HITCH 6 | San Carlos Ranger District, Colorado
5/20-5/27, 2026
SUMMARY
Our crew mobilized to the Lake Isabel area of the San Carlos Ranger District. Throughout the hitch, we coordinated closely with our Forest Service land manager to prioritize trail maintenance needs across a large network of motorized singletrack and two-track routes.
Fieldwork focused on clearing extensive down trees, including numerous large-diameter trees, heavy vegetation encroachment (corridor clearing) and getting the trail system up and ready to ride for the season. We performed trail maintenance triage, where we fix the most pressing issues first like down trees and major erosion damage while covering as many miles as possible.
We put a lot of hard miles on the bikes and covered a tremendous amount of ground, reaching most of the San Carlos trail system during the hitch. In addition to removing downed trees, fixing drainage, removing debris and widening narrow and dangerous user cut out, we completed trail tread and rock-armoring improvements in areas with damaged tread, and assessed and reported problem areas to land managers.
Despite motorcycle damage, mechanical repairs, changing weather conditions, and difficult terrain, the crew successfully opened up many miles of trail while improving long-term trail sustainability and improving rider experience. The hitch concluded with vehicle and equipment maintenance, replacement of broken motorcycle components, and preparation for upcoming field hitches.
WHY THIS WORK MATTERS
The San Carlos Ranger District is home to some of the most technical single-track trails in the region, and the U.S. Forest Service has often faced challenges in staffing crews capable of accessing and maintaining these remote and demanding trail segments. TPA's trail crew helps fill that gap, reaching areas that might otherwise go without maintenance and ensuring these trails remain sustainable and accessible. Over the years, TPA and the San Carlos Ranger District have built a strong, productive partnership. The district has supported TPA's grant efforts, while our crew continues to provide meaningful on-the-ground assistance where it is needed most. Together, we have established a lasting relationship built on trust, shared goals, and a commitment to responsible trail stewardship.
GOALS FOR NEXT HITCH
Next hitch: 6/3-6/10 Pikes Peak Ranger District
Goals: The TPA Crew will maintain trails around the Frosty Park and Mt Rosa area. June 6 CMTRA will host a work party on the 701 trail and June 7th Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates will host a work party on Captain Jacks trail. The TPA trail crew will assist and provide expertise at both work parties to support volunteer efforts. The USFS will help facilitate both work parties and together we will do great things!
STATS
● Hitch Number: 6
● Reporting Period: 5/20-5/27 (includes mobilization and demobilization days)
● RD/BLM: San Carlos Ranger District
● Hours Drive time total: 10
● Trails worked: 383.A, 383, 1325 Left Hand Trail, 1323 Silver Circle Trail, 1388 Middle Creek Trail, 1322 Second Mace, 1387 Dome Rock Trail, 1386 Coupler Trail, 1321 South Creek Trail,, San Carlos trail #1320, CO road 78, 371, 1396 Snowslide access trail, 1318 Snowslide, 352, 369, 401, 401.e, 396 Little Froze road, 364, 360, 371, 376, 1314 Cisneros, 1326 St Charles, Pole Creek #1398, Horse Ranch #1397, 402, 419, 369, 360, Lewis Creek Trail 1331, Holt Mountain Road 315, Adobe Peak Road 336, Locke Mountain Road 274
● Trail miles ridden: 238.9
● Trail miles maintained: 64.6
● Trees felled: 9
● Trees cut: 409
● Drainage cleared: 6
● New Drains built: 4
● Restoration feet: 545
● Reroute feet: 0
● Reconstruction feet: 88
● Debris removed feet: 4350
● Corridor cleared feet: 8700
● Signage: 2
● Contacts made: 39
● Educational interactions: 19
● Volunteer hours: 0
● Total truck miles per hitch: 211.7
● Hitch point of Contact: Kevin Spoor