Tuesday Trail Talk: August 20, 2024
Update from our Director
Austin Burgess, Executive Director of the CWTA
The past few weeks have been a blur to say the least. Between new trail construction and maintenance efforts, we have been marking out new trails as well. I believe we are on day 12 of the new mountain bike optimized trail build. We have started major rock work and downed tree removal in the expert section. During this process, we have run into new challenges and are seeking solutions to make this trail amazing. Our planned next steps are to embellish the current rock features to create a linkable trail that is easy to follow on the rock slab. We are constructing natural corridors so we can use minimal trail markers. This process of moving 1000+ lbs of rocks is slow, but will lend for a very unique trail that Casper has never seen. As for the new trail marking process, we have pin-flagged nearly 4 miles of new trail in the McMurry mountain park (MMP) area. This trail follows the trail layout in the KayLinn master plan that was approved by the County Commissioners. This layout has been very difficult as the dense vegetation posed some challenges to get accurate grade and trail corridor markings. Our plan is still on track to soon begin cutting the corridor and utilizing a mini-excavator on this outer loop. We plan to continue the construction of this trail until it’s complete or the snow pushes us out. This trail will likely add about four miles of differing terrain that undulates across a vast majority of the MMP area. We will post build updates daily when construction commences.
Questions have arisen on this trail as well.
What is its difficulty rating?
This trail will be an intermediate level (Blue) trail, but will have areas of difficult climbs, potential fast descents, and flat, easy to navigate vistas. We are unsure of all the in-trail features, but we do know it's unique to what we are familiar with. We will continue to follow the IMBA/BLM standard for this rating and construction.
What is it named or what will it be named?
We don’t know yet? Suggestions?? Maybe we will put this to a vote. 😉 Shoot us an email!
Is this a “bikes only” trail?
No, this is a multi-use, non-motorized trail. It is also designed for summer and winter use. This trail can be enjoyed by hikes, runners, mountain bikers, equestrians, and more!!
Can I use my E-bike on this trail?
Yes, Natrona county follows the Wyoming state statute on e-bike usage for trails.
Class 1 e-bikes are allowed which are pedal assist up to 20mph and a max motor power output of 750W. For more info click here.
Where is the trailhead?
The main trailhead will be at the Biathlon parking area on the east and west ends. Temporary closure signage will be in place when construction commences.
Is it accessible from the Eadsville trail?
YES! From two locations in fact. We are looking at a connector at the bottom of the dungeon/head wall and on the biathlon portion of Eadsville on the furthest South and East turn. This is close to where both gravity trails will be kicking off from as well. This trail will effectively add additional loop options for all users, or can be used as a single loop experience.
We hope your experiences with the new trails have been positive this year. In the coming weeks we hope to have new trail signage in place and more trail maintenance/clean up performed. CWTA thanks everyone for the continued support and Monday night volunteer efforts.