Newsletter: November 2024
Colorado Gives Day is underway, and we have two projects that could use your support. Plus: All donations made online now through December 10 count toward Colorado Gives Day and the $1 million+ Incentive Fund.
That means your donation will unlock even more funding for Salida Mountain Trails!
Help us build a bike skills park
First, we’re seeking support to complete the Salida Bike Skills Park. The park is primarily geared toward kids and beginners, but will also provide opportunities for more experienced riders looking to catch some air. The first phase of the park is nearly ready to open to the public, but we need your help to see through the full vision for this unique amenity.
Help us create Salida’s first bike-only, directional trails!
Donate to our Trail Maintenance Fund
For two decades, SMT has filled a critical role in helping land managers maintain Salida’s renowned trails. That role has never been more important amid dwindling budgets for our public agency partners; most notably, the U.S. Forest Service is in a hiring freeze and turning to groups like SMT to fill the gaps. We’ve logged more than 3,000 hours of trail maintenance this year—and we need your support to keep up that pace in the year ahead.
Help us keep Salida’s trails in superb shape!
The Town of Poncha Springs is seeking public feedback to shape their Parks Master Plan. We encourage you to speak up for a singletrack connection between Poncha and the Methodist Mountain trails! We’ve heard from many of you who want to see this happen, and it’s high priority for us as well.
Attend this Thursday’s open house to share your feedback (more info here), and/or take the online survey here.
Sign up for this year’s Christmas Mountain Run! There are two course options: 1 mile and 5 miles. The 5 mile race includes cash prizes, along with age group awards and race socks for everyone. Participants in both races will receive a finisher ribbon, race sticker, and post-race snacks.
Want to volunteer? Email christmasmountainrun@gmail.com to help out.
Run Through Time registration is open
The Salida classic returns in March for a 20th year! Choose from the marathon, half marathon, and 2-mile run. These beautiful, challenging courses are run on dirt/jeep roads and narrow, hilly single track with fantastic views of Salida and the Arkansas Valley.
Mud season is here
The first big snowfall of the year is still melting out from our trails. Please help us keep our trails in good condition by not using them when they’re muddy. Best to get out early when the ground is still firm. We know it’s more fun on trails in the warm afternoon sun, but when trails are muddy feet, tires and even paws can cause damage. Please help us take care of this shared resource.
Curious what trails are good to go? Check the trails conditions page on our website.