There’s been a lot of noise lately about the proposed Alternating Trail Use Pilot at Heil. We’ve heard from a lot of you. Some are frustrated, some are confused, and some are just plain angry.

The County is looking at separating users by day to reduce conflict. We get the intent. No one likes sketchy interactions on trail. But if we’re being honest, when a trail feels tense or awkward, that’s usually a design issue, not a user group issue. Steep grades, poor sightlines, awkward alignments, everyone getting funneled into the same space… that’s what creates conflict. You can’t really schedule your way out of that.

If you look at how modern trail systems are built, the approach is pretty consistent. You fix the alignment, manage speed through design, improve sightlines, and in some cases use directional flow or separate experiences where it actually makes sense. It’s pretty straightforward, and it works. It makes the experience better for everyone out there.

We’ve been looking closely at Heil and there are some really clear opportunities to do exactly that. Clean up sections of trail that are forcing awkward interactions. Reroute spots where the current alignment just isn’t working. Improve connections so people aren’t stuck grinding up steep access roads or dropping into blind corners.

A good example is Wapiti. Right now a third of it is a steep service road. It’s not especially fun on a bike and it’s not a great hiking experience either. We’ve sketched out a switchbacked trail option that would stay within the existing disturbed corridor and dramatically improve that climb. It’s a relatively low-impact change that would make a noticeable difference for a lot of people.

That’s really the heart of it. Before we start restricting access, we should make sure we’ve tried the tools that actually improve the trail itself. Because the goal isn’t just fewer complaints, it’s a better experience when you’re out there.

BMA is ready to help with that. We can work with County staff on design and construction and be part of building something that works better on the ground. That’s been our role here for a long time.

Modern trail systems include downhill bike-only trails like the Beavers Loop Trail at Arapahoe Basin. Meanwhile, in Boulder County, there are zero miles of bike-only trails.

Boulder County’s proposed “Alternating” Trail Use Pilot Project is attempting to respond to alleged concerns about safety and comfort on our trails, but it is focused on the wrong solution.

While the county’s own data shows low conflict rates, perception matters. People need to feel comfortable on the trail, and that’s worth addressing. The question is how.

If we want to improve both real and perceived safety, we should start with what actually works.

The Real Solutions

There are well-established, modern, and widely used strategies that improve the visitor experience for everyone and reduce conflict without restricting access to anyone.

Directional trail systems
When everyone is traveling in the same direction, visitor interactions drop dramatically. Fewer head-on encounters means fewer surprises and a smoother experience for everyone.

Matching trail use to speed
Multi-use trails work best when users are moving at similar speeds. Separating uses where speeds differ, especially for downhill bike travel, creates a better experience for all users.

Designated trails for specific experiences
Not every trail needs to serve every use. Systems that include a mix of multi-use trails and designated trails, including bike-only and bike-optimized trails, give people options and reduce pressure on any single trail.

Reroutes that improve sightlines and flow
Modern trail design can address blind corners, steep legacy ranch road sections, and other features that contribute to conflict. Small changes in trail design can have a big impact on safety and experience.

Expanding trail networks
When use is concentrated on a limited number of trails, conflict increases. Adding mileage and creating loop options spreads people out and reduces crowding.

What Needs to Improve

Right now, many of our trail systems are being asked to do too much with too little intention.

We have trails where uphill riders, downhill riders, hikers, runners, equestrians, and dogs are all sharing the same space, often with different speeds and expectations. We have limited trail mileage in high-demand areas, which concentrates use. And we have trail alignments that were not designed with today’s volume or mix of users in mind.

This is not a user problem. It is a design problem.

Trails are one of the most effective tools we have for both conservation and recreation. With thoughtful planning, trails can protect sensitive habitats while also creating great experiences for people. But that only works when the system is designed for how people actually use it.

Why This Works

These approaches are not theoretical. They are used across the country in high-use trail systems to manage exactly the same challenges Boulder County is facing.

They work because they address the root cause of conflict. It is not who is on the trail, it is how the trail is designed and how people move  through it.

Instead of forcing different users into the same space and asking them to figure it out, good design reduces the number of conflict points in the first place.

A Better Way Forward

Instead of seeing the popularity of mountain biking as something to restrict, we should recognize it as something to plan for.

People are choosing to ride here. That is not a problem to solve, it is a demand to meet with better and more trails..

