Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Association (COPMOBA) Uncompahgre Chapter

Uncompaghre Singletrack (US) Plan

A conceptual plan to design 50 miles of new non-motorized singletrack trails near Montrose, Colorado

October, 2015

Introduction:

The Uncompahgre Chapter of the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Association (COPMOBA) is planning to build a large non-motorized regional trail system centered upon the existing Buzzard Gulch trail system, and within the BLM’s Dry Creek Travel Management Area. This system will be within a 20 minute drive of Montrose. Unlike some communities, Montrose is surrounded by private property, with relatively long (5-10 mile) distances to public land. There are currently three non-motorized trail systems open to mountain bikes—Buzzard Gulch (11 miles), Cerro Summit Recreation Area (5 miles), and Sunset Mesa Park (5 miles). These trail systems are relatively small and offer about one to 1.5 hours of riding. As a result, Montrose is underserved by recreation opportunities. Residents frequently drive an hour or more to other towns for mountain biking and hiking.

Buzzard Gulch is the first non-motorized trail system open to mountain bikes in the Montrose area. It currently has about 11 miles of trails, about 50% singletrack with the rest old 2-track roads converted to singletrack. Just three years old, Buzzard Gulch has become extremely popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.

Our vision is to grow the trail system into a large (50+ miles) trail network under the Uncompahgre Singletrack (US) Plan, centered at Buzzard Gulch.

An important criterion for the Colorado State Trails program is connection to a Statewide Trail System. Our main goal is to create a new regional trail network centered at Buzzard Gulch, which will also serve as a key entry point for the Paradox and Tabeguache Trails. From Buzzard Gulch, one can ride via back roads the Paradox Trail. Similarly, Tabeguache Trail can be reached via back roads, from Buzzard Gulch. These are key connections to the Statewide Trail System. The Paradox Trail leads to the La Sal Mountains above Moab, Utah. Tabeguache Trail leads to the extensive trail systems in Grand Junction/Fruita. Riding possibilities will be virtually endless. It is possible to ride from Buzzard Gulch to Moab or Grand Junction entirely on dirt trails and roads.

The Buzzard Gulch Trail System is situated at the foot of the Uncompahgre Plateau, a 100-mile long geologic feature. The Uncompaghre Plateau, or “Unc,” is a truly unique landscape unparalleled in the rest of Colorado. Its northeast slope, directly above Montrose, is perfect mountain biking terrain. This gentle slope, incised by multiple shallow canyons, offers fast descents, but also easy climbs. This moderate terrain also allows economical construction of miles of singletrack trails suitable for all skill levels.

Mountain bikers won’t be the only beneficiaries of the greater Buzzard Gulch Trail System. Buzzard Gulch is already popular with other quiet users like hikers, trail runners, and equestrians. A larger trail system will allow larger numbers of residents and visitors to enjoy the unique desert terrain of the Uncompahgre Plateau. Improved trail systems will encourage healthy lifestyles, attract tourism, and attract and retain high paying jobs.

Purpose and Need:

 Non-motorized single track trails can help create economic activity. Montrose is close to other mountain bike destinations, but is not a destination in itself because of a lack of non-motorized trails.  The Uncompahgre Plateau has a consistent 10-20 mile downhill slope that is perfect for mountain bike trails.  Mountain bikers are a prime demographic, whether as tourists or new residents. Average mountain bike visitor is male, $80,000+ annual income, stay 3-4 nights in hotels, eat at restaurants, spend $60-$100 per day.  Montrose should be on the “Western Slope Circuit” of mountain biking destinations like Fruita, Grand Junction, Durango, Ridgway, and Gunnison.  Montrose has a unique brand of trails: long endurance rides, sustained, flowy downhill trails following the topography of the Uncompahgre Plateau, and a variety of desert canyons & mesas.  Local recreational activities traditionally have been motorized, rather than human-powered. Convenient trail systems will increase physical activity levels and improve overall health of the community.  Trail systems have less impact on the land than other potential uses of public land, such as grazing, lumber harvesting, open mines, landfills, etc. Trail systems may act to protect areas by creating a constituency that could discourage more intensive land uses.  Non-motorized trails are a quiet use that is a good fit near private land, wilderness areas, and national parks.  Recreational use can reduce illegal activity like dumping, squatting, and poaching.  Montrose has only three non-motorized trail systems open to mountain bikes, with 21 total trail miles. There are two small (5 miles each) systems on City of Montrose Land, and one 11-mile system on BLM land (Buzzard Gulch). o Other towns nearby: Gunnison, 50+ miles, GJ/Fruita: 100+ miles, Crested Butte 100+ miles, Durango 100+ miles, etc.  Hikers, trail runners, and equestrians will also benefit from the creation of new trails.

In general, the US Plan may be divided into three phases. The State Trails Planning Grant may assist in the implementation of Phase 1 of the US Plan.

US Plan Phase 1: Design, GPS, and corridor flagging of approximately 50 trail miles in the Greater Buzzard Gulch Trail Network

A. Buzzard Gulch a. Complete the 2012 “Dave Wood Trail Assessment” b. GPS-Flag approximately 4.25 miles of new & rerouted trails B. Spring Creek Canyon a. New trails roughly parallel to the existing Spring Canyon non-motorized route b. GPS-Flag two approximately 5-mile long trails (10 miles total) C. South Buzzard Area a. Bounded by Spring Creek Canyon on west, Lower Spring Creek TH on north, Dave Wood Road on east, and private land on south. b. GPS-Flag approximately 15-20 new trail miles D. Linscott Canyon Area a. Bounded by Hwy 90 on west, private land on north, Spring Canyon on east, and Dry Creek Canyon on south b. GPS-Flag approximately 15-20 new trail miles, with emphasis on sustained downhills either on mesa tops or canyons

