HITCH 3 | Grand Junction, Colorado
4/8-4/15, 2026
SUMMARY
During this hitch, the TPA Trail Crew traveled to the Grand Junction area to complete a wide range of motorized trail maintenance projects while supporting local BLM partners.
After arriving, the crew coordinated with BLM staff to review priority projects for the week before establishing camp. Early efforts focused on assessing seasonal trail closures and scouting upcoming work sites with BLM land managers.
Work began on the Edge Trail, where the crew tackled a long fall-line section in need of significant rehabilitation. Efforts included extensive corridor clearing, drainage improvements, and removal of loose rock and debris to restore trail function and improve rider experience. Over multiple days, the team split tasks efficiently—continuing corridor work while constructing and restoring drainage features to mitigate erosion.
In addition to trail work, the crew addressed invasive species by removing tamarisk from key drainage areas, improving both trail usability and ecosystem health. A damaged creek crossing was also reconstructed using rock armoring and tread realignment to create a more durable and sustainable route.
Midweek efforts shifted to infrastructure improvements, including the removal of hazardous, outdated cattle guards and installation of new, safer structures. This work involved post installation, fence repair, and full site reconstruction to ensure compatibility between trail users and livestock management. The crew also collaborated with local stakeholders to evaluate additional conflict areas and identify long-term solutions.
On BLM Trail 100, the crew installed another cattle guard to resolve access conflicts caused by an impassable fence. They then traveled the length of the trail to inspect previous installations, repair fencing, improve drainage, and restore sections of tread damaged by water erosion.
Despite challenging weather conditions later in the week, the crew remained productive by supporting the local BLM shop—assisting with motorcycle maintenance, including tire changes and rotor installation, while sharing technical knowledge with staff. Additional time was spent improving the endurocross track and completing end-of-hitch administrative tasks.
Throughout the hitch, the team also managed unexpected equipment challenges, including on-site camper repairs, while maintaining steady project progress.
The hitch concluded with full demobilization, including gear maintenance, equipment prep, and travel back to Salida—ready for the next deployment.
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
Next hitch: 4/22-4/29 Uncompahgre BLM-Montrose
TPA Crew will likely work the Delta open riding area. We will help plan, map or design anything they throw at us. We have several major trail repairs to make at Peach Valley. Sidewinder and Spike trails have targeted repairs, but there will be many other trails worked. Partnering up with the Montrose BLM OHV Crew will leverage the amount of work we can get done out there. We hope to improve trail sustainability while keeping the trails spicy and fun to ride.
STATS
● Hitch Number: 3
● Reporting Period: 4/8-4/15 (includes mobilization and demobilization days)
● RD/BLM: Grand Junction BLM Field Office
● Hours Drive time total: 21
● Trails worked: The Edge, orange route, 100 Trail, Hemlock, BLM route 100, track and enduro cross area, cattle guard installs on various trails
● Trail miles ridden: 144
● Trail miles maintained: 62
● Trees felled: 0
● Trees cut: 2
● Drainage cleared: 11
● New Drains built: 41
● Restoration feet: 30
● Reroute feet: 0
● Reconstruction feet: 145
● Debris removed feet: 1645
● Corridor cleared feet: 2000
● Signage: 0
● Contacts made: 2
● Educational interactions: 2
● Volunteer hours: 0
● Total truck miles per hitch: 520
● Hitch point of Contact: Dan Gourley