Bike-only directional trails are one example of how other open space systems are improving experiences while reducing conflict. At the same time, well-designed multi-use trails continue to serve a wide range of users.

Boulder County currently has zero miles of bike-only trail and roughly 100 miles of trail closed to bikes. That imbalance limits options and concentrates use in ways that make conflict more likely, not less.

Let’s Build Something Better

We all want the same thing: a trail system that protects our natural resources and creates great experiences for everyone. Numerous public surveys show that residents want a balance of conservation and recreation on their public lands. Banning a whole group of visitors is not a balance.

Prohibiting people riding bicycles does not fix the underlying problem. Better trail design and more trails does.

If we focus on proven strategies and build a system that matches how people actually use it, we can reduce conflict, improve safety, and create a better experience for everyone on the trail.

Contact the Boulder County Commissioners

If you agree with BMA that modern trail design and new trails are the solution, let the commissioners know at commissioners@bouldercounty.org, 303-441-3500.

Dear Commissioners,

We appreciate the work of Boulder County Parks & Open Space staff and their long-standing partnership with the community. Our concern is not with staff, but with the direction they have been given.

In a March 23 memo, staff state:

“The pilot would include hiking only days on Wapiti Trail at Heil Valley Ranch in consideration with other alternative uses either at Heil Valley Ranch or other locations.”

This sentence is important because it reveals that the core premise of this pilot has already been decided. While the memo and public materials describe this as a community-informed process, the reality is that the foundation of the pilot is not up for discussion. The question is not whether alternating use days are appropriate. The question being asked of the community is much narrower: which trails should be closed, to which users, and when.

That is not a community-led pilot. A truly community-driven process would start with a broader question: what tools should we use to improve the visitor experience at Heil Valley Ranch? Instead, this process begins with a predetermined solution and asks the public to help refine its implementation.

We also have concerns about the specific focus on Wapiti Trail. Wapiti is a steep service road that does not provide a particularly good experience for hikers, bikers or equestrians. The challenges on that trail are a function of its design. Alternating use days will not address those underlying issues, including bi-directional bike traffic and the overall feel of the trail itself. If the trail is not working well for users, changing who is allowed on it each day does not fix the problem. We would also like to remind you that Wapiti is a regional connection between Lyons and Boulder with no alternative.

More broadly, the available data does not suggest a level of conflict that would justify restricting access. The county’s own findings show that conflict rates are low and consistent with typical shared-use trail systems. At the same time, a majority of visitors support shared-use trails.

There are also well-established, modern approaches to managing trail experiences that have not been meaningfully explored here. Other Front Range agencies, including Jefferson County Open Space, are investing in directional trails and purpose-built experiences that reduce conflict while maintaining access. These approaches improve the experience for all users without requiring closures. We believe those tools should be tried first.

This is not about bikes versus hikers. It is about using the best available tools to create a high-quality experience for everyone who visits our open space.

We are ready to be part of the solution. Boulder Mountainbike Alliance has decades of experience partnering with land managers on trail design, construction, and stewardship. We stand ready to help implement solutions that improve the visitor experience without limiting access.

We respectfully ask the Board of County Commissioners to pause and reconsider the current direction of this pilot. Specifically, we ask that you reopen the foundational question of whether alternating use days are the right tool at all, before moving forward with decisions about where and when to restrict access.

Let’s make sure we are solving the right problem, in the right way, with the full range of options on the table.

-Wendy Sweet
Executive Director, Boulder Mountainbike Alliance

The City of Boulder has launched the Priority Action 7c survey, and we need you to take a few minutes to weigh in before May 3.

At its core, this is about something simple: safe, connected trail access south of town.

Right now, if you want to ride from Boulder to Marshall Mesa or to Doudy Draw, you’re pushed onto Highway 170. For adults, that’s uncomfortable. For kids, it’s often a non-starter. We can do better.

What We’re Actually Asking For

Let’s clear this up, because there’s been a lot of confusion. We are not asking to open a huge network of trails to bikes. We are asking for one connection between Shanahan Ridge and Doudy Draw.

Ideally, that connection would be a thoughtfully designed singletrack trail through the South Boulder grasslands that:

• Keeps people off the highway
• Minimizes environmental impact
• Stays clearly separated from hike-only trails
• Reduces user conflict by design, not by chance

This is exactly the kind of situation where good trail design matters.

