Whether you have attempted to read the complete Master Plan, or just looked at the overview, it is apparent there is a lot of work needed to implement all of the plan for Pikes Peak. The Ring the Peak trail, (RTP), the four spokes to the summit, the restoration zones along the highway, and other areas, are just a few of the initiatives the plan sanctions. Where are we on this enormous TO DO list?
Last year, Friends of the Peak, (FOTP) developed and published a list of current trails which will be combined to form the Ring the Peak, (RTP) trail. This list is available at no charge on our website, (Ring the Peak), or by calling the office, (719) 471-3145 and requesting a copy. FOTP has identified two sections of trail to be built on Forest Service property, which connect existing trails to complete 60 miles of continuous trail. This still leaves a gap of about seven miles in the southwest corner of the ring.
Forest Service has the paperwork on these two sections of new trail, and should complete the NEPA, (National Environmental Protection Act) studies on them this year. We hope to be allowed to construct at least one of these connections next year.
For the southwest corner of the ring, FOTP is beginning to work with private landowners to determine a reasonable and accessible route. This route will probably be some combination of public and private land ownership. We do not expect to “turn a shovel” on this part of the trail for several years. There is much exploration to be done.
The additional spoke trails to the summit are identified. The Forest Service declared the Devil’s Playground trail a ‘system trail’ last year, and FOTP began maintenance. We have also submitted a plan to the Forest Service for NEPA consideration, which would create a trail from Devil’s Playground to the summit. Currently, there is not a single trail, but rather a number of informal routes, which wander and converge in the direction of the peak. The frequent use is doing some damage to the alpine plants in this sensitive ecosystem. We hope to be able to begin construction on the extension of the Devil’s Playground trail next year.
The other two ‘spoke’ trails cross COS Utilities’ land. We are working with the City Council and the Water Department to obtain non-motorized multi use access to these trails.
We have been working with the Forest Service on several experimental plantings at various elevations on Pikes Peak. This year we will work directly with the Pikes Peak Highway Managers on some of the restoration they will do along the Highway corridor. We will also continue to work with the Forest Service to harvest native seed, and to identify other areas in need of restoration.
We continue to work with the motorized contingent to bring better definitions to the trails in the motorized area. There is no place on Pikes Peak for non-trail motorized use. The Forest Service and the current motorized trail user groups are working to determine which of the existent routes are sustainable trail, and which should be abandoned. The motorized users have access to a fund of money for maintenance of authorized roads, and will continue to maintain the trails in that area to the desired standard.
As you can see, there is a lot of work going on in FOTP. Much of it is done in committees or at meetings between FOTP and agencies. Progress is being made. Your continued support is essential. Thank you.
