Tuesday Trail Talk: March 25, 2025
Kay-Linn Master Plan Implementation
This initiative is a multi-phase project centered on trail expansion and realignment within McMurry Mountain Park and the Casper Mountain trail systems, including connections to campgrounds. Last season, we successfully began work on this effort with great results. We have secured a grant of approximately $24,500 from the Natrona County Recreation Joint Powers Board to support construction and trail finishing. With this funding, and other funding, we are now 40% of the way toward our financial goal this year. However, additional matching funds or contributions are essential to complete the project.
Bridle Trail Maintenance Program
We have partnered with Natrona County Parks to establish a program addressing the maintenance needs of the iconic Bridle Trail. CWTA and local partners have historically kept the trail in usable condition with minor annual improvements. To ensure ongoing care, we are focusing on key projects: mitigating water erosion, correcting fall-line erosion, addressing hazard trees, repairing cable routes, and restoring creek corridors. We aim to raise $15,000 in 2025 to sustain this work. While partially funded, this program requires additional support.
Cottonwood Creek Dinosaur Trail Reconstruction
Located at Alcova Reservoir, this unique educational trail requires significant attention. Natrona County Parks approached us for assistance, and we eagerly accepted the challenge. The trail faces numerous issues, including fall-line reconstruction, severe erosion, steep gradients, and bridge replacements. We are thrilled to announce that this reconstruction program is fully funded!
Douglas Mountain Bike Park and Trails: Phase I
In partnership with the City of Douglas and the Outdoor Enthusiasts of Converse County, we began work on this new multi-mile trail system in February. We have made impressive progress on Phase I of this multi-phase project, with completion anticipated by May 31, 2025. Stay tuned for updates as we continue developing this exciting trail system.
Winter Trail Grooming 2025/2026
Planning is already underway for next winter’s trail grooming season. With the completion of additional trails this year, we aim to expand our grooming efforts for 2025/2026. To offset grooming costs, we are seeking $5,000 in funding. This program is currently partially funded. A generous donation from Chris Smith allowed us to purchase a Snowdog grooming machine, enabling us to groom approximately 200 miles of trails this season—double the previous year’s total!
Future Projects
We are continuously working with partners to develop new programs and projects. Once these initiatives are shovel-ready, we will share the details with you. Many potential trail projects are on the horizon, and we are excited about the possibilities.
None of our achievements would be possible without the generous contributions of our supporters. If you’d like to support our mission, please consider donating here or reaching out to us for more information.
Trail Update
In recent days, we have groomed core trails, including Eadsville, Copper, and Miner. With rising temperatures expected, grooming will resume only after new snowfall. This has been a remarkable season, with over 200 miles groomed—double our previous record! During this transition period, we encourage the use of trails that are not muddy. Glendo State Park is an excellent option when local trails are unsuitable.
Upcoming Events
1. Trail Building Class
Date: March 29
Location: Douglas, WY
Note: Weather may impact the event due to projected rain. Updates on potential rescheduling will be provided.
2. Winter’s Last Blast
Date: April 12
Location: Biathlon Center
Note: We are monitoring warming trends but remain optimistic about holding this fun-filled event.
3. June Trail-Building Class
Additional opportunities will be available in Casper this June (exact date TBD).