EagleVail Trail Extension Update
On August 12, the U.S. Forest Service approved the proposed extension of the EagleVail Trail. After several public meetings of the EagleVail Metro District Board, during which the board considered community and staff input, the board ultimately expressed its support of the trail extension to the Forest Service who then launched an extensive and thorough project analysis. Since 0.27 miles of the proposed trail alignment crosses FS land, per the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), environmental and public surveys, as well as a public comment period, were required. To review the FS approval, please visit https://usfs-public.app.box.com/v/PinyonPublic/file/1619696721511.
The EVMD, with support and in partnership with the Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance, communicated details of the proposed trail over many months, and conveyed further input from West End homeowners to the FS before the final trail design was approved. The extension that was approved lengthens the existing EagleVail Trail 1.64 miles to the west, ending at the entrance to Beaver Creek.
Since the trail was opened in 2010, extending the trail to the west has been the goal, aligning with the VVMTA’s vision of “a sustainable multi-use soft surface trail network connecting all communities in Eagle County to the outdoors.”
Currently, there is a non-maintained network of social trails above the EagleVail West End neighborhood. There is one, moderately-used and well-established social trail that many residents and visitors have used for hiking and trail running. These social trails spiderweb into many different trails ultimately crossing 25 different private properties. The goal of this project is to create a legal and sustainable trail for all to enjoy. Additionally, there will be new educational signage along the new trail.
Construction of the trail extension has started, and volunteers are welcome! Please see the info below if you are interested in bringing this tremendous outdoor amenity to fruition!
Wednesday, August 21st: Volunteer Trail Crew Registration
Wednesday, September 4th: Volunteer Trail Crew Registration
Wednesday, September 11th: Ladies Trail Crew Registration
Wednesday, September 18th: Volunteer Trail Crew Registration
Hope to see you on the trail!
EVMD