What We’re Hearing

Some folks we’ve spoken with are concerned about:

• Bikes moving faster than hikers
• Trail conflicts and yielding behavior
• Impacts to wildlife and grassland habitat
• “Fragmentation” from adding a new trail

These are valid things to care about. We care about them too.

But here’s the part that often gets missed: these are design challenges, not dealbreakers.

The West TSA already calls for rerouting both Lower Big Bluestem and South Boulder Creek West because of environmental impacts and a subpar visitor experience. That gives us a chance to do this right. We can move trails out of sensitive wetland areas, improve the experience for everyone, and be intentional about how each trail is used.

We know how to build trails that manage speed, improve sightlines, and create predictable interactions between users. We’ve been doing it for decades.

And importantly, no one we spoke with made a strong case that bikes inherently cause more environmental damage than hikers. The bigger concern is increased use overall, which is something the City already manages across the system.

A Reality Check on Access

A few other things stood out in these conversations:

• Even some opponents agree that biking on Highway 170 is unsafe
• There’s confusion about current trail rules, including when people are allowed off trail
• Many people assume mountain bikers are a tiny user group

That last point is worth digging into.

Across the country and here in Boulder County, mountain biking is one of the fastest-growing trail uses. But on OSMP, bike access is limited. So yes, you’ll see more hikers on many trails. That’s partly because bikes simply aren’t allowed on most of them.

Why This Matters

If we want the next generation to care about public lands, they need to be able to experience them. We’ve heard comments dismissing younger riders and students who want this connection. That’s not how we build a future of stewardship. Access is what creates connection. And connection is what creates people who care enough to protect these places long term.

What Happens Next

The Open Space Board of Trustees will be discussing this on June 10, and public comment will matter. Consider showing up and making your voice heard.

Take the Survey

This is your chance to help shape what happens next.

If you care about:

• Safer access to Marshall Mesa
• Keeping bikes off highways
• Thoughtful, well-designed trails
• Making space for more people to enjoy Boulder’s open space

Boulder County is exploring an Alternating Trail Use Pilot Project that would change how trails are used at places like Betasso Preserve, Heil Valley Ranch, and Hall Ranch.

We need your voice now.

1. Attend the Commissioners’ Town Hall
Tuesday, April 21 at 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Nederland Community Center, 750 CO-72, Nederland, CO 80466

2. Take the survey

3. Attend an Open House
Thursday, April 30 from 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Parks & Open Space Building, 5201 St. Vrain Road, Longmont

Wednesday, May 13 from 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Boulder County Courthouse, 3rd Floor, 1325 Pearl Street, Boulder

What is the Alternating Use Pilot Project?

The County is proposing to restrict trail access by time, allowing bikes at some times and limiting access at others. This would be a major shift from long-standing shared use on some of Boulder County’s most popular trail systems.

A better approach: proven trail design solutions

We all want better trail experiences. Best practices include:

• Directional trails to reduce head-on interactions
• Trail design that manages speed and improves sightlines
• Expanding trail networks to reduce congestion
• Strategic use of single-use trails for both hikers and bikers where appropriate

Boulder County Parks & Open Space currently manages:

• 115 miles of multi-use trails
• 16 miles of trails not open to bikes
• 0 miles of bike-only trails

A balanced system includes a mix of experiences. Right now, that balance does not exist.

Concerns with the proposed pilot

The data presented is inconsistent

The project page states:

“Countywide visitation continues to rise, with approximately 1.8 million visits in 2025.”

However, the County’s own 2025 Visitation Report shows:

• 2023: 1,171,869
• 2024: 1,159,093
• 2025: 1,137,158

This reflects a 3% decrease from 2023 to 2025.

Heil Valley Ranch data does not support increased pressure

The project page states visitation is expected to return to pre-fire levels of 110,000 visits (2019).

But recent Heil data shows continued decline:

• 2023: 85,467
• 2024: 79,698
• 2025: 66,030

Trail systems are not comparable

The project compares Heil Valley Ranch to Betasso.

But they are fundamentally different:

• Betasso: 9.2 miles total, 0.6 miles not open to bikes
• Heil: 19.1 miles total, 4 miles not open to bikes

These differences matter when evaluating management strategies.

The pilot avoids proven solutions

The County states the pilot will not:

• Add trails
• Create parallel routes
• Convert trail designations

But these are exactly the tools used in modern trail management to reduce conflict and improve experience.

