affiliate
SMT is thrilled to announce we’ve joined the International Mountain Bicycling Association! IMBA is a longtime mountain bike advocacy coalition, and a leader in supporting sustainable trail development worldwide. This partnership unites SMT with fellow trail organizations—including many of our neighbors in Colorado—and opens new funding opportunities that are critical for smaller nonprofits like ours. This does not impact SMT memberships. As an affiliate, we’ll retain autonomy over our own operations.
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Mountain Heritage Park breaks ground
In February, the City of Salida and Chipeta Mountain Project broke ground on Mountain Heritage Park, an interpretive site “celebrating the rich history and culture of our mountain heritage.” Located at the parking lot on Spiral Drive, the park will identify notable peaks and provide historical info about the area. Learn more about the project here.
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Why we have seasonal trail closures
Seasonal trail closures are a common tool to protect “winter range” for wildlife. These are lower-elevation areas where deer and elk hunker down for the season, living off limited energy stores while food is scarce. Human disturbances can stress the animals—especially pregnant does/cows—into burning critical calories they need to survive until spring. This recent podcast episode from Colorado Parks and Wildlife has a lot more information about this issue.
Please observe seasonal closures. For our trails, that means:
Methodist Mountain — Dec. 1-April 15 for Gutz, Pot-o-Gold, and (above powerline) Sun Up, Sol Train East and Sol Train West
Arkansas Hills — Dec. 15 – March 15 for Beasway
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SMT member benefits
In addition to the satisfaction of supporting local trails, SMT members get discounts at several local businesses: 5% off all purchases (excluding bikes) at Absolute Bikes, Salida Bike Co, and Subculture, and 10% off two purchases per year at Salida Mountain Sports. To use your member discounts, please show your membership card at the time of purchase. If you need help getting your digital membership card (in Cardskipper) email us: info@salidamountaintrails.org.
Not yet a member? Join today! Already a member? It’s never too early to renew!
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Get involved
We’re always looking for Trail Stewards to perform routine trail maintenance, with training and tools provided by SMT. To sign up to be a Trail Seward, click here.
SMT is also looking for volunteers who want to help with roles outside of trail maintenance — events, fundraising, volunteer management, and more. Interested in volunteering for non-trail stuff? Contact Jon: jon@salidamountaintrails.org
As the weather warms up and trails dry out, we’ll also be holding periodic volunteer trail work days. Stay tuned!
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Thank you to our sponsors!
Novelty check photos with some of SMT’s Sustaining Sponsors. Clockwise from top left:
SubCulture Cyclery, Arlie Dale’s Jug Liquors, Salida Mountain Sports, Pinon Real Estate Group.
SMT is deeply appreciative of all the sponsors who support our trail building and maintenance work. Over the winter, we got to meet with many of the people behind these businesses to thank them in person and talk about what’s next for SMT.
Interested in sponsoring SMT? Contact Jon: jon@salidamountaintrails.org.