US Plan Phase 2: Obtain environmental clearances

A. Work with the BLM to fulfill NEPA and other required clearances for trail corridors

US Plan Phase 3: Final pin flagging and construction of singletrack trails

A. Buzzard Gulch a. Complete the 2012 “Dave Wood Trail Assessment” b. Pin flag, construct approximately 5 miles of new & rerouted trails B. Spring Creek Canyon a. Pin flag, construct a new 10-mile singletrack loo b. Close existing Spring Canyon Road C. South Buzzard Area a. Bounded by Spring Creek Canyon on west, Lower Spring Creek TH on north, Dave Wood Road on east, and private land on south. b. Pin flag, construct approximately 15-20 new trail miles D. Linscott Canyon Area a. Bounded by Hwy 90 on west, private land on north, Spring Canyon on east, and Dry Creek Canyon on south b. Pin flag, construct approximately 15-20 new trail miles, with emphasis on sustained downhills either on mesa tops or canyons

US Plan Overall Map

Section 1: Buzzard Gulch Final Implementation

Finish implementation of the 2012 “Dave Wood Trail Assessment”, finalizing the Buzzard Gulch Trail System.

Overview: Buzzard Gulch is a remnant of BLM land almost surrounded by private land. Historic uses such as grazing, 4wd exploring, and horseback riding occurred on this land. Dumping is also evident in several places. This area has several mesa top areas with gentle slopes well suited to the mountain bike trails already constructed. There are a few shallow canyons and washes also conducive to mountain bike trails. The 2012 Dave Wood Trail Assessment has been partially implemented. This project will fully implement the Assessment, for a total trail mileage around 13-15 miles.

Summary: GPS/Flag approximately 5 miles of singletrack trails, within the existing Buzzard Gulch Trail System

1. Rerouted Mailbox Trail (0.25 mile) o Close fall-line portion of Mailbox trail 2. New Dakota Rim Loop (approx.. 1.8 miles) o Close existing Dakota Rim Trail (which is an old road) 3. New Trail connection from Lower Spring Creek Trailhead to Buzzard Gulch (0.25 mile) 4. Rusty Buckets Trail (0.5 mile) o Close the 2-track road portions of Rusty Buckets 5. New Roosty Loop (Approx. 1.7 miles) 6. New Kid’s/Beginner Loop (Approx. 0.5 miles) 2012 Dave Wood Trail Assessment Partially Implemented Plan:

Buzzard Gulch Trail Plan:

Section 2

Spring Creek Canyon

Overview: Spring Creek Canyon is a scenic desert canyon. An old 4wd road is on the west side, with the motorized Lower Spring Creek Singletrack Trail on the east side of the canyon bottom. This plan proposes a new 10+ mile loop on the west canyon floor. The existing old 4wd road will be closed. This trail system will connect to Buzzard Gulch and Lower Spring Creek Trail via the new Lower Spring Creek-Buzzard Gulch connector trail. The loop will also be accessible via Spring Canyon Road, roughly a mile up-canyon from the main Buzzard Gulch Trailhead.

Summary: GPS/Flag 10 miles of singletrack trails on the Spring Creek Canyon floor

Section 3 South Buzzard (SOB) Trail System

Overview: The South Buzzard area is bounded by Spring Creek Canyon on the west, and Dave Wood Road on the east, private land on the south, and Buzzard Gulch proper at its north end. Despite its easy accessibility, this area has been somewhat overlooked. Historic uses like timber harvesting and livestock grazing are evident. The area is characterized by the typical gentle mesa top slope of the Uncompahgre Plateau, which is suitable for mountain bike flow trails. SOB also features several interesting canyons and rimrock areas, which could add visual appeal and some technical sections to a trail system. At the south end, there may also be an opportunity for a link trail descending to Lower Spring Creek Trail, depending on local conditions.

Summary: GPS/Flag approximately 15-20 miles of singletrack trails, south of the existing Buzzard Gulch Trail System.

Section 4

Linscott-Highway 90 Trail System

Overview: The Linscott-Highway 90 Trail System is most easily accessed via the old Highway 90 (County Road 90). Access will also be possible from the Spring Creek Canyon loop trails via back roads. The topography of mesas and canyons has the characteristic slope falling off to the northeast towards Montrose. This area offers the possibility of longer sustained downhills than other areas. The moderate slope allows relatively easy climbing on the same trails. The area is cut by Linscott and DeVinney Canyons, which offer technical possibilities.

Summary: GPS/Flag approximately 15-20 miles of singletrack trails in Linscott Canyon, DeVinney Canyon, and the mesa tops.

Appendix

Meeting Record:

Nov. 10, 2014: Kick Off meeting with COPMOBA members

Dec. 1: COPMOBA organizing meeting going over trail concepts

Dec. 10: COPMOBA met with City Manager and others to go over the trail plans. The City approved City staff in-kind services for the November 2015 Planning Grant application

Jan. 13, 2015: Garry Baker and Bill Harris met with Julie Jackson & BLM archeologist about Spring Canyon trail connectors

February 5: Garry Baker presented to Public Lands Partnership meeting

March 9: COPMOBA meeting on goals, etc.

March 17: Garry Baker presented to 500 Mile Walkers hiking group

April 6 & August 31: Garry Baker & Laurie Brandt met with BLM Recreation Planners

May 21: IMBA Trail Care Visit, COPMOBA Presentation on Uncompahgre Singletrack Plan

June 23: Garry Baker presentation to Montrose Rotary Club\

Sept. 15: Bill Harris & Laurie Brandt met with Montrose County

Oct. 6: Bill Harris & Laurie attended Buzzard Gulch parking lot improvements dedication ceremony with Montrose County Commissioners. The County Public Works Dept. graded & improved the parking lot in September 2015.