There is no clear data on conflict or safety

The pilot is intended to address conflict, improve safety, and enhance visitor experience.

But:

• Boulder County does not track conflict annually
• Visitor studies show conflict is relatively low and consistent
• No baseline data has been presented

Where is the data defining the problem, and how will success be measured?

A message to our fellow trail users

We know not everyone sees trail use the same way. Some of you may support limiting bike access on certain days, and we respect that people care deeply about their experience on these trails.

BMA’s mission statement is:

The Boulder Mountainbike Alliance exists to serve as a positive voice for mountain biking in the greater Boulder County, Colorado area by improving the trail experience for all users through social rides and events, advocacy, and trail building.

That “for all users” part matters.

We want better trails, better experiences, and fewer points of friction for everyone out there, whether you hike, ride, or run.

So even if you think alternating use might be worth exploring, we think we can all agree on this:

• Decisions should be based on clear, consistent data
• Proven solutions like trail design and system improvements should be explored
• Partners and on-the-ground programs should be part of the conversation

This isn’t just about access. It’s about getting it right.

Show up and speak up

Now is the time to be part of the conversation.

• Attend the Town Hall tonight
• Take the survey
• Show up at the Open House

We’ll see you out there.

On March 12, Boulder County Parks & Open Space (POS) staff announced a closure on a critical bridge on the Boulder Canyon Trail due to damage. But the broader community didn’t widely hear about it until a press release was issued on March 27.

Boulder Mountainbike Alliance has been in contact with POS staff. We appreciate that safety is the top priority. At the same time, we have serious concerns about what this closure means in practice for trail visitors.

No Timeline, No Detour, Real Impacts

Right now, there is:

• No timeline for reopening the bridge

• No official detour

• No clear guidance for how to safely navigate around the closure

The effect of the closure is that anyone who needs access beyond the closed bridge is forced to use almost a mile of Boulder Canyon Drive (Highway 119).

That’s not a minor inconvenience. That’s a serious safety issue.

Boulder Canyon Drive is a high-speed corridor with limited shoulder space. Asking cyclists and pedestrians to travel that stretch is not a reasonable substitute for a trail connection.

We’ve Been Here Before

This moment feels familiar in a way we wish it didn’t.

Back in 1991, one of the first actions of what would become BMA was advocating for safe, legal access in Boulder Canyon. At the time, people were riding on Highway 119 because there were no legal alternatives to connect to Fourmile Canyon Drive.

That same year Sherrill Amendt, was killed in a hit-and-run driver while riding up the canyon. She was riding on the far right side of the road. She was doing everything right. And it still wasn’t safe.

That tragedy helped galvanize efforts to extend what is now the Boulder Canyon Trail. The newly formed Boulder Off-road Alliance (before it became BMA) was integral in finding a safe solution. A safe path separated from drivers exists today because the community recognized that people should not be forced onto a dangerous roadway to travel through the canyon.

What BMA is Doing Now

Beginning on March 20, BMA asked Parks & Open Space for more details and a timeline of the closure. We are continuing to request updates on the bridge from the county and hope that repairs (even a temporary one) can be made quickly.

We recognize that repairing the bridge is complex. It involves proximity to Boulder Creek, nearby infrastructure, and permitting requirements. These things take time.

But the absence of a temporary solution, or even clear communication about safe options, puts people at risk today.

We’ve got some big news.

Thanks to a ton of generous donors, we didn’t just meet our goal to purchase a mini-excavator. We exceeded it.

Our goal was $20,000. Together, you raised $23,637.

That’s not just hitting the goal. That’s this community showing up in a big way to invest in better trails.

Why This Matters

For years, we’ve relied on a mix of hand tools, volunteers, and rented equipment to get work done. That approach works, but it can be slow, expensive, and limiting.

Owning a mini-excavator changes that.

It means:

• More efficient trail building and maintenance
• Faster progress on priority projects
• Better ability to shape trails that ride well and last
• Less time spent coordinating rentals and more time actually working on trails

In short, this tool helps us do more of what we all want: build better trails and keep them running great.

Built by This Community

This wasn’t a grant. It wasn’t one big donor.

This was a community effort.

Dozens of you stepped up to make this happen, and it adds up to something that will benefit riders for years to come. Every time this machine is out on a project, it’s a direct result of your support.

