Salida Mountain Trails: The trail-blazing organization behind the City's outdoor recreation networks

Salida's trails are one of the City's greatest assets benefiting all residents. They offer year-round recreational opportunities and are a key part of the City's growing tourist economy. But it hasn't always been that way. 

In 2004, the Bureau of Land Management announced its intent to begin a travel management plan for the Salida area. Some cities, like Steamboat Springs, manage their own trails and have funds/taxes to support them. The City of Salida does not, and therefore was not able to build a trail system on its own at that time. Volunteers with Salida Mountain Trails (SMT) stepped in to fill the void and are largely to thank for the iconic trail systems the City is known for today.

SMT is an organization made up of many volunteers committed to building and maintaining sustainable, non-motorized, multi-use trails on public lands adjoining the City of Salida. They work closely with the City, a key stakeholder and significant partner in the planning and maintenance of the trail network.

City-managed land is home to many miles of trails and is key for accessing additional trails on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and US Forest Service (USFS) lands. SMT updates the City of Salida annually on the progress of trails it's building or proposing. Among other things, the City of Salida has been instrumental in working with Union Pacific on an at-grade crossing to connect downtown Salida with the Arkansas Hills trails. 

The City has also worked with SMT to help educate the public by placing informational kiosks around trailheads.

When it comes to trail creation and improvement, the work is never done. SMT recently created Rise-N-Shine, a green-rated route into the Arkansas Hills system with less exposure, easier terrain, and a more beginner-friendly grade to ease usage on Frontside Trail. The group also hosted its first volunteer trail workday (ShinDigs) in over a year to repair recent storm damage.

"There's still work to do on improving access to Rise-N-Shine, but we're thrilled with how the new trail came out and believe it's a great addition to the network," said SMTs new Executive Director, Jon Terbush. "We're also working on proposals for new trails and connectors and looking at ways to improve existing conditions and access issues. If you love Salida's trails, we encourage you to become a member and get involved."

To find out more about SMT or volunteer opportunities, visit their website at salidamountaintrails.org.