7/29-8/5, 2026
SUMMARY
The crew wrapped up the previous hitch by preparing the camper, allowing for an early departure after resupplying with groceries. We established a camp near the Calico Trailhead and followed up with the Forest Service land manager by phone to confirm project priorities and additional maintenance needs.
Work began on Calico Trail with drainage improvements and down tree removal. The TPA crew encountered significant washouts and debris from recent heavy rains, including a remote above-treeline section near Sockrider Peak that required extensive tread reconstruction. Work then shifted to the Johnny Bull Trail, where several large trees were removed from steep, difficult sections. Established user-created bypasses around fallen trees were also rehabilitated.
After meeting the land manager at camp, the crew cleared West Fall Creek, Eagle, and Stoner Creek Trails while addressing downed trees, hazardous trail tread damage, and drainage issues. The crew then hiked approximately 7.5 miles of the proposed Spring Creek reroute, inspecting flagging and GPS tracks, documenting observations, and beginning an assessment report. The Spring Creek reroute layout looks great and will be put through NEPA this fall. The San Juan Trail Riders have been a huge part of making this reroute happen, we thank them for being such a strong partner for the US Forest Service to lean on.
Additional trail work included clearing East Twin Springs and Eagle Peak Trails and repairing erosion damage on Calico North. A rock-armored drain, rubble wall, and tread armoring were constructed to address recurring water damage, while other rutted and cupped sections were repaired and all existing drains cleared. We performed heavy rock and dirt work on these trails to get them into sustainable shape.
The TPA crew then cleared Calico South and Priest Gulch Trails, removing numerous large trees, including the largest diameter tree cut by the TPA crew to date! Several user-created down tree bypasses were rehabilitated. Despite difficult terrain, heat, and high elevation, the TPA crew completed the work efficiently. A flat tire was repaired in the field at approximately 12,000 feet, but the view was beautiful. Evening motorcycle maintenance and chainsaw rehab finished this long and productive day.
Work continued on Stoner Mesa and South Calico Trails, where numerous large trees were removed and heavy cattle tread damage was addressed. Cut logs were strategically placed to guide cattle while maintaining safe passage for trail users. Additional corridor clearing and debris removal were completed, and the TPA crew foreman completed work on the Spring Creek reroute assessment document.
The TPA crew also partnered with Josh Stoudt, CPW Southwest Trails Coordinator, on the Rough Canyon Trail. After clearing several downed trees, the crew constructed drains, rebuilt eroded tread with rock armoring, and improved a very difficult switchback by widening the turn, adding traction features, and removing select rocks from the main line. Additional large down trees were removed on the way out. Josh expressed strong appreciation for the crew’s work and professionalism. We enjoyed our day with Josh and hope to see him again on the trail soon!
The hitch concluded with standard bike and camper cleaning, maintenance, and travel home. A replacement KTM fan, brake pedal, and brake lever were ordered, along with miscellaneous needed equipment.
WHY THIS WORK MATTERS
The Dolores Ranger District has some very technical motorcycle trails that are long and remote. This combo makes it hard for agency crews to access the more remote work sites since they typically don’t ride motorcycles at an expert level while carrying tools. TPA steps in to fill the need, specializing in remote hand trail maintenance. There is also a reroute which will go into NEPA (a government planning process). It is critical that a proposed trail alignment be perfect before going into NEPA, so TPA will evaluate the proposed trail layout and weigh in on the design to give the US Forest Service confidence that the design and engineering are spot on! In it together!
GOALS FOR NEXT HITCH
Next hitch: 8/12-8/19 Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District
Goals: TPA will team up with Mountain Trails Axxess (MTA) to perform trail work in the Steamboat area on the Routt National Forest. MTA and the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District will partner up with TPA to improve the trails and host a trail work day August 15th.
STATS
- Hitch Number: 11
- Reporting Period: 7/29-8/5 (includes mobilization and demobilization days)
- RD/BLM: Dolores Ranger District
- Hours Drive time total: 21
- Trails worked:
- Calico North Trail #208, Stoner Mesa Trail #624, Johnny Bull Trail #639, Dunton Road #38, West Dolores Road #535, Rough Canyon Trail #435, West Fall Creek Trail #640, East Twin Springs Trail #741, Eagle Creek Road #471, 472, 473, 474, 475, Spring Creek Reroute (design, ground truthing layout and planning).
- Trail miles ridden: 273.2
- Trail miles maintained: 64.5
- Trees felled: 3
- Trees cut: 145
- Drainage cleared: 17
- New Drains built: 21
- Restoration feet: 400
- Reroute feet: 0
- Reconstruction feet: 275
- Debris removed feet: 3240
- Corridor cleared feet: 30
- Signage: 2
- Contacts made: 35
- Educational interactions: 28
- Volunteer hours: 0.5
- Total truck miles per hitch: 434
- Hitch point of Contact: Chris Bouton