Mountain Biking: 2 JeffCo Trails Will Be Bikes-Only

GOLDEN, CO -- Hikers and bikers sometimes don't mix on mountain trails, and Jefferson County Open Space is starting a year-long pilot program to dedicate two trails to mountain bikes only. JeffCo Open Space has been studying single-use trails since 2011, when a community survey indicated that 58 percent of residents preferred them.

White Ranch Park

Starting June 18, a 0.9 mile segment of the Longhorn Trail at White Ranch Park will be designated as a bike only, and one way.

Matthews/Winters Park

In August 2018, the southernmost two-mile section of the Dakota Ridge Trail at Matthews/Winters Park will be designated as bike only. Traveling the trail in a clockwise direction will be recommended.

One problem is soil erosion and maintenance for mountain bike trails. JCOS will be monitoring the damage to trails, and also taking surveys and collecting data this summer.

"JCOS will be working with the mountain bike community on sustainable solutions for trail maintenance on this trail," the agency said.

JeffCo Open Space is a land conservation organization, founded in 1972, and funded by a one-half of one percent sales tax. The district has has preserved more than 54,000 acres, and manages 28 open space parks and more than 252 miles of trails in Jefferson County, Colorado.

Image via Jefferson County Open Space