FEATURED RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM PROJECT
Wyoming invests in trails Working together for a sustainable system of trails
W
yoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails has a rich his-
tory in outdoor recreation. Known mostly for its boating, fishing, and camping opportunities, the agency has only recently offered hiking and biking trails as part of its managed resources. After several years of trail construc- tion at Glendo State Park the system has four trailheads, two interpretive kiosks, a bicycle work station, and over 50 miles of trails of various difficulty levels. The multi-use trails take people on quiet walks to wetlands and birding opportunities, as well on thrilling downhill mountain bike rides. The trails were designed using techniques to increase the longevity of the trails. While there will always be maintenance considerations, the use of limiting grades and proper outslopes, installation of grade reversals, and building on rock when possible, all help to reduce maintenance. Also, creating trails with bends and curves keeps mountain bikes slow and reduces conflicts with hikers. The trails are progressive; those close to the trail- heads are flat and less challenging.
Trails farther from the trailhead
become more difficult and more techni- cal. The trailheads are accessible to those with disabilities and conform to the Architectural Barriers Act design guidelines for outdoor recreation. While these trails would not be possible without the RTP program, the projects have received $50,000 in private donations. Glendo is a Bureau of Reclamation site, and the trails have helped strengthen that partnership. An agreement with the adjacent land owner, the Office of State Lands and Investments, allowed for the develop- ment of 20 miles of trails under a spe- cial use lease. Volunteer supporters include mountain bike clubs from Casper, WY and Fort Collins, CO. Some other nota- ble partners are the Wyoming Conserv- ation Corps and Wyoming Cowboy Challenge Academy. The latter is a Wyoming National Guard Program designed for at-risk youth. Glendo receives half of its 300,000 annual visitors from Colorado and the other half from Wyoming.
Learn more at
http://wyoparks.state.wy. us/
index.php/places-to-go/glendo.
Rock work on Narrows Bluffs Trail
Pontoon bridge on Narrows Bluffs Trail
6 FALL 2017
AmericanTrails.org One of the new wood bridges
Overland Mountain Bike Club volunteers
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