Twelve hardy volunteers braved a cold, cloudy start to this past Saturday’s Salida Mountain Trails Workday and BBQ. Happily, the day quickly warmed into the upper 30s. The cool temperatures and the partly sunny skies made for comfortable conditions for a day of trail building. The trail work took place behind “S” mountain in the emerging Arkansas Hills Trail System.
Saturday the crew created about 800 feet of new singletrack trail, extending Tenderfoot Trail to connect with Backbone Trail. After the day’s work was done, the crew regrouped at Absolute Bikes to enjoy a social BBQ where they indulged in food,
beverage, and conversation.
Volunteers with Salida Mountain Trails build trail in February
The Arkansas Hills Trail System is a stacked loop network of multi-use trails that can be used by residents and visitors in the community of Salida. A “stacked loop” system provides opportunities from easy to difficult, with nearby easier trails leading outwards to more challenging loops.
Since trail work began in 2006, SMT staff and volunteers have completed 9,000 feet of trail. SMT hosts monthly “Shindigs” – “trailwork-plus-a-party” barbecues – every second Saturday of each month (Saturday March 14th is the next Shindig). Meet at the Spiral Drive Gate at 8:30 AM on Shindig days to volunteer. Additionally, there are “Weekly Trail Crew” days every Wednesday and Saturday every week.
Meet at 9:00 AM on those days to join in the work. More specific details are available, but you can also contact Eric Tauer for more information.
Eric – great work. This project will be a big asset to the town. Congratulations to all involved.