HITCH 2 | Grand Junction, Colorado
3/25-4/1, 2026
SUMMARY
This hitch our TPA Trail Crew traveled to the Grand Junction area to complete a variety of motorized trail maintenance projects, support local partners, and connect with the off-highway vehicle (OHV) community through our annual TPA Club meeting.
After arriving and setting up camp, we met with local BLM partners to review priority projects for the week. Our first days focused on improving trail sustainability and improving safety in areas where riders had been encountering confusing or inconsistent routes. The crew repaired damaged trail sections, rehabbed off trail damage, repaired signage, and installed “confidence markers” — visual indicators such as posts and rock cairns that help users stay on the correct trail.
We also worked in areas impacted by last year’s wildfire, clearing downed trees and restoring trail corridors. This work helps ensure trails remain open, safe, and sustainable following disturbance events.
In Bangs Canyon, we performed general trail maintenance across several singletrack routes. This included improving drainage to prevent erosion, repositioning rocks to create better trail lines, and repairing various trail signs. While there, we also identified ideal locations for our volunteer trail 101 session.
A highlight of the week was participating in the annual Trail Preservation Alliance (TPA) Club Meeting, where we connected with riders and advocates to discuss the future of Colorado’s OHV singletrack system. Following the meeting, our crew led a “Trail 101” day, teaching volunteers the fundamentals of trail maintenance. Participants learned about drainage, trail design, restoring unauthorized routes, and how to keep trails both fun and sustainable. The group also completed several hands-on trail projects throughout the day.
We continued our collaboration with the local Bureau of Land Management (BLM) OHV crew, working together to identify and address maintenance needs across the trail system. Projects included improving beginner-friendly trail features while preserving more technical riding options, reducing trail braiding (the spread of multiple unofficial paths), installing additional confidence markers, and restoring areas impacted by off-trail travel.
Later in the week, we joined BLM staff on additional trail assessments and maintenance efforts. Together, we improved drainage, stabilized eroding sections with rock armoring, reinforced technical trail features, and discussed strategies for closing and rehabilitating unauthorized trails.
Before heading home to Salida, the crew completed equipment maintenance—cleaning, sharpening, and preparing tools and machines for the next hitch.
Why This Work Matters
Our work helps keep trails safe, sustainable, and enjoyable for all users. By improving drainage, restoring damaged areas, and guiding riders along designated routes, we reduce long-term impacts to the landscape while maintaining high-quality riding experiences.
Goals for next hitch
The TPA Crew will likely work The Edge and Starwars trails next to get them ready for the season. The Crew may cut out some of the Upper Uncompahgre if weather allowstbd. There is a possibility of working some Grand Mesa trails as well. Early season, a lot is dependent on weather! Land Managers will guide this early season work based on staff priorities and reported trail damage.
STATS
● Hitch Number: 2
● Reporting Period: 3/25-4/1 (includes mobilization and demobilization days)
● RD/BLM: Grand Junction BLM Field Office
● Hours Drive time total: 22
● Trails worked: 023, 024, 025, 026a, Rocky Pitch loop, Hungry gulch, east unaweep, 416, 638, Quad Rocker, Easy Rider, Saddle Up, Pony Trail, 630, 629, Windmill, Second Thoughts, Rampage, Trail 4, Trail 8, Trail3, Trail 2, Butterknife.
● Trail miles ridden: 138
● Trail miles maintained: 108
● Trees felled: 0
● Trees cut: 0
● Drainage cleared: 115
● New Drains built: 11
● Restoration feet: 1060
● Reroute feet: 0
● Reconstruction feet: 60
● Debris removed feet: 1060
● Corridor cleared feet: 20
● Signage: 12
● Contacts made: 50
● Educational interactions: 16
● Volunteer hours: 30
● Total truck miles per hitch: 1020
● Hitch point of Contact: Dan Gourley