Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
New trails, closing of some existing trails proposed
CODY – The Shoshone National Forest is inviting public comment on a proposal to add 35 miles to the existing mountain bike trail system, through a combination of building new trails, and adding to existing non-system trails, old roads and two-tracks. The proposal includes four miles in Clarks Fork District, two miles in Greybull, 12.5 miles in Wind River, and 16.5 miles in the Washakie District.
According to the Shoshone National Forest Proposed Action Notice, the primary purpose of the project is to explore mountain biking opportunities forest-wide and to designate a system of trails for mountain bike enthusiasts.
The Shoshone National Forest proposes to establish a trail system for mountain bike users across the Forest. Trails designated for mountain bike use would be reflected on a map which would be made available to the public. The proposal would add approximately 35 miles of trails to system trails that would accommodate mountain bikes and may establish seasons of use if needed. The following trails would be developed for non-motorized recreation and to accommodate mountain bike use.
Clarks Fork Ranger District: Henry’s Mill - Approximately 2.5 miles of trail connecting Dead Indian National Forest System Trail (NFST) #600 via two-track and new section. Sunlight to Trail Creek - Develop non-system stock trail from Sunlight Road to Trail Creek bypass WY Game and Fish property, approximately 1.5 miles.
Greybull Ranger District: Phelps Mountain – Approximately two miles of trail connecting NFST #649 to National Forest System Road (NFSR) #207 via existing non-system trail.
South Zone Wind River Ranger District: Bald Mountain – Develop a four-mile loop from County Road #283, Warm Springs Road, to Bald Mountain. Union Pass Trail – Develop a loop connecting Union Pass to Moon Lake Road. Approximately 8.5 miles.
Washakie Ranger District: Aspen Grade – Approximately 0.5 miles of trail connecting Brewers Trail to Moose Gulch Trail. Brewers – Approximately six miles of trail connecting NFST #300 (Loop Road) to Sinks Canyon Campground. Fossil to Worthen – Approximately five miles of trail connecting NFST #300 (Loop Road) to NFST #701 (Sheep Bridge Trail). Moose Gulch – Develop a 1 mile loop trail from Sinks Canyon Campground. Rim Trail – Approximately three miles of trail connecting Brewers Trail to Fossil-Worthen trail, parallel to the NFST #300 switchbacks. Sage Draw - Approximately 0.5 miles of trail creating a loop on a portion of the Brewers Trail. Worthen Cutoff – Approximately 0.5 miles of trail connecting the Fossil-Worthen Trail to NFSR #302.
According to the plan, mountain bikes would be restricted to designated system trails on a frest-wide basis.
Wyoming Pathways, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting open use of historic and multi-use trails in the state, is encouraging the public to ask that the Shoshone National Forest drop the blanket trail closure action restricting bicycles to system trails stating that the non-system trail closure is unnecessary, restricts public access, and runs counter to the Forest Plan and commitments to enhance mountain biking opportunities.
Public comment on the proposal is being accepted until Jan.12, care of Olga Troxel, Team Leader, at 307- 527-6921 or via email at [email protected].