JEFFERSON COUNTY — Jefferson County Open Space is running tests at two parks to see if separate trails for cyclists and hikers should be considered in the future.
The goal is to determine whether keeping groups traveling at similar speeds on the same trail is a good plan for new trails at Jeffco parks. Those on bikes traveling at higher speeds would get their own trail without having to dodge hikers, trail runners and people on horses, while other trails would be just for those on foot or horse.
has been studying issues of overcrowding on park trails and formed a working group made up of cyclists, hikers, equestrians and county staff to study possible solutions and create a better experience for park users.
“The idea is to basically group users together by speed rather than user type,” Jeffco Open Space outdoor recreation coordinator David Davenport said.
County staff held a test Aug. 8 at Deer Creek Canyon Park in the south part of the county. People were directed to one of two trails depending on their speed.
Hikers, runners, equestrians and cyclists riding uphill were able to use the Meadowlark trail at the park, while cyclists had to come back via the Plymouth Creek trail. All other users had to double back on the Meadowlark.
“It’s the simplest solution,” said Gil McCormick, marketing director at Wheat Ridge Cyclery and a member of the work group. “If you can separate user groups, it offers a better experience. I like the idea.”
Another test is scheduled Aug. 29 at Alderfer/Three Sisters Park in Evergreen. An additional day is scheduled for each park in September, but Davenport said he’s gotten enough feedback from the first Deer Creek Canyon Park day that the other tests may not be necessary.
Davenport said many of the questions and complaints stemmed from people not wanting to change the trails at Deer Creek Canyon Park, but a change is not being considered for any existing trails in the Jeffco Open Space system. The idea is under consideration for future trails that have yet to be identified.
“It’s really kind of a hypothetical at this point. We want to see if it’s a tool that should be in a tool box,” he said.
While there haven’t been many conflicts between cyclists and hikers, Davenport noted it can be frustrating for cyclists to have to stop often to avoid hikers and for hikers to have close calls with riders coming around a bend.
“There are ways to spread out and get people different uses,” he said.
Designated-use trails have been implemented in other areas of the country, including Oregon and Utah.
Trail runner and cyclist Bill Mangle, another member of the work group, said he’s used trails in other parts of the country that use this model and has enjoyed them.
“I think one thing that was really important to me, and I think most of the group, was finding solutions that add to different users’ experiences and bringing opportunities to systems, rather than taking them away,” he said.
Feedback has been positive so far, according to Davenport, and the group will reconvene after the test dates to make a recommendation.
Joe Vaccarelli: 303-954-2396, jvaccarelli@denverpost.com or twitter.com/joe_vacc
Trail use test days
Aug. 29 Alderfer/Three Sisters Park, 30299 Buffalo Park Road, Evergreen
(Tentative dates)
Sept. 12 Deer Creek Canyon Park, 13896 Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton
Sept. 27-Alderfer/Three Sisters Park
