By Shannon Lukens.
Stay off muddy trails. The City of Steamboat Springs is asking hikers and bikers to respect the trail closures so there isn’t long-term damage. All single-track trails on Emerald Mountain that are maintained by the city are closed because of muddy conditions, except Blackmer to the Quarry. Current trail conditions, including closures can be found on the city’s website at SteamboatSprings.net There is also a Routt County Trail Conditions Facebook group.
From the City of Steamboat Springs; May 18, 2023.
Muddy Trail Conditions Limit Recreation Options
All City-Maintained Emerald Mountain Singletrack Trails Closed Except Blackmer
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-May 18, 2023-As spring slowly progresses across the valley and the terrain starts to dry out, please respect trail closures and prevent long-term damage by staying off muddy trails. The City of Steamboat Springs Open Space and Trails crew is monitoring the city trail network and will mark trails open when appropriate.
Currently all city-maintained Emerald Mountain singletrack trails are closed due to muddy conditions. With warm weather forecasted for the weekend, several of the lower mountain trails may be ready to open next week, but we ask that you continue to respect these closures until notified otherwise.
In the meantime, some local trail options to enjoy include:
- Blackmer to the Quarry
- Ridge and Rotary Trails – CR 45 has experienced flooding, and a portion of the road is currently washed out. The creek has gone down and is no longer running through the washout area. The trail network is accessible via bike or foot until the road is repaired. Be aware that during heavy rainfall, the creek may come up and run through the washout area again, so please use caution.
- Neighborhood trails such as Sailors Way, Butcherknife, and Blue Sage
As users begin to venture out on the trails, Parks & Recreation staff would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of basic trail etiquette and guidelines:
- Use good judgment, if you are creating ruts, or mud is sticking to your shoes or tires, turn around.
- Use authorized and open trails only.
- Stay on the existing single track of the trails. Walking on the sides of muddy trails creates trail widening, braiding and additional negative impacts.
- Afternoon rainstorms are typical during summer, so stay off of all wet and muddy trails to minimize damage. If mud is sticking to your shoes, tires, or animals then it is too muddy.
- Educate yourself and your friends. Friends don’t let friends use muddy trails.
Up-to-date trail information, including closures, can be found on the city’s website at maps.steamboatsprings.net/trails. In addition, valuable insights can also be gained on the Routt County Trail Conditions group Facebook page.