Going beyond the goal means we can also put those extra funds toward getting the machine dialed and ready for work.

What’s Next

We’re getting the machine ready and can’t wait to put it to work this season. You’ll start seeing it out on projects soon.

And yes… it needs a name.

Many of our donors submitted name ideas, and we’ve got some good ones. We’ll be opening up a vote for BMA members and donors soon, so keep an eye on your inbox.

Thank You

Seriously. Thank you.

This is one of those moments where you can point to something tangible and say, “we made that happen.”

We’re excited to put this mini-excavator to work and keep building more fun on trails.

Help BMA Level Up with our Invest once, Build for Years Campaign

At Boulder Mountainbike Alliance, we believe great mountain biking should start close to home. Connected trails, smart design, and riding that is actually fun take more than good ideas. They take the right tools.

This month, we are raising money to purchase a mini-excavator to support trail construction and major maintenance projects across Boulder County.

Why a Mini-Excavator

If you’ve ridden a trail in Boulder County that felt just right – sustainable, flowing, built to last – there’s a good chance Mike Rutter had something to do with it.

As BMA’s Trails Program Director, Rutter is out there in all conditions, often with nothing more than basic tools, skill, and determination building and maintaining the trails our entire community loves.

In 2025 alone, Rutter led efforts that:

• Built the new Hidden Valley Trail at Boulder Valley Ranch
• Maintained or improved 20+ miles of trail across Betasso Link, Overland, Schoolhouse, Wapiti, Ponderosa, Wild Turkey, Picture Rock, Bitterbrush, Middle Saint Vrain, Greenbelt Plateau, Coal Seam, and Doudy Draw
• Partnered with the City of Boulder, Boulder County, and the U.S. Forest Service
• Worked alongside countless BMA volunteers to keep trails safe, sustainable, and rideable

What This Unlocks in 2026

Rutter has accomplished much of this with simple tools, or by renting equipment when budgets allowed.

We can do better for Rutter. And we can do better for our trails.

BMA has launched a capital campaign to purchase a mini excavator, a tool that will dramatically increase Rutter’s efficiency, allowing him to:

• Complete projects in a fraction of the time
• Build more sustainable, longer-lasting trail structures
• Reduce costly equipment rentals
• Expand the number of trail improvements each season

This is about giving Rutter the ability to do more and making every donated dollar move more dirt.

This is your opportunity to give him the tool he needs to do more in 2026 and beyond.

Invest Once. Build for Years.

In less than two years of rental costs, we could own our own mini-excavator. And instead of using it for just a few months, we could put it to work all season long.

More capacity. More impact. More fun on trails.

Help Us Name the Machine

When you donate, you can suggest a name for BMA’s future mini-excavator. Once we hit our goal, we will share the top suggestions and let the community vote.

This machine will shape trails for years to come. It deserves a great name.

Want to promote your business and support for mountain biking? Join us as a sponsor for the 2026 BMA Brute Squad. The team will be racing the Emerald Mountain Epic in Steamboat, as well as events in Winter Park, Fruita, and Boulder–the team trains weekly in Boulder so your organization will get lots of local recognition. Sponsorship packages start at $155 with various levels up to the primo spot for $1250.

Returning sponsors – Returning sponsors – We will begin accepting “bids” at 12 noon on Wednesday, February 4. Please submit your list of sponsorship choices in rank order on that day. In the event that more than one business wants the same location, we’ll take the “bid” that came in first–please submit more than one choice so that you are guaranteed a spot! Bidding for returning sponsors will close Friday, February 6 at 9 am at which point we will identify remaining available logo placements and promote them to BMA business partners. Your sponsorship package will be confirmed by Friday, February 6 when we’ll send an invoice and request your logo which is due no later than Monday, Feb 9 along with your payment.

New sponsors – We will begin accepting “bids” on Monday, Feb 9. Please submit your list of sponsorship choices in rank order on that day. In the event that more than one business wants the same location, we’ll take the “bid” that came in first–please submit more than one choice so that you are guaranteed a spot! Your sponsorship package will be confirmed by Friday, Feb 13 when we’ll send an invoice and request your logo which is due no later than Monday, Feb 16 along with your payment.

Logo positions $500 and above will be counted as BMA Business Partners and added to our business directory.

2025 design shown. Sponsors will see 2026 proofs before production.